2023 Home Depot Solar Panels Prices, Pros & Cons, Reviews

Home Depot, a one-stop shop for home improvement, now includes a diverse range of solar panels.

Whether you’re new to solar energy or a returning user looking to upgrade, understanding the options available and costs of Home Depot’s offerings can help you choose wisely.

Solar panel systems at Home Depot can range from $11,100 to $22,400. The initial cost may be steep, but it means long-term savings on electricity bills.

However, the installation process and duration can vary, affecting the overall cost. But with a free energy assessment and certified professionals handling everything, Home Depot aims to make the transition to solar energy as pain-free as possible.

Average Total Cost Of Home Depot Solar Panels

Home Depot Solar Panels	Cost
Total Average Cost	$11,100-$22,400
Total Installation Labor Cost	$3,000
Labor Cost per Watt	$0.59
Leasing Option	$50-$250/month

The cost of getting a standard 5kW solar panel system up and running through Home Depot varies greatly – anywhere from $11,100 to an eye-watering $22,400.

That’s a big initial investment, but it’s worth it in the long run as it can save you around 20% in monthly electricity costs. As such, your solar panels will pay for themselves over time.

Home Depot Solar Panel Cost Breakdown

The cost of a 5kW-6kW system regarding its wattage can vary depending on the location. It ranges from $3 to $4.15 per watt. For example, it could be anywhere from $3 to $4.15 per watt in California.

In Arizona, by contrast, it is around $2.50 to $3.50 per watt. Costs for other states vary similarly, but it’s safe to put the per-watt average cost between $3 and $4 nationwide.

On average, the labor cost for each watt of the system is around $0.59. The cost of labor at this rate typically accounts for about 10% of the total installation cost.

If you’re installing a 5kW solar plant, you should expect to pay at least $3,000 for labor charges. These cover both electrician and non-electrician labor costs, as well as other expenses, all depending on the conditions of the system and its expected output.

Cost of Leasing Solar Panels

For many people, however, installing solar panels is a financial challenge. That’s why a home solar lease is a possibility for those who feel comfortable getting one.

This way, you rent your system from a quality solar provider. Leasing reduces up-front costs and opens access to knowledgeable professionals.

Plus, you’ll be safe from sudden energy cost hikes across the country. Leases are usually affordable, too, anywhere between $50 and $250 per month for systems that generate enough power. If you get a good deal, some providers throw in free monitoring, maintenance, repairs, and insurance.

Leasing does come with its hurdles, too. You don’t own the system, meaning you have to play by the provider’s rules. You may also need to compensate for any damage due to negligence or human error.

Leasing is also not forever. So, think carefully if this is for you or not. But if you wish to go with leasing, Home Depot has the option.

Pro Tip: Before signing up for a solar lease, always thoroughly review the details. You don’t want to miss an “escalator clause,” which could lead to increased monthly payments over time and potentially reduce savings you anticipated from the new solar panel system.

Additional Cost Factors of Solar Panel Installation

Several factors can affect the overall cost of solar panel installation, whether you choose to work with Home Depot or another popular retailer, such as Costco Solar Panels.

Your Location

The cost of solar power installation can differ depending on where you live.

Installation rates differ from region to region, to match cost of living differences. Also, different parts of the country may differ in what rebates you can expect from going solar.

This will affect how long it takes to make back the money you spent in the first place. In addition, the climate in your area will also impact how effective your solar power system will be overall.

Coverage

The solar panel system should fit the energy demands of your house. If you only want to save some money on energy bills without a larger investment, select a smaller system that meets most of your home’s everyday energy consumption.

But if you’re more concerned about efficiency, opting for a larger system might be better as it will provide enough power for almost all of your home’s electricity demands.

Space Constraints

When considering a solar panel installation, think about the amount of space the panels can use. If you have limited space and few panels to install, look for higher-efficiency panels that can maximize the energy you generate.

On the flip side, if you have plenty of room to spare and want to save on initial costs, less efficient systems may work just fine.

Roof Position Relative to the Sun

The position of your roof relative to the sun and the location of the solar panels can have a big impact on how much energy your panels capture.

The sun’s rays need to be able to hit the panels directly for them to work at their best, so consider your roof’s orientation when installing them.

Season

If you live in an area with four seasons, the time of year can make a big difference regarding how much you’re able to save from your solar system.

The spring and summer months usually bring the most savings, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on saving during winter. Your system will still be able to generate power and make those winters less financially challenging.

Of course, areas that are sunny year-round benefit the most from solar panels. Installing solar panels in winter may be more cost-effective, though.

Did you know? When installing solar panels, the angle matters. The best angle for solar panels is usually the same as the area’s latitude.

Naturally, Home Depot’s professionals will ensure that your panels are at the correct angle for maximum efficiency, but knowing this information can give you peace of mind and help you get the most out of your investment.

What Type of Solar Panels Does Home Depot Install?

There are three types of panels you can buy at Home Depot: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous. That may be a lot to take in, but Home Depot simplifies it for you with free in-home consultation with installation professionals.

During a consultation, the pros will walk through your home’s energy demands and recommend the right option for you.

But before you take the step into consultation, it’s worth having a general idea about what sets each type apart.

Monocrystalline Cells

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from single silicon crystals formed into cylindrical ingots. This is where they get their name, being a single silicone crystal piece.

Since a monocrystalline solar cell is composed of only one crystal, the electrons that power it can move more freely. Such composition makes this type of solar cell more effective than those made up of multiple crystals.

Monocrystalline cells have higher efficiency than other types of solar cells, and they look sleek, too. The design means you need fewer panels for your roof. But they also cost more per panel.

Still, all things considered, monocrystalline solar panels are worth the investment if you want to get the most out of your solar energy system.

Polycrystalline Cells

Unlike monocrystalline cells, polycrystalline solar panels comprise of multiple fragments of silicon that have been melted together to form one single panel. People also refer to polycrystalline solar cells as “multi-crystal” or “many-crystal” silicon.

Polycrystalline solar panels have a lower efficiency than monocrystalline alternatives, but consequently, they generally have a lower price point due to the ease of their production.

Whereas monocrystalline cells tend to be black in hue, polycrystalline solar panels typically have a blue coloration, which many people more frequently associate with solar.

As they’re not as efficient as some other variants, you may need more of them to generate the same amount of electricity for your home, but the individual cost is lower. Depending on the circumstances, therefore, the cost-per-unit and overall cost may even out.

Did you know? As time passes, even the best solar panels lose their effectiveness. On average, panels degrade by about 0.5% per year.

But if you purchase high-quality solar panels from reliable manufacturers such as Home Depot, they’ll come with a performance warranty that guarantees they’ll operate at a specific percentage of their original efficiency for up to 25 years.

Amorphous Cells

Amorphous solar panels use the same technology as traditional solar cells but in a much thinner and more malleable form.

Instead of crystalline silicon wafers of the monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, amorphous features a layer of non-crystalline silicon on top of a thin substrate like glass, plastic, or metal.

This construction makes amorphous solar panels incredibly versatile. Since the installers can easily cut the material into various shapes, it can fill many different spots.

The convenience of amorphous solar panels makes them perfect for unique installation circumstances that take more creativity, such as unusual roof shapes or non-roof placement.

When compared to the typical 40-pound rigid solar panels, these flexible products can easily be mounted on sloped or oddly shaped surfaces that would otherwise prove difficult (or even dangerous) to install traditional models.

Home Depot Solar Panel Installation Process

Roofs are the most popular location for solar PV panel installations. With the ideal specifications for maximum sunlight exposure, rooftops provide the perfect spot to harness solar energy.

But you can place them on the ground if you can’t or don’t want to set them up on the roof. Just ensure that there’s nothing in the way of the sunlight.

The installation time can vary from one day to three days, depending on the system’s size and complexity. If you want to connect a power meter for net metering, this could add a few hours of work time.

For the actual process, first, your installer will prep the roof to make sure all shingles or tiles are securely in place.

Then, they’ll move on to the electrical wiring, connecting the electrical panel and main power system. After that, they’ll lay down racking, which is what supports the actual panels (this is the only part that physically attaches to the roof).

Subsequently, the panels are attached to the racking, and lastly, the inverters are connected to convert DC (direct current) energy into AC (alternating current) energy that’s in most households and electric grids.

What’s Included With The Home Depot Solar Installation Service?

The Home Depot solar installation comes with a few perks.

You’ll receive a free energy assessment to help you decide what type of solar system your house needs, plus a custom-designed solar power system that fits your lifestyle.

All installations are done by certified professionals from your local community.

Benefits of Buying Solar Panels From Home Depot

Choosing Home Depot to purchase and install your solar panels will give you the complete package.

In-home energy consultation and full-service installation by expert professionals ensure an easy experience for Home Depot customers, particularly those just starting out with solar energy who need guidance.

On top of that, they offer several financing options, including The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card and The Home Depot Project Loan, so no upfront cost is involved. All staff are licensed, insured, and background-checked.

Pro Tip: If you’re considering going solar but aren’t ready for a full energy assessment just yet, try using one of the many online solar calculators to get an idea of what you could potentially save on your annual electricity bill.

Checking out these calculators beforehand can also give you an idea of questions to ask during your consultation with Home Depot.

Home Depot Solar Panels Reviews

Judging from the reviews, customers are generally satisfied with how quickly and professionally the job was done through Home Depot.

On average, they’re giving 4.3 out of 5 stars – which is quite impressive. You can find plenty of praise online for the quick turnaround time and the crew’s excellent service.

However, a few customers felt let down by the cost. Some were also disappointed that it took longer than expected to finish the job. All in all, looks like there’s some room for improvement, but the majority of experiences are positive.

Aside from reviews for the overall solar panel installation, different solar energy products that Home Depot sells have garnered reviews from all over the spectrum.

Be sure to read through individual reviews for your product of choice before settling.

Home Depot Solar Maintenance Tips

Dirt and debris can quickly accumulate on solar panels and decrease their energy production, so they require regular maintenance.

Before you clean them, turn off the system to avoid any possible danger. Solar panels aren’t hard to clean, though. You can easily wash down the outside of the panels using lukewarm water from a garden hose.

Avoid using soap or any other cleaning products that could damage them. If you find your solar panels have heavy dirt buildup, use a non-abrasive microfiber cloth along with lukewarm water to get them clean.

Whenever you’re cleaning solar panels that are on top of a roof, be sure to use safety equipment such as a harness or ladder. To make cleaning your solar panels even simpler, try using a telescopic pole with a microfiber cloth attached to it so that you can clean from the ground.

Solar panels usually have a tilt, so any snow and ice on them will naturally slide off. But if it persists, or there is particularly heavy snow at any point, spraying the panels with warm water can help clear it away.

Just remember that water needs to be warm. Don’t use hot water or anything abrasive to remove snow or ice, as this could cause damage to the solar panel.

Did you know? If your roof isn’t ideal for solar panels or you have lots of land that you aren’t really using for anything else, ground-mounted solar panel systems could be what you’re looking for.

It’s possible to install the system in the ground just like on a roof, giving you plenty of opportunities to make the most out of a sunny day, even if the house doesn’t have a perfect roof angle.

How Much Do Home Depot Solar Panels Save?

Switching to solar power through Home Depot is an easy and efficient way to save money on energy.

On average, you can expect to see about a 20% reduction in your power bill, depending on how much sun you get and local electricity rates.

But the more efficient your system and the more sunny days you get in the area, the higher your savings will be.

Cost-Efficient Energy

If you’re looking to go green and invest in a renewable resource, solar panels from Home Depot are a good place to start.

They have a wide selection of panels that’ll fit your budget and expectations, and their customer service team will support you through the entire process – from installation to working out any kinks you may run into along the way.