Will I save money with solar power?

Depending on your energy usage and the size of your solar system, it's likely that you will experience savings in the form of significantly lower energy bills every month. Over time, these savings may surpass the amount you paid for the solar system, making it a good investment. Many consumers who finance their solar system find that their monthly payment is lower than their monthly electricity bills were before installing solar, which equates to savings as soon as their system begins generating power. SaveOnEnergy solar advisors can help you estimate your monthly savings when you go solar.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels usually have a lifespan of around 30 years , although they can last even longer if properly maintained and protected against deterioration. Most manufacturers offer warranties for performance and product. The performance warranty guarantees the products will work at a certain efficiency level for a set amount of time. The product warranty guarantees the products will not have any defects or breakage for a set number of years. The industry standard for these warranties is between 15 and 25 years.

What is the average solar payback period?

The payback period for a solar system is how long it will take to pay off the total cost of your system. The average payback period in the U.S. is about 14 years, although your financing options and normal energy bills will play a big role in how long the payback period lasts.

What size solar system will I need?

Solar panels usually have a lifespan of around 30 years , although they can last even longer if properly maintained and protected against deterioration. Most manufacturers offer warranties for performance and product. The performance warranty guarantees the products will work at a certain efficiency level for a set amount of time. The product warranty guarantees the products will not have any defects or breakage for a set number of years. The industry standard for these warranties is between 15 and 25 years.

Solar Panel Buying Guide | SaveOnEnergy®

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Key Points

Solar panel costs have dropped by 50% in the last decade.
There are more than 3.8 million solar energy systems installed in the U.S.
The U.S. has 149 gigawatts of solar capacity installed, enough to power 26 million homes.
Solar energy accounts for more than 4% of all energy generated in the country

Ready to go solar? Call 877-307-7668to be connected with a solar expert today!

Introduction to buying solar panels

Residential solar generation has risen by 32% in the last 10 years, giving consumers more choices than ever before at increasingly affordable prices. However, finding the best solar system for your home can feel like a daunting task. Understanding whether your home is a good candidate for solar, taking advantage of solar incentives, and comparing all of the options available can require a lot of research. SaveOnEnergy.com® is here to help. This solar panel buying guide will walk you through the solar shopping process from start to finish and answer common consumer questions.

If you are interested in learning more about your solar options, SaveOnEnergy can help you find a solar installer in your area. SaveOnEnergy is an energy marketplace that partners with top tier solar companies to bring solar products to consumers. If you are ready to explore your options or receive a solar cost estimate, fill out our solar form or call 866-420-6556 to speak with one of our solar energy experts.

Get your free solar savings estimate

You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.

Solar installation process

On average, the day you sign a contract for a solar system to the time you have permission to operate takes between two and six months. Installation normally accounts for about 7% of the total cost of a solar system, and two to three days of install work at your home. There are a few steps you need to take before the company installs the panels on your roof, including various appointments beforehand. Let’s walk through the steps below.

Step 1: Research your solar options

The first step is to figure out whether solar is right for your home and budget. Think about your energy usage, how much you typically pay in electricity bills, and the amount of sunlight your roof receives. You should also determine how you will pay for your solar system and what features are important to you, including whether you value additional storage and your aesthetic goals. SaveOnEnergy offers a wealth of resources and information to make the research process easier.

Step 2: Use SaveOnEnergy to find a solar installer

SaveOnEnergy can help you find a great solar installer in your area. We partner with top-tier solar companies offering reliable solar products for homes across the country. Fill out the form on this page and we will provide you with more information about your solar energy options. You can also call 866-420-6556 to speak with one of our solar advisors about solar installers in your area.

Step 3: Review solar design

After you find your solar installer, you and your solar advisor will confirm the best solar panels for you, placement on your roof, and the number of panels for your system, as well as other specifications for your system. Afterwards, the solar company should offer you a final estimate for the system, including soft costs like installation. This step should prompt a conversation about the installation timeline and who is in charge of each step (the installation company, utility, local government, or yourself).. The installer will then approve the placement of your solar panels and other components. Once you have agreed on these specifics, you will sign the contract with the solar installer.

Step 4: The solar company schedules an onsite engineering appointment

After signing the contract, your solar company will schedule a site audit at your home with a licensed engineer. During this appointment, the engineer will inspect your roof and your home’s electrical system to determine whether any maintenance is required before installation can begin. You should plan to be available for this inspection, although it is your solar installer’s responsibility to set up the appointment.

Step 5: The solar company obtains the required permits

After you decide on all the specifics of your system, your solar installer will file the required permits with your local government to obtain the necessary documentation. Next, the solar company will order your panels and the other components. This step can sometimes take the longest due to additional parties that are involved and the growing demand for home solar systems.

Step 6: Solar panel installation

You may have to wait a few weeks before equipment installation can actually begin on your roof — this timing will depend on when permits are approved and the solar installer’s capacity. However, once installation actually begins, it will likely be completed within a week. The installation process begins with the installer running and connecting the wiring between your home’s electrical panel and the existing power system. Afterwards, the installer puts on the racking, connects the solar panels, installs the inverter, and installs any other components you chose for your system, like solar batteries.

Step 7: Government and utility approval

After installation is complete and before your system can connect to the grid and begin generating power, the solar company schedules an inspection with a representative from your local government. The inspector will make sure everything was installed safely and is up to the government’s building codes. You may not need to be present for this inspection, but should ensure there aren’t any obstacles that would make it difficult to inspect the outside of your home.

Step 8: Permission to operate

Once you’ve received approval from the government, the solar company will schedule an inspection with a representative from your energy company or utility to receive permission to operate (PTO). If all goes as planned, the energy company will then connect your system to the power grid within a few days. After that, your panels can begin generating electricity to power your home.

Step 9: Take advantage of tax credits

The final step to keep in mind is submitting the proper documentation for solar tax credits or incentives in your area. Our guide to the 30% federal solar tax credit goes into detail about how you can apply. We also offer a guide to state solar incentives, which provides a more detailed walkthrough into how you can find incentives at the state and local levels.

Step 10: Enjoy your new solar system

Congratulations, your solar system is now fully functional! Your home will run off of the solar energy generated by your system and you will likely experience savings on energy bills. All that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy the benefits of your home solar panel system.

Benefits of going solar

People choose to invest in solar panels for a variety of reasons. The following are a few primary factors leading residents to go solar.

Financial savings. Solar panels generate electricity to power your home, meaning you won’t need to pay as much for energy from the power grid. Over time, you’ll experience significant savings on energy bills because your home is powered by solar. In many states, you can also participate in net metering, which provides bill credits in exchange for solar power you send to the grid.
Environmental benefits. Solar power is a renewable and sustainable energy source. Unlike coal and oil, solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) when it it’s converted into electricity. Because carbon dioxide is a main contributor to global warming, solar energy is considered less harmful to the environment.
Increased home value. Another financial incentive to going solar is the impact it can have on your home’s value. A Zillow study found homebuyers were willing to pay 4.1% more on average for homes with an installed solar panel system. A higher home value can often lead to higher property taxes. However, many states offer property tax exemptions on solar panels, so you wouldn’t have to pay higher taxes if you live in one of these states.
Grid independence. Powering your home with solar energy means you’ll rely less on the traditional power grid. Not only does this offer more protection from electricity rate hikes, it can also protect you from power outages if you install a solar battery. Some states allow residents to disconnect completely from the grid. If you choose an off-grid solar system, you will need to include battery storage in the system in order to access electricity during times of low production.

Where can I buy solar panels?

As residential solar grows in popularity, homeowners can choose from a growing number of solar installers. Finding the right solar company is important because your choice impacts the total price, installation time, warranty terms, and manufacturer options. The following table breaks down the differences between some of the top national solar installers.

BBB Rating	Serviceable States	Solar Services + Finance Options	Years of Experience	Best For…
BBB A+ and 1.67 from customers. Is accredited	23 states	Residential, system monitoring, solar batteries, inverters, purchase PPA or lease	2	Nationwide long-term brand support
BBB A- and 3 stars from customers	11 states	Custom solar systems; handles permitting & approval processes. Purchase, loan, lease, or PPA	7	Expedited install in some markets
BBB A+ and 3.3 stars from customers	11 states	Purchase, loans, lease, or PPA, system monitoring, microinverters	13	Concierge service with dedicated point of contact
BBB A+ and 3.9 stars from customers	20 states	Residential, system monitoring, solar loan or cash purchases and independent financing, solar inverters and batteries	7	Long-lasting customer support
BBB A+ and 3.9 stars from customers		Residential, system monitoring, solar loan or cash purchases and independent financing, solar inverters and batteries	5	Combined solar brokering service
BBB A+ and 4 stars from customers	50 states	Fully-integrated solar + storage system; their Equinox panels have the highest efficiency rating; Purchase, loan, or lease	31	System with highest rated efficiency
No rating, 3.77 stars from customers	22 states + Puerto Rico	Purchase, lease, loan, PPA, solar batteries, EV chargers, system monitoring	16	Those who do not qualify for financing, but still want solar.
BBB A+ 5/5 from customers. Not accredited by the BBB*	50 states	Batteries, system monitoring, inverters, panels, solar roof energy-monitoring app	7	Competitive prices
3.8 stars from BBB customers	22 states + Puerto Rico	Home security, smart home tech, 24/7 monitoring; Lease, PPA, Loan	15	Smart home integration with no solar maintenance.

Before signing a contract with a solar installer, we recommend getting quotes from at least three installers to compare your options. Be sure to search for customer reviews and thoroughly read the terms of the contract before signing.

Solar energy FAQs

Depending on your energy usage and the size of your solar system, it’s likely that you will experience savings in the form of significantly lower energy bills every month. Over time, these savings may surpass the amount you paid for the solar system, making it a good investment. Many consumers who finance their solar system find that their monthly payment is lower than their monthly electricity bills were before installing solar, which equates to savings as soon as their system begins generating power. SaveOnEnergy solar advisors can help you estimate your monthly savings when you go solar.
Solar panels usually have a lifespan of around 30 years, although they can last even longer if properly maintained and protected against deterioration. Most manufacturers offer warranties for performance and product. The performance warranty guarantees the products will work at a certain efficiency level for a set amount of time. The product warranty guarantees the products will not have any defects or breakage for a set number of years. The industry standard for these warranties is between 15 and 25 years.
The payback period for a solar system is how long it will take to pay off the total cost of your system. The average payback period in the U.S. is about 14 years, although your financing options and normal energy bills will play a big role in how long the payback period lasts.
The number of solar panels that make up your system depends on the wattage of the panels you choose. For example, to build a 6.5 kW system, you would need more 200W solar panel modules than you would if you chose 400W panels. The average U.S. household typically needs between 15-25 solar panels to power their home. Estimate your home’s monthly electricity consumption and better determine how many solar panels you would need for your system.