Did you know that there are an estimated 2.7 million homes in the United States of America that have a solar energy system installed? One of the biggest holdups that many homeowners face when it comes to switching to solar is the solar panel roof cost. A roof of solar panels is a significant investment for any household, but the benefits of solar energy are impossible to deny.
Choosing between solar panel roof installation and conventional solar panels is tricky, and the best way to narrow down your options is by knowing the cost of a solar panel roof. The good news is that you’ve found the perfect article to learn everything you need to know when buying a solar panel roof.
Keep reading to learn more today!
Benefits and Drawbacks of Switching to Solar
The benefits that you’ll gain by switching to solar for your home’s energy needs are many, but you should also consider the drawbacks of this energy source. The upfront cost of getting solar panels or a solar roof will get outweighed over a period of time thanks to the money that you’re not paying to the electric company each month.
Your overall return on investment from switching to solar will continue paying dividends far into the future. Your solar panels should continue collecting solar energy for decades after installation. You’ll also gain a feeling of freedom and independence from the electric company since you’re not reliant on them for power.
You can also gain peace of mind from the fact that your household’s energy use isn’t having a negative impact on the environment. You’ll start green living while still getting to enjoy living a leisurely way of life.
There are some drawbacks to look into prior to switching to solar and exploring the solar panel roof cost. If your home doesn’t get much direct sunlight then a solar panel roof might not make sense for you. The panels only work if they get time in direct sunlight.
The high upfront cost is another big turnoff for many homeowners that are interested in solar energy. You can use incentives from your state and federal government to decrease your expenses but it’s still a hefty investment. Your solar panels can also take away from the general aesthetic of your home.
What Is the Conventional Solar Panel Cost?
The most popular option for homeowners that want solar energy is the conventional solar panel setup. It involves installing brackets and solar panels onto the roof of your home. The average cost associated with getting solar panels from Blue Raven solar company is between $15,000 and $25,000.
Odds are that you’ll end up paying off the money that you’ve spent on your conventional solar energy system with the money you’ll save on your energy bills. Do your due diligence and look at the incentives that your state and local government offer to homeowners that switch to solar.
What Is the Cost of a Solar Panel Roof?
The best option on the market if you’re looking to get a solar roof is the Tesla solar roof. It’s meant to help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency by installing an aesthetically pleasing roof made of solar panels. These roofs are built to last and to continue providing the electricity that your household needs for everyday life.
Tesla isn’t great about going public with its solar roof rates, making it difficult for homeowners to decide if it’s a viable option for their needs. That said, you can expect to pay around $45,000 to get a Tesla solar roof installed on a one-story home with 1,000 square feet.
It’s also a good idea to dive into the factors that play a role in determining the solar panel roof cost. Here’s a closer look at the biggest factors in the price that you’ll pay for your solar panel roof.
The Complexity of Your Roof
A big factor that plays into the cost of getting a roof of solar panels is the shape of your roof. Tesla categorizes home roofs into three separate groupings, ranging from simple to complex. These ratings are based on how difficult it is for the Tesla installers to put this solar panel roof on your home.
A simple roof is one that’s on a single-level home with few obstructions to work around. Intermediate roofs feature a number of different slopes and a greater number of obstructions. Complex roofs are the steepest option and they have a ton of obstructions that could prevent your home from collecting ample energy.
Roof Replacement
The installers also have some rigid requirements that you’ll need to work within if you plan on switching to solar with a solar panel roof. The solar panel roof is designed to get installed on a single-layer asphalt or composite shingle roof. The roof should also be less than 20 years old for the best results.
If you’re fine with the cost of a solar panel roof but your home’s roof is nearing replacement then you could be looking at spending an additional $15,000 for a new roof. It’s a big expense that you shouldn’t take lightly when it comes to getting a roof of solar panels.
The Powerwall
If you go with Tesla for your solar roof then you need to be aware that you’re required to use a Tesla Powerwall with it. These energy storage batteries cost up to $6,500, which is another notable expense that you shouldn’t brush off when shopping for a solar energy system. The installation of the Powerwall will add another $4,500 to the cost.
Now You Know the Solar Panel Roof Cost
Having a strong grasp of the solar panel roof cost will help you make the right decision when you’re set on switching to solar for your home’s energy needs. The solar panel roof cost could go as high as $70,000, especially if you’ll need a new roof prior to installing the roof of solar panels. Tax incentives from the government will help you bring down the cost of your roof or your conventional solar panels.
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