It was not that long ago when solar panels were considered to be an expensive alternative. Over the years, this has changed. Nowadays, solar panels have not only become much cheaper, they have also become much more efficient, from an energy production standpoint. Even though the prices have dropped dramatically thanks due to government subsidies and other reasons, it is still a bit on the expensive side for a lot of people. However, there are ways to get around higher prices, as long as you do your due diligence.
Finding cheap solar panels is still a possibility for those of you who are really interested and willing to go the extra mile to install them. The two best ways to acquire cheap solar panels is to either get second-hand panels or go the DIY route. No matter what route you choose to take, as with anything, it is important to remember that you ultimately get what you pay for. Buying used solar panels may be cheap in the short run, but it will usually not have any warranty.
Obviously, since they have been used before, the likelihood of preowned panels breaking down will be higher. You can bring down the overall cost of installation by purchasing new panels and installing them yourself. The good news is that newer solar panel accessories have become easier to install. The following is a brief explanation on how to go about a DIY solar panel installation.
Buy, then Install
Stores that specialize in home-improvement products will have solar panel kits. Finding cheap solar panels is much easier these days if you go online and do a simple price comparison. You can even find solar kits on online retail stores and purchase brand new panels directly from the manufacturer at greatly reduced prices. Another way to find the best price is to contact the installers. Even if you do not plan on using their help in installing, they will usually tell you where and which products are the cheapest. Remember, solar panels come with accessories in order to install them. These include power inverters, racks, installation manual and of course the solar panels themselves.
Solar Incentives
When talking about finding cheap solar panels, no conversation is complete without talking about taxes and incentives. In the US for example, if you are a tax paying citizen then you can take advantage of a 30% Federal tax credit. Many states are also giving tax breaks for people who go solar. In some states, this incentive can be as high as 50% in tax credits! Apart from government tax incentives, utility companies are also helping consumers. This is usually done by buying back any extra electricity your solar panels produce.The net savings from all this can run into thousands of dollars per household, over a few years. In fact, by some estimates, the average household that consumes roughly $70 dollars’ worth of electricity per month, can save an estimated $100k over a 25 period, provided they take advantage of all the rebates and incentives. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the advantages of all this
