Solar Electric Systems | Flatiron Solar
How Much Does Solar Cost? As little as $3000 for purchasing a system and as little as a $1000 for leasing a system. Call Flatiron Solar and we’ll give you a rough estimate over the phone or make an appointment for a visit with one of our knowledgeable salespeople to discuss the options and give you an exact quote. The table below is for a quick glance to see if solar is within your budget. There are so many disclaimers with these numbers because every home is unique and solar is not a turnkey product. Get a Free Estimate from Flatiron Solar. Below are more details about determining the sizing of the solar array. Call Flatiron Solar for a specific rough estimate over the phone or for an appointment for an exact quote. Electricity usage and the availability of sunny south facing roof space determine the size.
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Determine the Amount of Electricity You Currently Use
The amount of electricity used is at the bottom of your Xcel Energy bill. Or for other utilities, find the kilo Watt hours (kWh) used from your bill.
To get a more accurate usage, a monthly average over a years time greatly increases the accuracy. Electricity usage varies with the
seasons and whether you’re using your air conditioner, furnace, or the hot tub. Now that we have the amount of electricity used, it’s time to estimate the amount of roof space.
The amount of electricity used is at the bottom of your Xcel Energy bill. Or for other utilities, find the kilo Watt hours (kWh) used from your bill.
To get a more accurate usage, a monthly average over a years time greatly increases the accuracy. Electricity usage varies with the
seasons and whether you’re using your air conditioner, furnace, or the hot tub. Now that we have the amount of electricity used, it’s time to estimate the amount of roof space.
Determine How Much Roof Space is Available
- Look for the south facing roof first
- Evaluate the things which would shade the array
- Make sure there is clear space without plumbing vents
- Measure to see how many 3’x5’ rectangles can fit
- Adjust for tilt or slope of the solar array
- Adjust for the direction the array will face
For those brave enough or capable enough to get on the roof, determine how much space is available. “It’s not the fear of heights, it’s the fear of falling”. Another safer way is to use one of the satellite imagery websites to get a rough idea of roof space. The area where the array will be installed has several criteria to ensure a high production of electricity. The area has to be generally free of shade from trees, neighbor’s houses, chimneys. Also, the roof has to be free of skylights, plumbing vents, chimney flues, bathroom vents. Figure the solar panel size is a 3’ x 5’ rectangle and measure to see how many rows and columns can fit. Another way is to figure about 70 square feet to produce 120kWh.
Decide what size of solar array works best
Now that we have the amount of electricity used and the amount of electricity the roof is able to support. Choose the smaller of the two amounts. Following are the factors influencing this choice.
- Generating more than used is limited to 120% utility rule
- Check with the utility for the price they are willing to pay to buy the extra electricity your system will generate
- Anticipate any changes in the home that would change the electricity use
Calculate the cost
Refer to the table above to get a rough cost amount.
How Does Solar Electric Work? Solar has to do with the sun and all the energy bombarding the earth every day. Solar panels are mostly made of silicone. The energy from the sun causes the electrons in silicon to move about from one atom to another. This movement is current or electricity in general which then flows to where it’s needed in your home or back to the utility. Solar panels seem like magic when they can power a light bulb without any moving parts.
The following link has a good explanation: http://www.nrel.gov/learning/re_solar.html.
Immune to Rate Increases or Rate Increase Independence
A solar system fixes your energy costs for the life of the system. Purchasing a Flatiron Solar, solar electric system means you’re purchasing the means to generate electricity. The initial investment is your final cost. When the utility company gives notice they’re raising rates, you’re not affected. Electricity rates increase on average every year. You’re investing now for your future, after the payback period, you are paid up and can enjoy free electricity for the life of the solar system, 40+ years. It’s a great investment with a return on your investment (ROI) of 5% typically. Currently in our economic situation, a 5% ROI is quite good, and nearly guaranteed or low risk. Another aspect is electricity is a necessity we can’t do without. A solar electric system allows you to stop paying money to the utility company with zero return. Pay to benefit yourself, not a company “responsible by nature” to their board of directors and investors for a profit.
A solar system fixes your energy costs for the life of the system. Purchasing a Flatiron Solar, solar electric system means you’re purchasing the means to generate electricity. The initial investment is your final cost. When the utility company gives notice they’re raising rates, you’re not affected. Electricity rates increase on average every year. You’re investing now for your future, after the payback period, you are paid up and can enjoy free electricity for the life of the solar system, 40+ years. It’s a great investment with a return on your investment (ROI) of 5% typically. Currently in our economic situation, a 5% ROI is quite good, and nearly guaranteed or low risk. Another aspect is electricity is a necessity we can’t do without. A solar electric system allows you to stop paying money to the utility company with zero return. Pay to benefit yourself, not a company “responsible by nature” to their board of directors and investors for a profit.
Make Retirement a Reality
Solar reduces your retirement income needs. Living on less when you retire, no electric bill, you may feel more in control of your future.
Solar reduces your retirement income needs. Living on less when you retire, no electric bill, you may feel more in control of your future.
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Fossil Fuel Independence
Reducing or eliminating our electric bill may allow us to free up money to purchase an electric car or to reduce demand for another
coal fired generating plant.
Reducing or eliminating our electric bill may allow us to free up money to purchase an electric car or to reduce demand for another
coal fired generating plant.
Increase in Home Value
The increase is multi-faceted.
The increase is multi-faceted.
- Reduction in monthly expenses by eliminating your gas and/or electric bill
- Adding a mechanical system worth many thousands of dollars
- As your utility increases rates, your system becomes more valuable
- The real estate market and bank evaluate your home is worth more than your neighbor’s home without a solar system
- Any future carbon taxes will take into account a solar system
Decrease Summer Cooling Costs
Your roof will be cooler because the solar panels sit between two and six inches above your roof allowing for air to pass under and blocking any direct sunlight. The South facing roof is always the hottest contributing the most heat to your attic. During the summer, your air condition will work less with less heat getting into the attic.
Your roof will be cooler because the solar panels sit between two and six inches above your roof allowing for air to pass under and blocking any direct sunlight. The South facing roof is always the hottest contributing the most heat to your attic. During the summer, your air condition will work less with less heat getting into the attic.
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Protection of Roof Shingles from the Sun
A benefit of solar panels on your roof is shielding your roof from the harmful ultraviolet light which helps to age your shingles over the years. Also, hail, rain, and snow will barely touch your roof under the panels.
A benefit of solar panels on your roof is shielding your roof from the harmful ultraviolet light which helps to age your shingles over the years. Also, hail, rain, and snow will barely touch your roof under the panels.