The Price of Adding Solar Power in a House

The benefits of going green can outweigh the initial expense.

Solar energy is increasing in popularity at such a quick rate that the U.S. Department of Energy website has entire sections that provide advice and options to consumers wanting to harness the energy of the sun into their daily lives.

Solar Shingles

According to an October 2010 article in the "IndyStar," the average cost of adding solar shingles to a home is $15,000--$20,000 depending on the size of the house. There are multiple factors requiring consideration in a solar shingle installation estimate, and solutions are customized to meet individual needs and budgets.

Solar Heating

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, active solar heating systems range from $30 to $80 per square foot for an entire system. The total cost varies and is influenced by the amount of exposure a home has to the sun, as well as the orientation of the house.

Considerations

Tax credits are available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to homeowners who install solar solutions in 2010. The guideline is 30 percent of the total cost, up to $50,000. Tax credits can defray the initial expense of solar power installation systems.

References

• United States Department of Energy: Active Solar Heating
• Chicago Tribune: Installing a Solar Power System at Home Can Be a Good Investment
• IndyStar: Living Green: He Installed Solar Panels on His Eastside Home
• Internal Revenue Service: Energy Incentives for Individuals in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act