The ultimate way to compare solar energy to fossil fuels is by cost where solar has quickly caught up with its non renewable counterparts.
Solar panels vs electricity cost.
While solar panels do produce more electricity in sunnier states the amount you save by installing a solar energy system is primarily determined by the costs that you won t have to pay to your utility company moving forward.
The cost of producing one megawatt hour of electricity a standard way to measure electricity production is now around 50 for solar power according to lazard s math.
The cost of solar power.
In 2020 the average cost of residential solar was about 16 per kilowatt hour kwh and the national average for conventional electricity was 13 28 kwh.
Currently a relatively small solar installation runs roughly between 5 000 and 50 000 depending on how much electricity it produces.
From 2006 to 2014 the average solar panel module prices dropped over 75 percent from about 3 25 kwh to approximately 72 kwh.
The higher your bill the more likely you ll benefit from switching.
In terms of reliable application coal and natural gas have the edge.
The amount of electricity your home uses.
There is a strong correlation between the cost of electricity in your state and the savings you will see when you go solar.
A house that uses more electricity will need more solar panels.
In massachusetts this rate was even steeper averaging 23 24 kwh.
In terms of environmental impact solar power is a much more optimal resource than fossil fuels.
A solar energy system can absolutely help you insulate yourself against these fluctuations and increases.
In general the higher your electricity rates the more money you will save by going solar.
Incredibly over an eight year span from 2006 to 2014 worldwide average solar panel module prices have dropped over 75 from 3 25 per watt to about 72 per watt.
The cost of buying and installing solar panels varies by state due to local construction costs incentives and other factors.
3 of course it s all about location.
A solar energy system can incredibly protect you from the ever constant fluctuations and increases in electricity prices.
The cost of producing one megawatt hour of electricity from coal by comparison is 102 more than double the cost of solar.
Solar panels generate their own power and can therefore greatly offset your monthly electricity bill if not eliminate it.