Solar
The Guides Home Team uses detailed rating methodologies to analyze service providers and help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
Solar Energy System Basics
Consult our expert research, company reviews and round-ups to ensure you make an educated decision when it comes to finding the right solar energy solution for your home.
What To Know About Solar Energy Systems
Making the switch to solar can be an intimidating venture. It’s a costly investment with many companies and solar panel options to choose from — and you want to know that it will pay off. Generally, you should ensure your home is a good candidate for solar power, understand the financials from panel and installation costs to expected energy savings, and find a reputable company to work with.
Read our breakdown of the basics below, then consult our comprehensive library of detailed articles to learn more.
Is Solar Energy Right For You?
From environmentalism to cost savings over time, there are many reasons to go solar. However, there are some drawbacks, too. Here are some of the main reasons why you should or shouldn’t go solar.
Pros of Solar Energy
- Solar panels raise a home’s value by an average of 4.1%, according to Zillow.
- You may qualify for tax breaks and incentives, such as solar renewable energy credits, net metering, state tax credits, cash rebates and more, which make going solar more affordable.
- Solar energy is environmentally friendly because it doesn’t produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide.
Cons of Solar Energy
- Standard home solar energy requires a battery to run electricity at night.
- Not every home can reap maximum solar power generation, depending on the configuration of your roof and the location of your home.
- Solar panels can be very difficult to install yourself and could void your roof warranty.
Types of Plans and Services
Most solar companies offer solar panel design and installation, battery backup, solar panel warranties and multiple payment options. If you decide to have solar panels installed on your home, most providers follow a similar process to assess your home, design a system and install it on your roof. Here’s what to expect:
- Home consultation: A solar installation company will visit your house and review your roof configuration to ensure the home can accommodate solar panels.
- Financing choice: Homeowners typically can choose from a loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA).
- Site survey: After selecting a certified solar installation company and signing a contract, an engineer representing the company will visit your home to review the home’s current electrical system.
- Installation: The engineer will design a home solar system after the site survey. Following this, the installation will take place over several days.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Service or Plan
Before signing a contract, it’s important to speak with a solar installation company representative to ensure it’s the right plan or service for you. Consider asking about your:
- Roof location and configuration: Your roof’s orientation and pitch, as well as nearby obstacles, affect how much sunlight it receives per day.
- Current electricity usage: Are your energy bills currently high enough to offset the cost of installing solar panels on your home?
- Choice of solar panels: More modern panels are highly efficient but typically more expensive than older models.
- Solar incentives: In addition to the 30% federal tax credit applied to solar installation, specific states and municipalities offer their own incentives to help solar energy become more affordable.
To learn more, read our guide to the best solar companies.
Latest Articles
Compare quotes from the top solar companies in New Orleans.
Compare quotes from the top solar installers in San Antonio, Texas using the form below.
SunPower was the most popular solar company among respondents in Louisiana, according to our 2023 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
Compare cost, reputation, and services offered between Sunrun and Momentum solar.
Compare the offerings, cost, and reputation of Tesla and Momentum Solar.
SunPower Solar was the most popular solar company among respondents in Florida, according to our 2023 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
Freedom Solar was the most popular solar company among respondents in Texas, according to our 2023 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
- The top solar installers in Arizona are SunPower, Elevation and Palmetto.
- A 6kW solar system costs around $15,180 and has an estimated payback period of 7 years.
- Homeowners in Arizona can save $30,000 over the lifetime of their solar panels in savings.
Venture Solar was the most popular solar company among respondents in Massachusetts, according to our 2023 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
Suggested Articles
- The Best Solar Companies in California of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Texas (2024 Review)
- The Best Solar Companies in Arizona of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Florida (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in New York of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Georgia (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Arkansas (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Colorado (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Connecticut of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Hawaii (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Idaho (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Illinois (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Indiana (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Iowa (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Louisiana (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Maine (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Maryland (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Massachusetts of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Michigan of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Minnesota of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Missouri of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Nevada of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in New Mexico of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in North Carolina (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Ohio of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Oklahoma of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Oregon (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Pennsylvania (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Rhode Island of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in South Carolina of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Utah of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Vermont of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Virginia (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Washington of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Wisconsin (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Wyoming of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Albuquerque (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Atlanta (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Austin, Texas (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Bakersfield (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Chicago (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Colorado Springs (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Dallas (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Denver (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Fresno (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Honolulu (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Houston (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Jacksonville (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Kansas City (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Las Vegas (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Los Angeles of 2024
- The Best Solar Companies in Sacramento (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in San Diego (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in San Francisco (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in San Jose (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Tucson (2024)
- The Best Solar Companies in Washington, D.C. (2024)
- Federal Solar Tax Credit Guide for Homeowners (2024)
- Arizona Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Arkansas Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- California Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Colorado Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Connecticut Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Florida Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (April 2024)
- Georgia Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Hawaii Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Illinois Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates
- Maryland Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Massachusetts Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Minnesota Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Nevada Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- New Jersey Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- New Mexico Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- New York Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- North Carolina Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates
- Oregon Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Pennsylvania Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Rhode Island Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- South Carolina Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Tennessee Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Texas Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Utah Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Vermont Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Virginia Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
- Washington Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Rebates (2024)
General Cost
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? (2024 Guide)
- Solar Calculator: Estimate Your Installation Cost and Savings
- How Much Does an Off-Grid Solar System Cost? (2024)
- How Much Does a Solar Farm Cost? (2024)
- Tesla Powerwall Review (2024)
- The Cost of a Tesla Solar Roof (2024)
- How Much Does a Generac PWRcell Battery Cost? (2024)
Cost by Location
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? (2024 Guide)
- Solar Calculator: Estimate Your Installation Cost and Savings
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arizona? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in California? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Colorado? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florida in 2024?
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Georgia? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Illinois? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Louisiana? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Massachusetts? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Minnesota? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in New Jersey? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in North Carolina? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Texas? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Houston? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Las Vegas? (2024)
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in San Diego? (2024)
Key Questions and Terms
- Are Solar Panels Worth It? (2024 Guide)
- Are Solar Shingles Worth It? (2024 Guide)
- Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value? (2024 Guide)
- Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels: 2024 Guide
- How Long Do Solar Panels Last? (2024 Guide)
- How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
- ‘Free’ Solar Panels Are Not Free: What You Need to Know
- Top Solar Energy Facts and Statistics of 2024
- How Much Money Can Solar Panels Save Homeowners? (2024)
- Guide to Solar Carports: Are They Worth It? (2024)
- Leasing Solar Panels: Benefits and Drawbacks (2024)
- Can You Install Solar Panels on Metal Roofs?
- Solar Water Heaters Explained (2024)
- Solar Panel Wattage and Output Explained (2024)
- Solar Tubes Explained (2024)
- 3 Ways to Get Solar Panels for Apartments and Rentals (2024)
- Solar Panel Inverters Explained (2024)
- The Best Flexible Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
- A Guide to Bifacial Solar Panels (2024)
- Solar Charge Controllers: What They Are, Why You Need One and What They Cost
- Solar Net Metering Explained (2024)
- 2024 Guide to Thin-Film Solar Panels
- Solar Scams and How To Avoid Them (2024)
- Solar Panel Efficiency Explained (2024)
- What Are Solar Trees and How Do They Work? (2024)
- What Is Community Solar? (2024)
- What Are Solar Panels? (2024)
- How Are Solar Panels Made? (2024)
- What Is a Solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement )? 2024
- Solar Panels vs. Solar Shingles (2024)
- What Is a Solar Array? (2024)
- Do Solar Panels Work at Night or on Cloudy Days? (2024)
- Do Solar Panels Work in Snow and Winter Conditions?
- Vampire Energy: What Is It, and How Much Is It Costing You?
Guides
- How To Install Solar Panels: 2024
- How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
- Guide to Solar Batteries: Are They Worth It? (April 2024)
- How To Find the Best Angle for Solar Panels
- Guide to Solar Panel Maintenance (2024)
- Are DIY Solar Panels Worth It? (2024)
- A 2024 Guide to RV Solar Panels
- How To Clean Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
- A Complete Guide to Solar Landscape Lighting (2024)
- Where To Buy Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
- 2024 Guide to Solar Incentives and Rebates for Homeowners
- A Guide to Understanding Solar Panel Warranties (2024)
- A Guide to Solar Power for Sheds (2024)
- Solar Panel Financing: 2024 Guide
- A Guide to Ground-Mounted Solar Panels for Homes (2024)
- Going Behind the Scenes of a Solar Installation (April 2024)
- How To Incorporate Solar Energy Into Your Home (2024)
- Solar Installers Near Me: How To Find Reputable Installers
- ADT Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Blue Raven Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Elevation Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Freedom Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Icon Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Lumio Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Tesla Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Momentum Solar: Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Semper Solaris Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Silfab Solar Panels Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Sunrun Solar: Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Solar Energy World Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Trinity Solar: Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Vivint Solar: Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- SunPower: Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Palmetto Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Tesla Powerwall Review (2024)
- Green Home Systems Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Sunnova Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- Qcells Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)
- SunPower vs. Momentum Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- SunPower vs. Tesla Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- SunPower vs. Trinity Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- ADT Solar vs. SunPower: Which Is Right for You?
- Sunrun vs. SunPower: Which Company Should You Choose?
- Sunrun vs. Tesla Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- Tesla Solar vs. ADT Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- Tesla Solar vs. Trinity Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- ADT Solar vs. Momentum Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- Sunrun vs. ADT Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- Sunrun vs. Trinity Solar: Which Is Right for You?
- SunPro vs. Vivint Solar: Which Is Right for You?