Click below to listen to our Consumerpedia podcast episode to learn more about your options, how to find an installer, how to pay for a solar project, and how much you could really save on electricity.
Solar-energy technology continues to advance in ways that can greatly benefit homeowners. Panels sold today cost considerably less than those available just five or six years ago, yet produce more electricity. These efficiency gains mean most families can install fairly small projects to cover all their electricity costs.
But there’s growing uncertainty that the cost of panels and other equipment and installation will remain low. Prices are being pushed higher by pandemic supply-chain kinks, rising labor costs, proposed tariffs on panels from market-dominating Asia, and U.S. Customs blocking import shipments of some panels made in China reportedly using forced Uyghur labor. If the U.S. government adds to its already generous tax incentives for residential solar energy projects, rising demand might also propel prices higher.
Even if the cost of equipment and installation remains low, upfront project costs are still a big obstacle for most families: A typical-size system for the Puget Sound area runs about $18,000. A generous federal tax credit and lower electricity bills will eventually add up to recoup those upfront costs, but in this area you’ll have to stay in your home for 15 years to break even. After that, as the system provides free electricity for years, you’ll realize big profits—over 20 years our example homeowner will come out ahead by more than $6,000.
You can finance the high initial cost with a loan from an installer or a home equity line of credit. But that can add thousands of dollars in interest charges to your total cost.
Start by making sure your abode and its roof are good fits for solar. Homes with roofs that have unobstructed southern exposures are the best sites. Because solar panels last for 25 years or more, and because your shingles will need equal longevity, ask a good roofer if you should replace shingles where you plan to install panels.
Thoroughly vet solar contractors you consider. Skeptically review any marketing materials—our undercover shoppers found some companies promise overly optimistic scenarios. Carefully read the contract and ask the company to clarify anything you don’t understand.
