Solar panel residential use is more popular than ever. But if you haven’t shopped for solar panels, you might be surprised at what they cost. Brand-new whole-home systems run into the thousands of dollars. Even though new solar equipment can be expensive, regardless of the budget you are on, you can probably add solar energy to your home. In most cases this will add value to your property and in all cases will save you money and be better for the environment in the long run.

If you are frugal-minded or -budgeted, quality photovoltaic systems have been around for enough years that you can get good used equipment. Solar panels have been shown to lose only about ten percent of their efficiency over 20 years, so as long as the panels are in good shape (no broken panels or condensation under the glass), you can get perfectly good panels for a fraction of the cost of new ones. Many governments are offering incentives in one form or another if you add solar power on your property, but the equipment may need to be new. Check with your tax consultant so you can factor that into your new-or-used decision.

If you are more concerned with aesthetics than with the cost of the solar panel, there are several options out there just for you. First of all, new standard roof-mount panels have a very low profile. They are much less noticeable than older roof-mount panels. For the next step of solar panel and roof integration, there are flush-mount panels that are built right into your roof. But unless you are building a new home and incorporate that plan from the beginning, it could be quite expensive. The most aesthetically pleasing solar panels for your roof are made to blend with your shingles and can be installed when you roof or re-roof your home.

Solar panel residential installation has been around a long time. I remember seeing houses that looked top-heavy with their roof-on-a-roof of solar panels. Most of those systems are still operating since photovoltaic energy is one of the most dependable energy sources available.

Now, if you can afford the newest technology, your neighbors may not even notice that you are using solar power in your home. What a shame. I think you should stick a sign out front announcing that your home is solar-powered. Then everyone would know that you are environmentally conscious AND that today’s solar panels blend right in.