Home owners who are looking for ways to earn extra money can now find it easier than ever before on their roof. Many of the homes across America are in locations that can yield plenty of profitable electricity from the sun. Yet how does a home owner determine the solar potential or the actual cost of the system?

The world famous outlet store, Costco has informed the public that it’s members can soon purchase some of the latest models of entire solar systems for their home. They can even buy the tools and other supplies needed to make the installation themselves.

Costco has chosen the supplier, Eugene, Oregon-based Grape Solar to provide a number of its solar kits. The different models will enable home owners or contractors to review the web site to find the best model for that home. The systems range from, 2300W, 3680W or 5060W ready-to-install kits, with prices which range from around $3,600 upwards close to $18,000.
Each of the kits are “grid tied” systems. This means that they give the ability to send electric back to the power plant. In other words the local electric utility company actually pays you for the electricity you send back to “the grid”. The key piece of equipment that achieves this is called the inverter and racking system.

With virtually all the systems offered by Costco, you can start off small and build up from there. They are intended to be expandable. It is not a problem if you do not want to do the installation yourself. There is a nationwide network of installers that will be willing to give you a quote and install the system in a timely manner. The network of over 4,000 installers even offer 24/7 support.
Costco’s decision to add this line of products came after extensive test marketing in several area of the country in July 2010. The different stores gave wonderful feedback to be more accurate on the models that people prefer and the services that are most helpful for home owners.

The panels produced by Grape Solar have a 25-year warranty on power output and a 10-year warranty on materials and workmanship. Keep in mind that all of the home solar kits should be eligible for federal, state and local utility rebate and incentive programs, where the amount depends on your specific location. It is a good idea to check those benefits with your local installer before hand.

Want to find out more about Home Solar Panel Kits, then visit Roni Farbes’s site on how to choose the best panels for your needs.