Example Solar Power System

Here are the details of an average solar power system that we see as typical for homes in the Philadelphia area.

• 36 panels, 545 square feet of roof.

• Each panel produces 200 Watts of power, for a total of 7,200 Watts of DC power

• The roof has a southern exposure, no shade issues or obstructions

• Based on calculations from PV Watts in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, this system would produce a total of 8,424 KW hours of electricity per year, based on average sun conditions.

• At the current average price of 18 cents per KW hour, this system produces a total of $1,516 worth of electricity per year.

• Based on current prices, this system would cost $57,775.

• Pennsylvania will provide a rebate of $16,200. New Jersey's rebate will be about the same. Your consultant can go over the exact rebate with you.

• After the state rebate and the Federal Government's 30% tax credit, your final cost would be $29,103.

Financing Your Solar System

Even though you are eligible for the federal tax credit and the state rebates, you still must have the cash ready at installation. Typically, this can be a combination of short term and long term financing. The short term money is needed to cover what you will get back from rebates. If you qualify, Home Depot can provide you with a 12 month no-interest, no-payment credit card that can cover much of this amount. The rest would need to come from either available state financing programs or a home equity loan.

This will be covered on the "Pricing Out a System" page.