Frequently Asked Questions

The average residential solar system costs $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. However, after the 30% federal tax credit and state incentives, your net cost is typically $10,000 to $17,000.

The exact cost depends on:

• System size (typically 5-10 kW for homes)
• Panel quality and brand
• Your location and roof complexity
• Whether you include battery storage

Important: Many homeowners pay $0 down with solar loans or leases, making solar accessible regardless of upfront cash availability.

The average homeowner saves $1,500 per year on electricity costs. Over a 25-year system lifespan, that's $37,500+ in total savings.

Your exact savings depend on:

• Your current electric bill (higher bills = more savings)
• Your location (sunny areas generate more power)
• Local electricity rates (higher rates = better ROI)
• System size and efficiency

Most homeowners break even in 5-7 years, then enjoy 18-20+ years of essentially free electricity.

Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): Get 30% of your system cost back as a tax credit through 2032. Then it drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

State & Local Incentives: Many states offer additional rebates, tax credits, or performance-based incentives. Popular programs include:

• SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) - sell credits in some states
• Net metering - get credit for excess power sent to the grid
• Property tax exemptions - solar doesn't increase property taxes in many states
• Sales tax exemptions - no sales tax on solar equipment in some states

Combined, these incentives can reduce your net cost by 40-50%.

Yes! There are several $0 down options:

1. Solar Loans: Finance the full cost with no money down. Your monthly loan payment is often less than your current electric bill, so you save money from day one.

2. Solar Leases: Lease the equipment with no upfront cost. You pay a fixed monthly fee (typically less than your current bill) and the leasing company maintains the system.

3. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA): Pay nothing upfront and only pay for the power the system generates at a lower rate than utility prices.

Note: Cash purchases offer the best long-term savings and you keep all tax credits, but financing makes solar accessible to everyone.

Physical installation: 1-3 days depending on system size and roof complexity.

Full timeline from signing to activation: 1-3 months typically, including:

• Site assessment and design: 1-2 weeks
• Permits and approvals: 2-6 weeks (varies by location)
• Installation: 1-3 days
• Utility approval and activation: 1-4 weeks

Don't worry—your installer handles all permits and paperwork for you!

Solar panels work on most roof types! Compatible roofs include:

• Asphalt shingle - Most common and easiest to install on
• Metal - Great for solar with special mounting systems
• Tile - Works well but may require special equipment
• Flat - Requires tilted mounting racks
• Slate - Possible but requires extra care

Roof requirements:

• Structurally sound (roof should have 10+ years of life left)
• Minimal shading (direct sunlight is ideal)
• South, southwest, or west-facing orientation (in Northern Hemisphere)
• Sufficient space for panels (typically 300-400 sq ft)

An installer will assess your specific roof during the site evaluation.

Some shade is okay! Modern solar technology includes:

• Microinverters - Allow individual panels to work independently, so shading on one panel doesn't affect the others
• Power optimizers - Similar benefit to microinverters
• Strategic placement - Installers place panels in the sunniest areas

If your roof has significant shade, you might also consider:

• Trimming or removing problematic trees (if allowed)
• Ground-mounted systems in your yard
• Community solar programs (if available in your area)

An installer can use satellite imagery and shade analysis tools to determine if solar makes sense for your property.

Unfortunately, you typically need to own your home to install solar panels, as installation requires:

• Permission to modify the property
• Long-term commitment (20-25 years to maximize ROI)
• Ability to claim tax credits and incentives

Alternatives for renters:

• Community solar - Subscribe to a shared solar farm and get credits on your utility bill (available in some states)
• Portable solar - Small systems for balconies or windows
• Ask your landlord - Some landlords may consider solar with a long-term lease agreement
• Choose green energy - Many utilities offer renewable energy programs

Solar panels typically last 25-30+ years. Most manufacturers offer:

• 25-year performance warranty - guarantees at least 80-90% efficiency after 25 years
• 10-12 year equipment warranty - covers defects and failures

What happens after 25 years? Panels don't stop working—they just become slightly less efficient. Many panels from the 1980s are still producing power today!

Other component lifespans:

• Inverters: 10-15 years (may need one replacement)
• Batteries: 10-15 years (if you have storage)
• Racking/mounting: 25+ years

Yes! Solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days, just at reduced capacity.

Winter performance:

• Panels actually work MORE efficiently in cold temperatures
• Snow reflects sunlight, boosting production
• Shorter days mean less total production, but not zero
• Snow typically slides off tilted panels quickly

Cloudy days:

• Panels still produce 10-25% of normal output on overcast days
• They need light, not heat, to generate power
• Annual production accounts for seasonal variation

Fun fact: Germany is a solar leader despite being quite cloudy—it's about total annual sunlight, not just summer production!

Without battery storage: Your solar system automatically shuts off during a grid outage. This safety feature protects utility workers repairing lines.

With battery storage: Your system can provide backup power during outages! Critical circuits remain powered based on battery capacity.

Battery backup options:

• Tesla Powerwall - 13.5 kWh, powers whole home for several hours or essentials for days
• LG Chem RESU - 9.8-16 kWh options
• Enphase Ensemble - Modular system, expandable

Battery storage adds $8,000-15,000 to system cost but provides energy independence and peace of mind.

Solar panels require very minimal maintenance:

Typical maintenance:

• Cleaning: 1-2 times per year in dusty areas (rain naturally cleans panels in most locations)
• Inspection: Annual visual check for damage or debris
• Monitoring: Check your app/monitoring system monthly to ensure proper production

What to watch for:

• Significant drop in production (may indicate issue)
• Physical damage from storms or debris
• Shading from new tree growth

Professional maintenance: Most installers offer monitoring services and will alert you to issues. Some offer maintenance packages, but they're usually not necessary.

Warranty coverage: Performance issues within warranty period are covered at no cost.

Yes! Studies show homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar.

For a $400,000 home, that's an additional $16,400 in value—often more than the net cost of the system after incentives!

Additional selling benefits:

• Homes with solar sell faster (especially in hot markets)
• Buyers love low utility bills
• Solar appeals to environmentally conscious buyers
• Marketing advantage in competitive markets

Important: Owned systems add more value than leased systems. Buyers may be hesitant to assume a lease, but owned panels are a pure asset.

If you own your system:

• Panels transfer to the new owner (adds to home value)
• Include solar in listing to attract buyers
• Provide documentation (warranties, monitoring access, maintenance history)
• New owner enjoys the lower electric bills

If you have a solar lease or PPA:

• New owner assumes the lease (requires credit approval)
• Alternatively, you can buy out the lease and transfer ownership
• Or pay off remaining lease balance before sale

Most solar companies make the transfer process straightforward. Your installer or leasing company will guide you through the steps.

No! When properly installed, solar panels actually protect your roof from weather and UV damage.

Professional installation ensures:

• Proper flashing and sealing around all mounting points
• No water leakage or damage
• Weight is distributed across roof structure
• Panels shield roof from elements

Roof inspection before installation: Reputable installers inspect your roof first and will recommend repairs if needed. It's best to have a roof with 10-15+ years of life remaining before installing solar.

If you need a new roof later: Panels can be temporarily removed and reinstalled. Many installers offer this service for $1,000-3,000.

Your home is likely a good fit if:

• ✓ You own your home
• ✓ Your roof is in good condition (10+ years of life left)
• ✓ You have south, southwest, or west-facing roof space
• ✓ Roof area receives 4+ hours of sunlight daily
• ✓ Your electric bill is $100+ per month
• ✓ You plan to stay in your home 5+ years

Free assessment: The best way to know for sure is to request a free quote. Installers use satellite imagery and specialized tools to evaluate your roof's solar potential and provide accurate savings estimates.

Step-by-step process:

1. Get quotes: Compare proposals from 2-3 installers
2. Site assessment: Chosen installer evaluates your property
3. System design: Custom proposal with layout, costs, savings
4. Sign contract: Review and sign installation agreement
5. Permitting: Installer handles all permits (2-6 weeks)
6. Installation: 1-3 day installation
7. Inspection: Local building inspector approves system
8. Utility approval: Power company approves connection (1-4 weeks)
9. Activation: System is turned on and you start saving!

Total timeline: 1-3 months from signing to activation.

Key factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for 5+ years in business and hundreds of installations
• Certifications: NABCEP certification preferred
• Reviews: Check Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau
• Warranties: Compare workmanship warranties (10-25 years)
• Equipment: High-quality panels and inverters
• Financing options: Flexible payment plans
• Local presence: Local companies often provide better service

Get multiple quotes: Compare at least 2-3 proposals. Price isn't everything—quality, warranty, and reputation matter too.

Red flags: High-pressure sales tactics, upfront payments before work begins, no physical office/address, or prices significantly lower than competitors.