1.575kW solar power system = $6,499*
3.15kW solar power system = $12,537*

I got mine for 200 each…

I don’t understand. A quote IS an actual price.

Most installers want to architect the system themselves, and install a system where they know all the components work well together. It would be unusual for someone to acquire panels first without thinking about the whole system, as panels are expensive, but you can try contacting local installers to see if someone will work with you. Small shops, especially, might be hungry for business.

It’s smart to go with a grid-tied, no battery system. You or the installer will need to purchase an appropriate inverter. Don’t go rushing out to get one; it’s better to let the installer choose it. You want to architect your system so that the voltage input to the inverter isn’t too low on a hot summer day like today, nor too high on a cold, clear winter day. A poor choice will throw away power that you could otherwise have harvested.

You will also want to purchase racks to mount the panels on your roof. It is possible to screw the panels directly to the roof, but this has poor airflow, and a hot panel produces much less electricity.

You would still stay connected to your city’s power, and would want to, for times where the solar doesn’t produce enough. But if you do things right, your bills will be very small.

Not counting extra parts you would need, the labor would likely be several thousand dollars, if someone is willing to take the job as labor-only. When I installed our panels in 2006, the difference between buying the parts and installing all myself, compared to someone doing everything, was $4500. At the time, I tried to find someone who would do the install of parts that I bought, but no one would take the job.