Generally, Solar PV systems that generate electricity from sunlight cost between $3 to $7 per installed watt. Typically, the larger the system, the lower price per watt. Large commercial systems are typically well below $6 per watt. In Ohio, that translates into roughly $21,000 for a 3 kW residential system with an average monthly production of about 285 kWh. Note that this a fully installed price including all mounting hardware, inverters, wiring, labor, permits, and inspections. It is also list price before any grants, tax credits, depreciation or SRECs are applied. These incentives can significantly reduce this cost. Due primarily to the significant drop in solar module prices over the past 9 months, solar PV system prices have declined. The following prices are out-dated. We are in the process of updating our sample system price lists. Please contact us, if you would like a current price for a system.
Sample price list for Residential Solar PV Energy Systems Sample price list for Commercial Solar PV Energy Systems In addition to system size, the installed cost of a Solar PV system is heavily impacted by the building or site where it is installed. Residential systems are usually installed on a South facing roof. A system can also be readily installed on the flat roofs that are common with commercial and institutional buildings. It is positioned to avoid shading from any nearby structures and trees. If available roof space is inadequate or too heavily shaded and land is available, a system can be installed on ground racking or on a steel pole(s). Dovetail would also be pleased to show you how you can enhance your parking lot or garage with a solar canopy. The racking required to mount the solar modules (panels), as well as, the wiring required to connect the electricity from the modules to the inverter(s) and building electrical system are important cost parameters.
The solar modules or solar laminate materials represent 40% to 50% of the final installed cost. Solar PV components have been steadily dropping in price, as technology and processes improved, and production volumes increase. Worldwide solar PV production has been increasing an average of 50 percent per year since 2004! Since 2008, we have seen prices steadily decline. Dovetail works to source high quality components from proven suppliers for client projects, while at the same time keep our prices as low as possible. We seek to utilize US made components where ever possible. Dovetail now has a Residential Solar Financing Program to enable homeowners to acquire a system with minimal up-front payment. See Residential Financing for details. Click here for details on Dovetail's Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) purchase program. It can provide substantial additional financial value for your solar electric system. When available, State and Federal grants and Federal tax incentives can offset 30% to 60% of a residential system’s cost. See the below presentation for details and examples of each type of system. Click here for information about Renewable Energy Investments and Incentives Click this link to view or download a copy of Dovetail's presentation on the Economics of Solar & Wind Energy in Ohio (1.1 MB PDF file). Give us a call to discuss your specific situation. Ohioans should also check the State of Ohio web site:Ohio Dept. of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency (ODOD, OEE) for details on the renewable energy grants that may be available.