THE COST OF SOLAR

Roof mounts are attached to existing structures. Ground mounts and carports require additional posts that must be anchored into the ground, which typically increase labor and material costs.

There are three basic variables with solar panels: power density, color, and crystalline structure. Monocrystalline panels with a black back sheet and black frame tend to be more expensive but also more efficient. Polycrystalline panels with a white back sheet and silver frame tend to be cheaper, but less efficient.

There are three main types of inverters: string inverters, micro inverters, and power optimizers. String inverters tend to be the least expensive, but micro inverters offer more benefits for more money. Power optimizers are somewhere in between.

Solar can be installed on metal, shingle, and flat roofs. Each one requires different components.

Most solar systems are designed to offset as much energy consumption

that makes sense financially. The more energy production needed, the more panels and equipment the system will require.

How much shading a system gets will impact the amount and location of the panels. If installed in a shaded area, it may require additional panels to meet the customer’s energy coverage requirements.

The weather will impact the system size and equipment. Production figures are determined after examining local weather trends.

Interconnection is the connecting of your solar system to the power grid. Its cost differs for each project, depending on how much solar is already in your area, the age and strength of the equipment on your line, and the size of the solar array itself.

Since the power produced by the solar array must be transported to the utility meter, the farther the array is from the utility interconnection point, the higher the cost. This is due to the conduit installation, as well as the size

of wire required.