Most people in the USA use solar power systems because it’s a cost-effective way to reduce electricity bills. As we know how expensive electric bills are. In the United States, the average houses are 2500 sq ft. If you install solar power systems instead of the main power grid, you can save your expenses for a long time. Usually, solar panels receive photovoltaic cells from direct sunlight and convert it to electric energy. However, if you are thinking about installing solar panels and want to know how much solar panels cost for a 2000 square foot house, then this guide will help you.
First, you have to understand how many solar panels you need for your house. Although, it depends on various factors such as your electricity usage, the number of electronic devices and appliances, and the region you live in. Let’s take a look at how many solar panels do you need first.
How Many Panels Are Needed For A 2000 Sq Ft Home?
Usually, 2000 sq ft houses need between 17 and 21 solar panels to meet the requirements of power energy. Though most houses in the USA are 2500 sq ft that need typically 15 to 19 solar panels. But the main factor is not how many square feet your house is, there are several things to count. Initially, you have to calculate your annual electricity usage. The more appliances and electronic devices you use the more electricity you need.
Also, your house must have a south facing roof where you install solar panels to get full amount of sunlight during daytime. That’s how your solar panels can generate enough electric energy for your house. If you live in a sunny region like Arizona or Michigan then it’s easy to get full sunlight for maximum time in a year. On the other hand, solar panels get less sunlight to produce electricity in snowy regions like West Virginia or Montana.
However, you can easily calculate the number of solar panels you need through this method: Divide your annual electricity usage to annual energy produced by 1kw of solar. Then you will get the kw of solar you need as a result and divide it to kw produced by 1 panel. As a result you will get the number of solar panels.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost For A 2000 Square Foot House?
The average estimate of solar panels cost for a 2000 sq ft house is between $20,000 and $29,000 which is upfront. This price is without solar tax which is 30% of the project cost according to the US database. After you apply for the other incentive and 30% of federal solar tax credit, this price will drop into $12000 to $14000. As we know, every house is different and their electricity requirements as well. But the average US household uses around 10,649 kWh of electricity every year.
For a 2000 sq ft house, the annual usage is between 8,000-12,000 kWh. Usually, a 6-8 kW solar panel system is sufficient for your house. However, the average cost of a residential solar panel system in the US is around $2.75 per watt. Let’s break down your total investment into two main categories:
- Equipment
- Installation.
The half of the total cost is the equipment that includes solar panels, inverters, and mounting hardwares. You can spend for solar panels between $5000 and $8000, for inverters between $1000 and $2500, for mounting hardware and and additional components between $1500 and $3000.
On the other hand, installation costs make up the other half of your investment. If you hire any professionals, the labor cost would be between $5,000 to $7,000. Also, you have to spend on permits and inspections between $500 to $1,000, and operational costs between $1,000 to $2,000.
Solar Incentive and Rebates
You can get several incentives and rebates which are available according to your states. That way you will get a chance to minimize your upfront cost by applying for the federal solar investment tax credit. The federal solar institute currently provides a 30% tax credit on the total system cost. If you install a $2000 solar panel system for your 2000 sq ft house, the 30% federal tax credit would reduce the net cost by $6,000. So, the final price will be down to $14000.
Also, many states, local governments, and utilities also offer additional solar rebates and performance payments. These can further reduce the effective cost of a solar panel system. Once you get the federal solar tax credit and other incentives the net cost of solar panels for a 2000 square foot house is between $12000 to $14000.
Are Solar Panels Worth Investments?
The estimated costs of installing a solar panel system for your 2000 sq ft house is pretty high. But solar systems can benefit you in the long run by saving money. Usually, a residential solar panel system has a 25-30 year lifespan. During this period it will generate decades’ worth of free, renewable electricity for your daily needs.
Also, a solar power system for a 2000 square foot home can provide tens of thousands of dollars in utility bill savings. Sometimes, you can make some extra money by selling excessive electricity to the main grid. Moreover, the home values are rising for the properties with solar systems, so your investment can also increase the home’s resale value. Though you invest a high range between $12000 to $20000 upfront in solar panels, it will benefit you for the lifetime.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels for your 2000 sq ft house is a great idea to save expenses. You can easily calculate the approximate electricity usage for your house by following our guide. However, the total cost depends on some factors such as your location, system specifications, and available incentives. On average you can expect to pay between $12,000 to $14,000 after accounting for tax credits and other rebates. Though it’s a pretty high investment, it will provide you long-term free and clean electricity.
