Residential Building Solar Power Generation

Should you choose solar energy for your home?

Before starting the process of powering your home with solar energy, homeowners should investigate their energy use and consider potential efficiency upgrades. Homeowners should be well aware of their total electricity usage, and consider low-cost and easy-to-implement efficiency measures before choosing solar.

Should I add a solar energy system to my roof?

You may be considering the option of adding a solar energy system to your home’s roof or finding another way to harness the sun’s energy. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solar solution, here are some resources that can help you figure out what’s best for you. Consider these questions before you go solar. See the Spanish version here.

Are solar-ready homes a good investment?

Solar-ready homes can be appealing to homeowners who might want solar panels in the future but are not ready to make the initial investment. Solar-ready homes will also lower the cost of installing solar for homeowners, so this option can command a sales price premium.

Can a home builder help you go solar?

Homebuilders can share information with consumers about financing options and incentives described in the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. Finally, solar owners are eligible for financial incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (see below), which reduce the cost of going solar.

What is a solar-ready home?

A solar-ready home includes features that make solar installation easy. It has the same components and design considerations for the construction process as a home with solar panels does—the only difference is that the panels can be added later. Be sure to refer to the previous question to review considerations during the building process.

Should you buy a home with solar panels?

A home with solar panels has lower electricity bills than an equivalent home without solar panels. Over the life of the solar system, the savings exceed the higher up-front price of the home. Homebuilders can share information with consumers about financing options and incentives described in the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.