How do I get solar power?

Here are the steps to take to get powered by sunshine. Choose a solar installer. An installer can help you determine if your roof is suitable for solar panels. Start by researching qualified, insured installers online or ask for recommendations from people who have gone solar. Comparison-shop by asking multiple installers to come assess your roof.

How do I go solar?

Here's our quick guide to going solar. First, determine if you're a good fit based on your energy costs, home and roof setup, and location. Compare multiple quotes when going solar to find the right system at a competitive price.

Should you buy or sell a home with solar power?

If you want to use solar power for your home, your options include buying a system, leasing a system, or signing an agreement to buy solar power. Before you agree to anything, know what you’re getting. Depending on the option you choose, you might get certain tax breaks or need to take extra steps before selling your home.

Can solar power be used at home?

To bridge that gap, an inverter converts DC into AC so your solar power is usable at home. Storage comes next. Batteries allow homeowners to store excess energy for use at night or during outages or simply when there is intermittent sunshine, and can be sized based on current and future consumption.

How does solar power work?

At its core, solar power is physics, not magic. Photovoltaic panels are made from silicon cells that generate direct current electricity when sunlight excites electrons. With DC, energy flows in one direction. Homes, however, are wired for alternating current where the flow reverses many times per second to safely power appliances.

Is solar power right for You?

There’s plenty to consider before you decide whether solar power is right for you. When you use a solar panel system — also called a photovoltaic or PV system — to produce power for your home, you won’t have to buy as much electricity from the utility company, and you get the benefits of renewable energy.