How Much Does A Solar Power System Cost? 

This chart shows the approximate cost that you would pay for a solar power home system in California (November 2008.) Your solar power system should be tailored to your lifestyle and to your available roof or ground space. The new 30% federal tax credit goes into effect January 1, 2009. You can save around 45% off the cost of the solar power system.

Average Monthly Electric Bill	Approximate System Size kW DC	Roof Space Needed	Gross Cost	CA Rebate $1.90 per watt	Net Investment after 30% Federal Tax Credit & rebate
$75	2.96	218 sq feet	$24,982	$4,451	$14,371
$125	4.44	327 sq feet	$37,207	$9,158	$21,371
$350	8.88	653 sq feet	$73,882	$13,357	$42,368

What are the factors for pricing your solar power system?

1. How many solar panels do you need?

This is based on your current electrical usage as well as your future electrical usage.
Are you going to buy an electric vehice?
Are you going to add a hot tub?
Are you going to add more people to your family?
Are you going to start your own internet business and have servers located on your premises?

2. How many inverters do you need?

This is based on your solar power system size. Inverters come in different sizes and usually you will need one inverter, however, there are times when two inverters are necessary, depending on the brand of the panels used and how many strings (of panels) each inverter can handle.

3. What type of mounting system is being used?

Is your solar power system going to be on a roof, on the ground, on a shade structure, etc.
If you have to build a structure for the solar power system, it will increase the cost of the system.

These are the major factors used to determine what size system you need and how much it will cost. We always recommend that you buy a solar power system that is sized to your needs. Don't build too small or too big.