What are the Pros and Cons of Solar Energy?
Quick answer: The main pros are lower electric bills, protection from rising rates, low emissions and long, low-maintenance life. The main cons are the upfront cost (now without the 30% federal credit), less generous export credits in many states, no power at night without a battery, and roofs that don’t suit panels.
Solar energy has clear strengths and some real drawbacks, and the balance has shifted in the past couple of years. Panels are better and cheaper than a decade ago, while the end of the federal tax credit and changes to how utilities pay for exported power have made the math tighter for some homeowners.
Pros
Lower electric bills
Every kWh your panels produce is one you don’t buy from the utility. With the US average residential price around 17 to 18 cents per kWh in 2025 and 2026, and much higher in states like Hawaii, California and Massachusetts, the savings can add up to more than the system costs over its life. See how much solar saves.
Protection from rising rates
Residential electricity prices rose by about 5.6% a year on average from 2020 to 2025, according to EIA figures. Power you produce yourself isn’t subject to those increases.
Low emissions
Solar panels produce no emissions while running. Over their full life cycle, including manufacturing, rooftop panels produce around 41 grams of CO2 per kWh by IPCC estimates, compared with about 490 for natural gas and 820 for coal. See the environmental benefits of solar.
Long life and little maintenance
Panels have no moving parts, usually carry 25-year warranties and often last longer. Most rarely need cleaning. See how long solar panels last.
Quiet and renewable
Solar makes no noise and runs on a resource that won’t run out for billions of years.
Backup power, with a battery
Paired with a battery and the right equipment, solar can keep essential circuits running during outages.
Can add home value
Studies have found that homes with owned solar systems tend to sell for more. See solar and property value.
Cons
High upfront cost
A typical home system costs roughly $20,000 to $31,000 before incentives, based on EnergySage’s 2026 averages for 8 to 12 kW. The 30% federal tax credit for homeowners ended for systems installed after 2025, so the upfront cost is now higher for buyers than it was a year ago.
Less generous export credits
Many states and utilities have moved new solar customers from net metering to net billing, which pays much less for power sent to the grid. California’s change in 2023 cut export credits by roughly 75%. That lengthens payback unless you use more of your solar power yourself.
Intermittent
Panels produce nothing at night and less on cloudy days and in winter. You’ll still rely on the grid, or on a battery, for those times.
Storage is expensive
A typical 13.5 kWh home battery costs about $15,650 installed, based on EnergySage’s July 2026 data.
Not every roof works
Heavy shade, a north-facing roof, a roof that needs replacing soon, or limited space can make solar a poor fit.
Manufacturing and materials
Panels and batteries require mining for materials like silicon, aluminum, silver and lithium, and most panels are made in China. Recycling is growing but still limited in many areas.
Sales practices and financing
Some solar companies use high-pressure sales, and many solar loans carry hidden dealer fees that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found often add 10% to 30% to the price. Comparing several quotes and asking for the cash price helps.
Is it worth it for you?
Solar tends to make the most sense when you own your home and plan to stay, have a sunny roof in good condition, pay relatively high electricity rates, and your utility offers fair credit for exports or you pair solar with a battery. Our guide on solar payback helps you run the numbers.
