Monocrystalline solar panels cost between $300-700 USD per panel. Monocrystalline solar panels also produce the most waste when they’re manufactured. If you’re buying solar panels to go green, another material may suit your needs better. All solar panels are made of silicon. The higher the silicon purity, the better your panel will work, which is why monocrystalline panels are ideal.
Polycrystalline solar panels usually cost between $200-500 USD per panel. Polycrystalline solar panels do not do as well in warm temperatures. Hot climates with temperatures regularly above around 80 °F (27 °C) are not suitable for polycrystalline panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels usually cost between $175-300 USD per panel. Thin-film panels usually need the most space and are less practical for smaller homes. They may need up to twice as much room as a mono- or polycrystalline solar panel with the same energy output.
Amorphous solar panels are more expensive than other thin-film panels. Amorphous solar panels generally cost between $200-400 USD per panel.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s performance warranty in addition to the product/materials warranty. Industry standard is 10 years for product/materials and 25 years for performance. [5] X Expert Source Guy GabaySolar Energy Contractor Expert Interview. 4 August 2020.
Central inverters can cost between $1500-2400 USD. Inverters are like the brain of the solar panel system—they monitor the output and performance of the solar panels themselves. [7] X Expert Source Guy GabaySolar Energy Contractor Expert Interview. 4 August 2020.
String inverters may cost between $1400-2000 USD String inverters work best on houses with a flat roof. Compared to power optimizers and microinverters, string inverters are an older technology.
Power optimizers may cost $2000+ USD, depending on the strength of the device. Like all solar panels, power optimizers will not work in perpetually cloudy environments.
Microinverters can cost up to $2300-2500 USD. Microinverters are often easiest to install.
On the whole, ballasted systems tend to be the cheapest mounting option. They can cost between $50-100 USD per panel. Ballasted systems generally cover the whole roof, which can make maintenance or remodeling hard.
Because mechanically-attached mounts are smaller, they’re usually easier on the roof. Mechanically-attached mounts may cost between $75-125 per panel.
Fixed mounts can cost between $160-200 per panel.
If you’re buying solar panels for an industrial building, for example, you may want monocrystalline panels for their efficiency at converting energy.
If your electricity bill is high every month and you plan to live in your house for a long time, for example, you may choose a monocrystalline solar panel. If you do not use as much electricity, however, a thin-film solar panel may fit your needs. To get a more holistic view of your energy use, you should look at your bills for an entire year. That way, you’ll have an accurate sense of your energy consumption patterns even as they vary from season to season. [14] X Expert Source Guy GabaySolar Energy Contractor Expert Interview. 4 August 2020.
Shop around at several different solar panel companies to compare deals before purchasing a system.
Depending on your country, you may receive between 30-50% off of your net cost in rebates.
