Solar Panel Pricing Outlook

For consumers seeking to save energy dollars by installing a solar energy system in their homes, prices in the solar market are 'sunny side up.'  Costs have fallen in the solar market for both raw materials and the finished product. 

Probably the greatest challenge facing the consumer is financing.  Restricted lending practices have hurt sales due to the fact the budgets of most consumers are unable to afford solar systems without obtaining outside financing. 

Investors are challenged as well.  Due to the tight credit and the fear of a continued recession, various stocks in the solar market have taken upwards of a 50% hit over the past year for the prominent companies, and 60% for solar companies offering less dominant stock.  New opportunities may be dawning, however, as indicators seem to point to loosening credit restrictions for solar projects as global governments seek to stimulate the industry. 

Supply and demand plays a large part in the solar market.  A seasonal dip in sales serves to create a stockpile of panels, which then help to lower prices for consumers.  In addition, technology is rapidly changing regarding the manufacturing of newer forms of solar panels; forcing retailers to accept reduced profit margins in an effort to find consumers willing to purchase the discontinued models.  This serves to offer consumers on a tight budget a greater selection of products from which to choose. 

Reduced prices also have an effect on a company's ability to compete and stay in business.  When prices are drastically cut to attract consumers, larger companies with decent financial stability stand a better chance of weathering the downturn than do smaller companies just entering the solar market.  Thus, large established German companies have less to fear than do younger Chinese companies. 

Currently large European banks are beginning to fund the installation of both rooftop and ground installations in Germany, Europe's largest solar market.  Expectations seem to indicate the rest of Europe will begin to follow suit in the months to come, due to the lifting of restrictions on investment capital.  Those seeking to invest in the current solar market would do well to look for companies with connections in Germany's market. 

In the United States, Congress has offered incentives to encourage Americans in upgrading to solar.  Buyers are offered a 30% refund on their federal tax return on the new installation's value.  State incentives may also apply.  There is presently no cap on the federal incentives and only one stipulation; in order to qualify, the project must be completed before 2017.  Congress has set aside $6 billion to guarantee loans in order to encourage banks to offer loans to consumers to finance renewable projects.

12V Solar Power Inverter Or 24V, Which One Is Better?

I am planning to start using solar power in my home. However, for a new person like me who doesn’t have much knowledge about the alternatives, buying the solar power inverter came as a challenge. A solar power inverter takes the energy stored in solar powered batteries and steps it up to 120 Volts AC (Alternating Current) power just the way you get from power grid.

When I researched about various types of solar power inverters, initially I was a bit confused about the choices available. There are basically three different options to choose from, such as a 12V inverter, 24V inverter and a 48V inverter. There are different applications for each of them and all three types of inverters can convert the power into 120V AC power. Although the 12V solar power inverter appeared more cost effective, I still studied more about them, and ended up considering the certain points before making my choice.

Given below are few points that helped in making my decision:

•       If you are on a budget and looking for the cheaper options, go for a 12V solar power inverter. However, if you have number of solar panels wired together, you can buy a 24V or a 48V solar power inverter. These panels will occupy more space and will require more initial investment than a 12V panel.

•       If you are more concerned about efficiency, a 12V inverter is not for you. In case of a 12V solar power inverter, there is a long distance between the solar panels and batteries. Therefore, electricity has to travel a longer distance resulting in the reduction of efficiency. To prevent this, you need to have a very heavy gauge wiring. In some cases, you might also need to use number 2 gauge wires.

I opted for a 12V solar power inverter because I had a small solar power inverter with relatively fewer solar panels. You should also consider various factors in order to weigh pros and cons of each type of solar power inverter before making your decision.