With increasing environmental awareness and independence from foreign energy supplies, homeowners are switching to solar energy. Solar panels have emerged as a lifesaver in this sustainable movement by bringing down emissions while saving your wallet.
However, the first thing to consider before installing solar panels is the cost involved. This guide will discuss the various ways to determine the cost of solar PV panels, provide estimates of what it would cost for a 2000-square-foot house, and explore additional financial considerations.
What Factors Influence Solar Panel Costs?
Several factors can affect the cost of solar panels, including:
Equipment Costs: The main components of a solar power system are the solar panels, inverters, and batteries. Each of these components has its own cost and contributes to the overall expense.
Labor Costs: The cost of installation varies depending on the complexity of the job and local labour rates.
Geographic Location: Costs can differ based on where you live, influenced by local regulations, incentives, and market conditions.
Roof Type and Condition: Installation costs can be higher for complex roof designs or if the roof requires repairs before solar panels can be installed.
Energy Efficiency of the Home: Homes with better energy efficiency may require fewer panels, which can reduce costs.
How To Calculate Required Solar Panels, Batteries, And Inverters for your home
When planning to install solar panels, the cost is more dependent on the electrical load than the square footage of the house.
Load Calculation
Voltage (V): 220V (standard in India)
Load (Wattage) = Voltage (V) * Current (A)
Example for 500 sq ft house: Load = 220V * 5A = 1100W
Backup Time
Assume the backup time needed is 4 hours.
Battery Storage (Wh) = Load (W) * Backup Time (hrs)
Example: Battery Storage = 1100W * 4 hrs = 4400Wh
Battery Capacity
Using lead acid batteries with 1300Wh storage per 150Ah battery.
Battery Capacity (Number of Batteries) = Battery Storage / Battery Storage Capacity
Example: Battery Capacity = 4400Wh / 1300Wh = 4 batteries
Inverter Capacity
Inverter Capacity = Load + Load * 20% (Buffer for efficiency)
Example: Inverter Capacity = 1100W + 220W = 1320W
Solar Panel Capacity
Solar Panel Capacity = 3 * Battery Capacity (Wh)
Example: Solar Panel Capacity = 3 * 600Ah = 1800W
Assuming 540W panels, 1800W requires approximately 4 panels.
Below is a table that estimates the costs for solar panel installation for houses ranging from 500 to 5000 square feet. The calculations assume that the electrical load increases with the size of the house.
Estimated Solar Panel Costs For Different House Sizes by Sq. ft.
| House Size (sq. ft.) | Load (W) | Battery Capacity (Batteries) | Inverter Capacity (W) | Solar Panel Capacity (kW) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| 500 | 1100 | 4 | 1320 | 1.8 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| 1000 | 2200 | 8 | 2640 | 3.6 | ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| 1500 | 3300 | 12 | 3960 | 5.4 | ₹3,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| 2000 | 4400 | 16 | 5280 | 7.2 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| 2500 | 5500 | 20 | 6600 | 9 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 |
| 3000 | 6600 | 24 | 7920 | 10.8 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 |
| 3500 | 7700 | 28 | 9240 | 12.6 | ₹7,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 |
| 4000 | 8800 | 32 | 10560 | 14.4 | ₹8,00,000 – ₹8,50,000 |
| 4500 | 9900 | 36 | 11880 | 16.2 | ₹9,00,000 – ₹9,50,000 |
| 5000 | 11000 | 40 | 13200 | 18 | ₹10,00,000 – ₹11,00,000 |
Estimating Costs For A 2000 Square Foot House
The average solar panel cost of a 2000 sq. ft. house can vary depending on the roof specification, shading utility, types of solar panels, etc. The per-watt cost in India can also differ from region to region, therefore affecting the cost.
In India, the average system size needed for a 2000-square-foot house, depending on energy consumption, is between 5 kW and 10 kW.
As shown in the table, the estimated cost of a 20,000 sq. ft house with 7.2 kW as an average energy consumption ranges from ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,50,000
Additional Costs To Consider
Installation Fees
Installation costs can vary significantly depending on roof type, system complexity, and local labour rates. On average, installation fees can add 10-20% to the system’s total cost.
Permitting And Inspection Fees
Local regulations require permitting and inspection fees, which can also impact the overall cost. Depending on the location and regulatory requirements, these fees typically range from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
Maintenance And Repairs
While solar panels require minimal maintenance, periodic cleaning and occasional repairs can incur additional costs. It is advisable to budget approximately INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 annually for maintenance.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of solar panels for a 2000-square-foot house involves several factors, including equipment, installation, and additional costs. You can make an informed decision by calculating your energy needs and considering local incentives. Obtaining personalised quotes from local solar panel manufacturers and exploring financing options will help tailor the investment to your situation.
Inter Solar Systems offers high-quality solar panels with the latest cutting-edge technology and are cost-effective, making them a perfect partner for your sustainable energy journey. Invest in solar energy now to help the environment and get substantial long-term savings on energy bills!