Going Solar: The Complete Guide

Is Going Solar Right For Your Home?

Going solar is one of the most impactful home upgrades you can make, but it’s not the right fit for every home or every moment. Before you start getting quotes, spend time on a few foundational questions that will determine whether solar makes sense for you.

Your Roof Conditions Matter

Solar panels are expected to last 25 to 30 years. If the roof cannot support that timeline, the system will need to be removed and reinstalled when repairs or replacement are required. That adds cost and complexity that could have been avoided. If the roof is over 15 years old or shows signs of wear, it should be inspected before moving forward.

Assess Your Sun Exposure and Energy Use

System performance is driven by roof orientation, shading, and local conditions. South-facing roofs typically produce more, but east and west can still be viable depending on the setup. The more important factor is understanding actual energy usage. Reviewing 12 months of utility bills provides a clear baseline and should be used to determine system size.

Plan for Your Future Energy Needs

Designing a system around current usage leads to gaps later. Energy consumption tends to increase over time with electric vehicles, home electrification, and other upgrades. Expanding a system after installation is more difficult and more expensive. Systems should be sized with long-term usage in mind, not just current needs.

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Own, Lease, or PPA? Understanding Your Options

When going solar, financing your solar system carries the same weight as the system design itself. The three primary options are purchasing the equipment outright with cash or a loan, leasing the equipment, or entering into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Each option comes with trade-offs that impact your financial return, property value, and long-term flexibility.

Ownership (Cash or Solar Loan)

Owning the system, either with cash or through a loan, allows you to claim the federal Investment Tax Credit and any available state incentives. It also adds value to the home and keeps control of the system with you, with no third party involved in energy production. The trade-off is a higher upfront financial commitment, even when financed, and responsibility for maintenance outside warranty coverage. If using a loan, the tax credit is typically applied to the loan principal. That outcome depends on individual tax situations, so it should not be assumed without guidance.

Solar Lease

With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly fee to use a system owned by a third party. You do not receive tax incentives, and the system does not contribute to home value in the same way as ownership. Leases often include maintenance and monitoring, and usually require little to no upfront cost. Transferring a lease during a home sale can introduce complications and may limit buyer interest.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Third-Party Ownership (TPO)

A PPA or TPO model operates similarly to a lease, but instead of a fixed payment, you pay for the electricity the system produces at a set rate per kilowatt-hour. This rate is often lower than the utility rate, creating savings in higher-cost markets. The same limitations apply as with leases. There are no tax incentives, resale can be more complex, and system control remains with a third party.

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What Does Going Solar Actually Cost?

Solar pricing has dropped dramatically over the past decade, but the final cost for a homeowner still depends on a wide range of variables: your home’s energy consumption, roof size, local incentives, equipment choices, and installer. Understanding the rough numbers puts you in a much stronger position when comparing quotes.

Typical Range for a 1,500 Sq. Ft. Home

Solar pricing has dropped dramatically over the past decade, but the final cost still depends on a wide range of variables: energy consumption, roof size, local incentives, equipment choices, and installer.

What Drives the Price?

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Choosing a Reputable Solar Installer

The installer you choose has a direct impact on how your system performs over time. A strong installation leads to reliable production, fewer issues, and support that holds up when it matters. A poor one tends to surface later through service problems, added costs, and inconsistent follow-through. After reviewing more than 500 installers over nearly 20 years, the Solar Insure team has seen clear patterns that distinguish high-performing companies from the rest.

Key Solar Company Credentials to Verify

Years in Business and Leadership Experience
Look for companies with a proven track record and leadership rooted in installation, not just sales. Longevity is a strong signal of stability and matters when evaluating how reliable a workmanship warranty will be over time.

Proper Licensing and NABCEP Certification
Confirm the contractor holds the required state licenses. NABCEP certification is a strong indicator of training and adherence to industry standards.

Insurance Coverage
Verify general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Request to be named as an Additional Insured and add the system to your homeowner’s policy after installation.

Reviews, References, and BBB Rating
Review Google and BBB ratings. Ask for local references and speak with them directly about communication, quality of work, and issue resolution.

Local Presence and Commitment
Installers with a local presence are more familiar with permitting, utilities, and regional requirements. They are also more likely to support long-term service needs.

Workmanship Warranty Terms
A solid workmanship warranty reflects installer confidence. Be cautious of new companies offering 20–25 year warranties; if they close, those warranties become void. Consider a warranty like Solar Insure’s for long-term protection, regardless of the installer’s status.

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