How do you know if solar power works for you?

Chemistry in Context

How do you know if solar power works for you?
location. location. location.

If you live in:

Seattle - You get the least amount of sun and need the most expensive system, costing $16,800*. But thanks to big statewide tax breaks, you recoup costs in 6 years.

Miami - You’ll need a $12,800 system. No state financial incentives for solar means payback would take 20 years. Phoenix - You get plenty of sun and need a $7,600 system. Low state financial incentives leads to payback in 9.2 years.

Chicago - You’ll need a $11,400 system. Small state financial incentives result in payback in 12 years.

*Based on a 5,000 kWh system, which would offset about half the energy use of an average U.S. home.

Source:
Solar-Estimate http://www.solar-estimate.org/

Created by ACS with assistance from Amanda Morris, Ph.D., Virginia Tech