I'm electrifying my home and planning to install a solar array on my roof this summer or fall. I'd like to buy panels now before the prices are expected to increase by 25% due to new tariffs on Chinese imports. I know nothing about solar, but I'm comfortable with electrical wiring and high voltages. I'm also curious about any potential tax breaks that might apply. Any advice on what I should buy?
3 Answers
Keep in mind if you live in an area that gets snow, rooftop panels can sometimes be a problem. Also, there's a significant price difference between new and used panels, so consider that based on your budget. And just a heads up, tariffs on imports have been an issue for a while, so it's something to factor in when making your purchase decisions. It’s better to buy from local sources when you can, so you avoid surprise fees later on.
First off, it's great that you're diving into solar! To start, you’ll need to determine how much power you consume monthly to estimate the size of the array you'll need. A rough formula to find the size is your monthly usage in kWh divided by 30, then by the average sun-hours per day (around 5), and adjusting for system efficiency. Once you’ve got that, you can check how many panels you’ll need based on their wattage. Websites like PV Watts can help you get a better estimate based on your specific location. This will get you on the right track!
Thanks for the insights! I've got a better understanding of what I need now.
Appreciate the info! I’ll check out that website.
If you're thinking about jumping in now, just be cautious—prices have been fluctuating a lot. It's risky to get panels from China since tariffs might hit you hard. You might find better deals from sellers who have already imported them into the U.S. before the tariffs came back. Just do your research, and you'll navigate through it better!
Good to know! I do live where it snows sometimes, so I’ll keep that in mind.