It seems that solar panels are sprouting up all over. It’s all well and good, but how do you get started.

The Daily Green has put together a neat guide that demystifies getting solar power generation equipment installed at your home. One of the most helpful parts of the guide is one of the most befuddling aspects of an install: cost.

Project Budget: Solar electric systems are not cheap and usually cost more than expected. Modest systems start at around 5K but the majority fall in the 20K-40K range. There are federal and state incentives and rebates to take advantage of that will significantly decrease out of pocket costs. It may not be possible to produce 100% of the energy you use and many systems are supplemental, producing as much as space and/or budget allow.

The cost becomes more reasonable when looked at as a long term investment. After all, you are pre-paying for your electricity at a fixed rate for what could be the rest of your life and providing free energy for your kids and grandkids. People often complain about a long payback period, but isn’t any payback whatsoever a good thing no matter how long? What’s the payback on the last car you bought? A PV electric system is a risk free investment with a guaranteed payback.

Be sure to read the rest of the article for some cost analysis examples and a nice little roundup of online resources.

Source: The Daily Green