All guides
Understand what a home solar installation really costs in the U.S.: price per watt, quote line items, incentives, permits, financing, warranties and upkeep.
Installation Costs & Estimates
- How Big a Solar System Do You Need? Sizing Math and Cost Impact
Learn to size a home solar system from your electric bill, convert kWh into kW, account for shading and roof space, and see how size drives total cost.
- Repair or Replace Your Solar System? A Decision Guide for Homeowners
How to decide whether to repair, upgrade or replace aging solar equipment such as inverters, panels and wiring, with a cost comparison method and worked example.
- Solar Battery Storage Cost: What Home Batteries Add to Your Project
How much a home battery adds to a solar project, what kWh and kW ratings mean, when batteries pay off, and a worked example comparing solar with and without storage.
- Solar Installation Cost by State and Region: Why Prices Differ
Why the same solar system costs different amounts in different states, covering labor, permits, sun hours, electricity rates and incentives, with an example comparison method.
- Solar Installation Labor vs. Materials: Where Your Money Goes
A breakdown of where a residential solar dollar goes, from panels and inverters to labor, permits, sales costs and margin, and how to read a quote's line items.
- Solar Panel Installation Cost in 2026: Price Breakdown by Size and Equipment
How much a home solar installation costs in the U.S., how price per watt works, and how system size, panels, roof and equipment change the total, with worked examples.
Incentives, Permits & Financing
- Federal Solar Tax Credit in 2026: What Changed and What Still Applies
How the federal residential solar tax credit worked, what 2025 legislation changed, how leased systems differ, and how to check eligibility for 2026 and earlier installs.
- Solar Financing Options for Homeowners: Loans, HELOCs, Leases and Cash
Compare ways to pay for home solar, including cash, solar loans, home equity, leases and PPAs, with APR math, dealer fee examples and questions to ask lenders.
- Solar Lease vs. PPA vs. Buying: Which Ownership Model Fits Your Home?
How solar leases, power purchase agreements and ownership differ in cost, risk, tax treatment and home sales, with a 25-year cost example and contract clauses to read.
- Solar Permits and Building Codes: What Homeowners Need Before Installation
Which permits, inspections, electrical and fire codes, HOA rules and utility approvals apply to home solar, plus a step-by-step timeline and document list.
- State and Utility Solar Incentives: Net Metering, Rebates and Exemptions
How state and utility solar programs work, including net metering, net billing, rebates, tax exemptions and SRECs, plus a method to find and verify what applies to your address.
Contractors, Warranties & Upkeep
- How to Choose a Solar Contractor: Vetting Steps and Questions to Ask
A practical process for vetting solar installers, from license and insurance checks to NABCEP, references, proposals, subcontractors and contract terms.
- Red Flags in Solar Quotes and Sales Pitches Every Homeowner Should Know
Warning signs in solar proposals and sales tactics, from fake government programs and inflated production claims to pressure deadlines, hidden fees and vague contracts.
- Solar Panel Maintenance Costs and an Annual Checklist for Homeowners
What it costs to keep a home solar system running, including cleaning, inspections, monitoring, inverter replacement and insurance, plus a yearly maintenance checklist.
- Solar Warranty and Lifespan Comparison: Panels, Inverters, Batteries and Workmanship
Compare the warranty types on a home solar system, how long panels, inverters and batteries typically last, and how to read performance guarantees and exclusions.