| I'll give you 6 steps you can take when it comes to | | | | what size system you may need and your eventual |
| getting an estimate to install a solar power system in | | | | solar power cost. |
| your home. If you go to the bottom of this article I can | | | | Step 4 - Size your system |
| also show you how to slash your solar power cost to | | | | Most of the time, a system between 1 to 5 kilowatts |
| the absolute minimum, with the best system you will | | | | would be sufficient to meet the electricity needs of a |
| find anywhere. | | | | normal home. Match the output of the system to meet |
| Step 1 - Estimate your homes electricity needs | | | | the requirements of your current usage, found in step 1. |
| You will need to know this information when it comes | | | | Step 5 - Know your rebates |
| to selecting the size of the system you need to be | | | | A lot of states and jurisdictions offer rebates and tax |
| able to cope with your energy use. Knowing how | | | | cuts for people who install an energy system in their |
| many kilowatt hours you use will make it easier for | | | | home. Make sure you research this and take |
| you. Your utility bill will have this information on it. | | | | advantage of what you are entitled to. |
| Step 2 - Anticipate the future | | | | Step 6 - Run the numbers |
| Remember, circumstances change, so do rates. If you | | | | Although the cost of a solar system will depend on the |
| are planning on installing any devices which use more | | | | size and model, all of the things above will also effect |
| energy in the future then allow for this. Air conditioners, | | | | the end investment. You could expect a cost of |
| pool systems and other high usage devices will need | | | | anywhere in the thousands of dollars range. |
| to be factored in. | | | | Just to let you know, I have provided a link for you |
| Step 3 - How much sun do you get? | | | | which shows how to set up your own system for |
| A lot of people forget this one. Your solar system | | | | under $100. Talk about a low solar power cost. You |
| wont be much good if you don't get enough sun to | | | | wont find this anywhere else. |
| operate it at a decent level. This will also determine | | | | |