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Evaluating Cost/Benefit Of Solar Takes Into Account Climate, Local Utility Cost, Incentives

The average cost of rooftop solar power is now equivalent to the national average for utility-supplied electricity, or about 12¢ per kWh

February 16, 2017

A thorough cost/benefit analysis of installing rooftop PVs on a home has to take into account numerous factors including climate, the cost of electricity, financial incentives, and home electric usage.

The average cost of rooftop solar power—including installation and projected life span of the panels—is now equivalent to the national average for utility-supplied electricity, or about 12¢ per kWh. Local factors such as the amount of sunshine a home receives and the local cost of electricity supplied by a utility make a big difference in calculating costs and benefits. With rapid advancements in solar technology and manufacturing efficiency, this analysis can rapidly go out of date, however.

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