In-depth guides on what solar costs, how the equipment works and the decisions that come with going solar. For quick answers, see our FAQs, or get a ballpark estimate with the solar calculator.
- Solar Lease vs. Loan vs. Cash: How to Pay for Solar Panels
Cash, loans, leases and PPAs compared: upfront cost, hidden fees, contract terms and what happens when you sell your home. - Is Solar Still Worth It Without the Federal Tax Credit?
The 30% federal credit is gone for home systems installed after 2025. Here is how payback changed and where solar still pays off. - What Kind of Solar Inverter Do I Need?
Most homes use either microinverters or a string inverter paired with power optimizers, which handle shade well and meet safety rules. - How to Hook Up Solar Panels to RV Batteries
Mount the panels, then wire them to a charge controller, and the controller to your battery bank, with fuses on each run. - Tesla Solar Roof: What It Cost and Why Tesla Discontinued It
Tesla stopped selling the Solar Roof in August 2026. - Solar Pool Heaters Explained: Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It?
A solar pool heater typically costs $2,500 to $6,500 installed and very little to run, and the Department of Energy estimates payback in 1 to 7 years. - Tesla Powerwall Explained: How Much Does a Powerwall Cost?
The current Tesla Powerwall 3 stores 13.5 kWh, delivers 11.5 kW of continuous power and has a solar inverter built in. - Solar Shingles Explained: How Much Do Solar Shingles Cost?
Solar shingles typically cost about $21 to $25 per square foot installed, or roughly $3.50 to $8 per watt, well above the $2.60 per watt average for regular solar panels. - Solar Water Heaters Explained: Are They Worth It?
A solar water heater typically costs around $3,700 to $4,000 installed and can cut water heating bills by 50% to 80%, according to the Department of Energy. - Solar Backup Batteries Explained – Are Solar Backup Batteries Worth It?
Often, but not always. A home battery (typically about $15,650 installed for 13.5 kWh) tends to pay off when your utility pays little for exported solar, uses time-of-use rates, pays you to share the battery, or when outages are common. - Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Which Is Better?
Monocrystalline. Polycrystalline panels have essentially disappeared from the market because monocrystalline panels became just as cheap to make while staying more efficient. - Can Solar Panels Help You Go ‘Off-Grid’?
Yes. Solar panels with a large battery bank, and usually a backup generator, can power a home with no utility connection. - Will Solar Panels Impact My Property Value?
Owned solar panels usually add value. Studies have found premiums of around 4% (Zillow, 2019) or about $4 per watt of solar (Berkeley Lab, 2015). - What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is the light and heat from the sun. - How Is Solar Energy Used?
Solar energy is used to make electricity for homes, businesses and the grid, to heat water and swimming pools, to heat and light buildings through passive design, and to power everything from phones and RVs to water pumps, satellites and experimental aircraft. - Is Solar Energy Renewable?
Yes. Sunlight is continuously replenished and using it doesn’t reduce what arrives tomorrow, so solar energy is fully renewable. - How Does Solar Energy Work?
Solar panels are made of silicon cells. When sunlight hits them, it knocks electrons loose, and an electric field built into each cell pushes those electrons into a current. - What Rebates and Incentives Are Available for Solar Energy?
The 30% federal tax credit for homeowners ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. - How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
Home solar averages about $2.60 per watt before incentives in 2026, based on EnergySage marketplace data. - How Much Can You Save By Switching to Solar?
It depends mostly on your electricity rate and how your utility credits the power you send back to the grid.