Harness the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable electricity for your home. Solar energy is the most accessible and cost-effective renewable technology for most homeowners.
Average System Cost
After federal tax credit
$15,000-$25,000
Payback Period
Depending on location and usage
6-9 years
ROI
Annual return on investment
10-15%
Panel Lifespan
With 25-year warranties
25-30 years
Energy Production
For typical 6-8 kW system
10,000-15,000 kWh/year
Understanding the process from sunlight to electricity in your home
Photons from sunlight strike solar cells, exciting electrons and creating an electrical current
Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity that flows to the inverter
The inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC) electricity used in your home
AC power flows to your electrical panel to power your home. Excess goes to the grid
Solar offers compelling financial and environmental benefits
Reduce or eliminate your electricity bills. Average homeowners save $20,000-$50,000 over 25 years.
Homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average and spend less time on the market.
Protect yourself from rising utility rates and power outages with battery backup options.
Reduce your carbon footprint by up to 80%. Average system offsets 100+ tons of CO₂ over its lifetime.
25-30 year warranty with minimal maintenance. Panels often produce power for 40+ years.
30% federal tax credit available through 2032, plus state and local incentives in many areas.
What makes up a complete solar energy system
Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into DC electricity
Converts DC electricity from panels to AC electricity for your home
Secures panels to your roof or ground
Tracks energy production and system health
Understanding where your investment goes (based on typical 6 kW system)
Total System Cost
$18,000-$25,000
Federal Tax Credit (30%)
-$5,400-$7,500
Net Cost
$12,600-$17,500
Everything you need to know about solar energy
Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs with minimal shade. East and west-facing roofs work too, producing 75-85% as much energy. Your roof should be in good condition with at least 15 years of life remaining. Professional site assessments determine exact viability.
At night, you draw power from the grid (unless you have battery storage). On cloudy days, panels still produce 10-25% of their rated output. Net metering programs credit you for excess production during sunny periods, offsetting nighttime usage.
Very little. Rain naturally cleans most panels. In dusty areas, hosing them off 1-2 times per year helps. Professional inspections every 3-5 years ensure optimal performance. Most systems have no moving parts and minimal wear.
Panels can be temporarily removed and reinstalled after roof work. This typically costs $2,000-$5,000. This is why we recommend replacing older roofs before installing solar. Some solar installers partner with roofing companies for combined services.
Yes, but it requires battery storage and typically costs 2-3x more than grid-tied systems. Most homeowners choose grid-tied with optional battery backup for emergencies. Off-grid makes most sense in remote areas without grid access.
Solar works best when these conditions are met
Not sure if your property is suitable? Use our calculator to get a preliminary assessment, then schedule a professional site evaluation for accurate results.