New to solar? Start here
A simple path from “is this for me?” to comparing real quotes.
1. Is your home a good fit?
Homes that tend to benefit most have a roof in good condition with good sun exposure and little shade, relatively high electricity use, and owners who plan to stay several years.
2. The equipment, in one minute
- Panels turn sunlight into DC electricity. See panel reviews.
- Inverters convert DC to the AC your home uses. See inverter reviews.
- Batteries (optional) store energy for later or for outages. See battery reviews.
3. Understand the cost
Compare quotes by cost per watt (total price ÷ system size in watts), and check what’s included. Incentives change often — the federal residential solar tax credit, for example, is not available for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, per the IRS. See costs.
4. Compare installers
Get at least three written quotes, verify contractor licensing with your state, and read the FTC’s guide Solar Power for Your Home. See installer reviews.