Solar Melon is an independent website about solar power for homes. It started in 2017 to answer the questions people have before putting panels on their roof: what it costs, how long it takes to pay off, what happens in a power outage, whether the roof can handle it, and so on.
We don’t install, sell or finance solar systems. The articles here are general information. They aren’t financial, tax or legal advice, and they can’t account for your roof, your utility’s rules or your state’s incentives. If you’re getting serious about solar, get quotes from more than one local installer and read the contract carefully before you sign.
Keeping things current
Solar rules change often. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, for example, ended for homeowner-owned systems installed after December 31, 2025. We update articles when something goes out of date, and every guide lists the sources it relies on. Our page on how we research and update our guides explains the process. If you spot a mistake, please tell us through the contact page.
Where to start
- Is solar still worth it without the federal tax credit?
- How much solar panels cost
- Solar calculator for a rough estimate for your home
- Solar glossary for the jargon in quotes and contracts