Are you thinking about installing solar panels at home but don’t know where to start? This guide is for you. We cover the key considerations before you call your solar panel installer, including how to find out if your home is right for solar, how long each step of the installation process takes, and what you need to know before you start.
First Things First: How to Know if Your Home is Right for Solar
For homeowners, having energy independence and long-term clean power with solar panels is an exciting prospect. But before you jump in, there are a few things to research to make sure solar is right for your home.
Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar?
Roof Angle
First, you need to assess how suitable your roofing is for solar panels. In the US, south-facing roofs are best suited for solar because they usually have the most sunlight hours. Your roof angle and shading from surrounding trees or buildings also impact how solar panels perform, so it’s important to check where shade can be avoided.
Roof Condition and Age
You may need to consider a roof replacement or repair before your installer will consider it for solar panels if your roof is in poor condition, is very old, or requires maintenance.
Available Roof Space
If your roof is on the smaller side or you don’t have an ideal spot, it’s also possible to choose a ground-mounted solar array if you have available space on your property.
Interested to learn more about how suitable your roof is for solar panels? Read here.
Will Solar Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills?
Solar panels can be a great investment, but it’s always a good idea to review your electricity bills to get an estimate of your potential long-term savings. Everyone can benefit from solar panels. If your energy bills are high, you’ll definitely see big savings, but you’ll also be making a better choice for the planet, and contributing to energy security by easing pressure on the grid and generating your own power.
You can save time during the installation phase by giving your installer a year’s worth of electric bills so they have an accurate picture of your energy usage to inform their quote.
It’s worth considering seasonal usage patterns of your solar panels to understand when you’re likely to generate the most power and how this will offset your energy bills annually.
Solar works best, generating the most power (and saving you energy) in sunny states where there are more hours of daylight. Contrary to popular myths, solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy days, in indirect sunlight, and can even be more efficient in cooler weather, so don’t be put off if you don’t live in California or Arizona.
Solar Panel Installation Costs and How you Can Save More
The main costs of a getting solar installed usually include:
- Solar panels
- Inverter
- Mounting equipment
- Wiring
- Labor costs for your installer to put everything together.
Generally, the bigger the system you choose, the higher the upfront cost will be. Your state will also affect how much your system costs, after incentives. An estimate of total costs for a system can exceed $50,000 or as little as $20,000.
While these numbers may sound significant for an upfront investment, many homeowners find solar pays for itself over time. You’ll see savings through lower monthly electricity bills and you’ll be shielded from rising utility rates.
How you can Save More
Switch Together helps you save when you go solar through group buying. We bring households together to unlock a better deal with the group bargaining power and SwitchTogether’s support.
Instead of you chasing installers, they compete for your business. Homeowners get lower prices, vetted installers, and expert support, without the hours of searching and comparing. Find out more about how our group buying model works here.
Many states and local programs offer rebates and additional incentives to encourage clean energy adoption. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) plays a key role in supporting these efforts through the State Energy Program (SEP). This program provides grants to states, helping them design, develop, and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. To learn more about these programs, you can explore further here.
In terms of financing options, these could include cash payments, using a solar loan, or exploring leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer flexibility to fit different budgets. You can learn about the specific payment options that we offer here.
The Solar Installation Process Step-by-Step
Once you’ve decided to go solar, we match you with a qualified installer near you and the process of getting home solar begins.
During the process of installing residential solar panels you can expect:
- Site assessment and consultation: a professional will evaluate your roof and energy needs.
- System design and permits: your installer will create a custom solar plan, based on your home’s requirements and will handle the approvals and permits from local authorities and your utility company.
- Installation day: roof preparation, panel mounting, inverter installation, and wiring l are normally completed in 1-3 days.
- Inspection and grid-connection: your utility company will approve your new system before it is connected.
- Activation: the big moment when your solar will be switched on, start producing power, and you can monitor performance.
How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take?
Generally, a timeline for installation would be typically 2-6 months from planning to power generation at home.
This includes:
- Planning: 4–12 weeks for site survey, design, and permits (permitting timelines which are dependent on local authorities can vary).
- Installation: 1–3 days, depending on system size
- Approval and connection: 1–6 weeks for inspections and utility sign-off and connection (utility interconnection timelines can vary).
How long solar panels take to install will ultimately depend on factors like how busy installers in your area are and the size of the system you want to install.
Checklist for Homeowners: What to Know Before You Get Solar Panels
We’ve put together this checklist for you to help you better understand if solar is right for you:
- Homeownership requirement: Firstly you must own your home, as solar incentives usually apply only to homeowners, not renters.
- Check your Homeowners Association or neighborhood restrictions: some communities have rules on how big or visible panels can be.
- Utility company policies: Double-check with your power company their net metering availability and compensation rates, as these can vary depending on location .
- Future-proof your system: If you fit all the above criteria, you should consider sizing your panels for potential EV charging and/or home battery storage to future-proof your home solar system. Battery storage is becoming increasingly attractive as technology improves and prices go down.
Ready for the Next Steps for Solar Panel Installation?
Deciding to install solar panels is a big step. It starts with making sure your home and your roof are suitable, your budget works, and your energy usage is the right fit for solar.
Once you’ve done that, the process becomes much easier with the right installer to guide you. A personalized consultation will give you a clear picture of your potential savings and what size system will best work for your home. Beyond cutting bills, solar can boost your home’s value and help build a cleaner, more resilient energy future for your community.
If you still have questions about getting solar panels installed at home, contact the Switch Together team