A solar system can be an expensive investment. That’s because it involves many components that work together to generate electricity for your home. It also requires labor to install your panels and other equipment.

The what is the cost of a solar system will vary by region, size and brand of panels. It will also be affected by the size of your energy usage and the level of tax incentives available in your area.

Panels: The most important component of any solar system, solar panels turn light into electricity. They’re made from high-purity silicon that’s cut into wafer-like cells. They can be monocrystalline or polycrystalline, depending on the type of power they produce.

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Inverter: The inverter is like the brain of the system and helps you use your solar electricity to power your home or the grid. It converts the DC energy produced by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) that your home and the grid can use.

Batteries: Storage batteries are a good way to ensure you can still use your energy during periods of cloudiness or when the sun isn’t shining. They can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the type and capacity of your battery.

Mounting: You’ll want to mount your solar panels on the roof, either using fixed mounts that stay in place or adjustable ones that rotate so they can catch the most sunlight. The upfront cost of these mounting options can be between $10 and $15 per mount.