Time to read: 8 minutes
Date: February 21, 2023
Solar power systems are making a huge impact across Texas, but what factors into the cost of your system? Does it have to do with the condition of the home? What about backup power options? Can tax incentives help? In this article, we’re going to be covering a list of things that factor into the cost of the perfect solar power system for you!
Condition of Your Roof and the Cost of Your System
The condition of your roof is one of the first things that IES Texas Solar checks out. IES Texas Solar follows an effective process to make sure everything moves smoothly. Part of this process is to assess the condition of your roof. When IES Texas Solar works with a new member of its solar community, they assess the roof to check for issues that would be a problem for the homeowner.
If your roof is too damaged for solar power to be a safe choice for it, then the team will recommend repairing the roof or looking into alternative placements for your solar array. Some companies might try to install panels on a damaged roof. If you were to try and have your solar array mounted onto your roof while it was damaged, then it can be more expensive to have the roof repaired after the solar panels have been installed. This would be due to the extra time spent to remove the panels to make repairs. IES Texas Solar takes great strides in making sure that you get the best deal on your solar power system even after the installation is completed. When your roof is in good shape, then you won’t have to worry about the extra money spent on repairs later.
Permitting and Authority Having Jurisdiction
Permitting and making sure that everything is in order and approved with the utility companies and AHJ’s (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for where your home is located can also add to the cost of your installation. Depending on where your home is located, there could be additional engineering requirements that are needed by the AHJ’s. Going through the work of permits is something that you don’t have to worry about though! IES Texas Solar handles navigating and working with the utility companies and AHJ’s so you don’t have to.
Required Electrical Upgrades and the Cost of Your System
Your home may need upgrades to its electrical system in order to install your solar power system. This tends to be really common for older homes. Some electrical upgrades must be made so that everything is up to code. These add to the overall cost of the project.
Size of the System
System sizing is possibly the most important factor to consider when working with our solar consultants. System sizing is when you and your solar consultant determine what you want your solar power system to power. This is done in order to design a system that powers it all (also known as backloads). If your system is not sized properly, then you won’t be able to get the most out of your solar power system. If it isn’t sized properly, you could also experience a diminishing ROI. Some companies will sell cookie-cutter systems in an effort to make a quick buck without regard to your needs. IES Texas Solar can size your system in the design process for your needs.
Add-ons for the Future
If you plan on adding things like a pool or rooms for an expanding family, then planning in advance helps. The solar power systems that IES Texas Solar installs can be expanded to supply more electricity to your home. If you don’t currently have things like a pool or extra appliances but plan on adding them later, expanding your system is a great idea. When you work with your solar consultant, tell them that you intend expand your home in the future. This way, you can either install a large enough system to power what you want or have IES Texas Solar add more to your system later.
How the System is Mounted
The way that your solar power system is mounted is another thing that will determine part of the cost for your installation. Don’t let exploring all the options available deter you from getting a free estimate from us! If, for whatever reason, you aren’t able to mount your solar panels on your rooftop, then available space on your property can be used for the solar array instead. In fact, there are some incredible benefits to ground mounted solar, and even Texan beekeepers are using them in interesting ways! Both rooftop solar arrays and ground mounted solar arrays are incredible ways to benefit from solar power.
Location and Orientation of the Solar Panels
When installing solar panels, whether they are on your roof or ground mounted, the location of the panels also plays into your overall costs. The location of your solar panels will determine the necessary electrical runs that are needed to make the final connection to the utilities and your home. The way that your solar panels are oriented also determine part of the cost for your solar power system. The layout you choose will determine how part of the system is designed.
The Number of Modules per Roof Line and Solar Home Costs
Rooflines also factor into the cost of the system. All projects call for different needs. Factors like the size of your home, layout of your roof, and your overall goals can call for different materials to complete your system. Typically the larger the number of rooflines you have, the bigger the amount of material required for the project is.
Changes in the Industry
Anytime a change in the industry it can affect the costs of your system installation. These are things like new requirements for solar power systems like rapid shutdown. Other changes in the industry also affect the equipment for safety that must be used for a project, which also goes into the cost of a system.
Backup Power and the Cost of Your System
When the engineering team is designing your system, they always take your goals into account. This includes any and all backup power solutions that you want for your home. Whether it’s to reduce your dependence on the grid or to endure another winter storm, IES Texas Solar has the solutions that fit your needs. We strongly recommend that you add backup power options when you install a solar power system.
Backup batteries can get you the most out of your solar power system by storing up electricity for future use. Many Texans use them to power their homes at night. They also use them in the event of an emergency such as a power outage. Speaking of power outages, Generac home standby generators are also a great choice when it comes to backup power. Depending on how you size your generator, you can power your home for up to weeks at a time! Need an example? Check out how one of our customers kept his power on during the last extreme cold snap with his generator!
Backup power will end up increasing the price of the solar power system you install. However, in the long run these options provide peace of mind and power for you and your family no matter what the unpredictable Texas weather throws your way.
Is it a Solar Power System Installation you Want? Or is it a Relationship You’re Looking for?
Why not both? We would love for you to join our solar community! But first it’s very important to do your research and make us your final quote. Doing a comparison after researching is extremely important for any big purchase, and solar power energy is no exception. We want to help you make the best decision for yourself so that you have a good understanding of what you are investing in. With thousands of designs, excellently engineered energy solutions, and a solar team with your quality in mind, IES Texas Solar can do it all!
Get Your Quote From the Best in the Business
If you need a quote on the perfect solar power system for your needs, then look no further! No solar power provider shines as brightly as IES Texas Solar. The warranty provided by IES Texas Solar has literally outlasted the competition and their commitment to providing quality care and assistance is as reliable as tomorrow’s sunrise – it’s going to be there no matter what happens. The solar consultants and PV design engineers you will be working with will get your customized solar power system created and will be there after the installation is finished so that you can enjoy stable, long-term energy without having to worry. Reach out to a solar consultant today!
We have made it our mission to be a source of truth in renewable energy. Our team believes that accurate solar and backup power education is the foundation for making the best decision when choosing a system that fits your needs.
If you are considering installing a backup generator or switching to solar for your home or business, reach out to us by going to our website, iestxsolar.com, or by giving us a call at (855) 447-6527.
