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| | | Most solar systems work alongside existing power lines, and can be used to heat water, provide light, heat the air in a home or generate electricity. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Installing a solar-powered swimming pool heater ranges from $2,500-$7,000, but averages $3,000-$4,000. Extremely low operating costs will repay that expense in 1.5-7 years, depending on local fuel prices. Solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy for many climates, according to the US Department of Energy, which gives a detailed description of solar pool heaters and selection tips.
- Solar-powered home water heaters cost $1,000-$3,500 (including installation) but have extremely low monthly operating costs and can be used in any climate, according to the US Department of Energy.
- The cost for a solar heating system can vary widely. A simple do-it-yourself window air heater collector to heat one room can be made for several hundred dollars. Depending on the type, size and configuration, having a contractor install a complex system to heat several rooms or an entire house can be $25,000-$100,000 or more. The most cost-effective solar heating systems usually provide 40-80% of a home's heating needs; it's often impractical to supply 100 percent of the heat needed and most building codes and mortgage lenders require a back-up heating system, according to the US Department of Energy.
- To provide electrical power, a small-scale solar energy system producing about 1 kilowatt costs $10,000-$15,000, and provides a fraction of the average home use; a 2 kW system meeting most of the power needs of an energy-efficient home is $16,000-$20,000; and a 5 kW system providing all the energy needs of most conventional homes runs $35,000-$45,000. Prices vary based on building and system configuration, the type of equipment selected and other factors. Generally it costs less to install a system in a new home rather than remodeling an existing one, although it can be practical to install a solar system while replacing the roof.
- Completely remodeling a traditional non-energy-efficient home to convert it to all-solar-systems (lights, heat, water and electricity) can run $100,000-$200,000 or more and is rarely done on older houses.
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| What should be included: | - The Department of Energy describes different types of solar systems, with selection tips.
- Many solar modules now look similar to roof shingles, blending in with a home's exterior; This Old House gives an overview.
- Generally, large solar systems are better suited to warmer climates with a high solar fraction, which is the typical percentage of daylight hours with a cloudless sky. The Southwestern US typically has a solar fraction of 80 percent; in the Northeastern US it's about 50 percent.
- Check with your local building department; usually a permit is required to install a solar heating or energy system, even a solar water heater.
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| Discounts: | - As an incentive, the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows homeowners a tax credit of 30 percent or up to $2,000 of the cost of a solar system; often there are also state or local tax credits or rebates.
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| Shopping for solar panels: | |
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Article updated February 2007 |
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