There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of “what are the price of solar panels?” Because every home is different, and there are a number of geographic variables and federal and local tax incentives that can impact the total price of a solar system. However, the good news is that since 2010 when solar prices were at their highest, they’ve fallen dramatically due to technology advancements that have made the photovoltaic (PV) cells that power solar panels more efficient.

Other factors that affect the cost of a solar system include the size of the solar panel system needed to offset a household’s energy usage, as well as the type of solar panels selected. For example, monocrystalline solar panels tend to be pricier than polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. But, over time, the savings from a lower electricity bill will typically offset any upfront costs associated with the initial purchase of a solar energy system.

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Additionally, a homeowner’s roof’s orientation toward the sun and its ability to absorb sunlight (or lack thereof) also plays a role in overall solar panel cost. Some tools, such as this calculator from SolarReviews, can estimate the best system size for a home based on its energy usage and available sunlight.

Once a home solar energy system is installed, it generally requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan of 25 to 40 years. And, many homeowners choose to participate in a process known as net metering, which allows them to sell any excess electricity produced by their solar system back to their utility company. This reduces their monthly utility bills and further diminishes a community’s dependence on fossil fuels.