Are Solar Panel Costs Rising?
The good news is that the cost of solar panels will continue to fall and fall. The main reason for the lower prices is that the demand for solar panels in 2022 has doubled compared to 2021.
This augmentation is susceptible to increase in reason of the constant increase in life and the evolution of the hybrid work model, which means that more than one person is working at home before the pandemic, two days a week per week. All of this makes homeowners use more electricity, and electricity is more expensive than before, making solar systems an attractive investment.
Explanation of the price of solar modules.
Several factors affect the cost of solar panels, and homeowners should consider the following before installing them.
system size
Solar panel systems come in different sizes. The right amount for your needs depends largely on the size of your home and your home's energy use. In general, the bigger your house, the bigger the system you need. In this case, large systems are more expensive than systems for smaller houses.
panel types
Three types of solar panels;
- monocrystalline
- polycrystalline
- thin film solar modules
Monocrystalline modules have the highest efficiency, but are more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are a cheaper option, and while they are not as efficient as monocrystalline panels, they can still perform well. The least expensive type of panel is thin-film panel. But homeowners should be careful as thin film panels are 7-18% efficient; Ideally, a panel should have an efficiency of 20% or more to make the most of the space available for installation.
Space and labor costs
Installation costs are generally included in the price of your solar panels. These costs vary depending on the location of your home and the hourly rate in your area. On average, solar panel installation in the UK costs between £600 and £1,000 per day.
additional components
Installing additional components increases the cost of your system, but can reduce labor costs in the long run.
Solar panels store excess energy from your solar panels and then back into your home during the day, for example, when your panels do not produce electricity at night. It's a great way to reduce your dependency on the National Grid power grid and be a backup power source in the event of a power outage. Most homeowners will appreciate all of this, but the extra £4000 on top of the initial solar investment may not be very attractive.
However, if you plan to install a solar storage tank, it is important to install it at the same time as your solar system; this will minimize labor costs.
Labor costs for solar panels.
Normally, the cost of labor is included in the price of the solar panel, so you don't have to worry about arranging it separately. But before setting the installation date, you need to know what this price will be and what factors lead to the increase.
Labor costs for solar panels range from £300-£500 per person per day, with the average size 4kW system taking a day or two to install.
It usually takes two people to install a solar panel, so you can expect your labor costs to drop from £600 to £1200.
Are there hidden costs when installing solar panels?
The initial cost of solar panels is known after some research – these are the hidden costs that are rarely talked about.
Fortunately, with solar panels there are hidden costs in addition to the initial investment.
Service
When installed correctly, solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more. With their simple structure and no moving parts, they are mostly maintenance free.
However, regular annual maintenance must be carried out throughout the life of the panels. This will increase their lifespan and you will get the best performance out of them.
Basic maintenance:
- Remove all debris from your panels, including leaves and branches.
- For dirt that cannot be removed, clean the floor panels (do not use a sponge as this will scratch and damage the surface of the panels).
- Have your panels checked regularly by an authorized service provider.
repair and replacement
Although there could be many reasons, it is unlikely that it will need repair or replacement.
The main reason is extreme weather conditions, such as snow or falling trees. Another reason may be a panel error during installation.
Whatever the reason for repair or replacement, most solar panels are covered by a warranty and some have a lifetime warranty. In the event of accidental damage or defect, you should check with the manufacturer or supplier of the solar panel for replacement conditions.