Pricing for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Generally, Solar PV systems that generate electricity from sunlight cost between $8 to $11 per installed watt. Typically, the larger the system, the lower price per watt. In Ohio, that translates into roughly $27,000 for a 3 kW system with an average monthly production of about 285 kWh in Ohio. Note that this price is before any grants, incentives, tax credits or depreciation are applied.

The installed cost of a Solar PV system is heavily impacted by the building or site where it is installed. Systems are usually installed on the South facing roof. A system can also be readily installed on the flat roofs that are common with commercial 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). 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 breaker box are important cost parameters.

The solar modules or solar laminate materials represent 40% to 60% of the final installed cost. Solar PV components had been steadily dropping in price, as technology and processes improved, and production volumes increased. Worldwide solar PV production increased 46 percent in 2005 over 2004 to 1,759 megawatts! With this dramatic growth, the industry often experiences a shortage in raw material and manufactured components due to an even greater increase in worldwide demand. Supplies have been increasing and prices seemed to have stabilized in 2007. Dovetail is working hard with our suppliers to source these products for client projects, while at the same time keep our prices as low as possible. The sample prices provided here are our best estimates based on recent material costs.

Click here for our sample price list for Residential Solar PV Energy Systems

Click here for our sample price list for Commercial Solar PV Energy Systems

Click here for more information about Renewable Energy Investments and Incentives

When available, State grants and Federal tax incentives can offset 40% to 50% of a residential system’s cost. For commercial and farm systems, the offset can be much larger due to the Federal tax incentives. This can be as much as 90% of the system cost see the below presentation for details and examples of each type of system.

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 are available.

Sizing a system

Solar power systems are generally set-up to be modular and flexible for future needs. Therefore, you can size a system in one of three ways: based on your energy production goals (percentage of electricity to supply), your available roof space, or your budget. It takes about 1 square foot of space per 10 watts. So a typical 3,000 watt residential system would require approximately 300 sq ft of roof space. Each 1000 watts or 1kW of solar will produce approximately 100 kWH per month on average.

If you want an off-grid system or a grid-tied system that provides uninterrupted power during a grid failure, you will need a bank of batteries. Battery banks are a major sizing concern during the system design stage. Systems with battery back up are usually sized to run specific “critical loads” (such as a well pump, lights, blower fan and refrigerator) for a certain amount of time. This is typically 3 to 5 days. When the battery bank size has been agreed upon, we size the solar array to ensure the batteries will be charged in a full day’s sun. If you also install a back-up generator, we can factor that into the system design. With a wide range of materials and options, let us help you find a solar system that is right for you.

Installing a system:

Dovetail Solar and Wind offers full service installation of solar and wind power systems in Ohio and surrounding states by a NABCEP and GLREA Certified PV Installer personnel. Dovetail also provides technical assistance where installations can be performed by a skilled homeowner.

See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for more information. Or see Get Started to understand the next step. Also feel free to call or email, if you have other concerns.

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