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Going Solar
More and more homeowners are going solar these days — and with good reason. If you're considering moving to renewable energy, check out our solar resources for guidance on cost, process, brands and the pros and cons to going solar.
Going Solar Basics
6 ways to lower your electric bill
Staying power vs. convenience
5 steps to solar energy
The average is upwards of $10,000 for a U.S. home
Are the cost-benefits worth it?
Deduct 26% of the cost of installation
Best of Solar Energy
If you're looking to buy solar panels and accessories or need assistance financing your home solar system, our guides have what you need to find the best solar companies and products for you.
Latest Resources
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Passive solar home design
3/22/2023A solar home is really any home that makes use of energy from the sun. Some use solar panels, but others take things a step further.
Taylor Sansano
Solar lease vs. solar PPA
3/22/2023Looking for help getting a home solar system? Learn more about the differences between a solar lease and a PPA to find out which is best for you.
Brian Church
200-watt solar panels: what to know
3/22/2023A 200 W solar panel is relatively small, but it can still have a number of uses. Read more about 200 W solar panels and if they are right for you
Brian Church
How do solar panels work?
3/21/2023Researching solar panels so you can go solar? Read about how solar panels are made, how they produce electricity, if the panels save money and more.
Alina Bradford
Best Solar Energy Companies of 2023
3/20/2023Considering going solar and looking for the right installer? Read about the best solar energy companies and how to choose which is right for you.
Brian Church
Best Solar Financing Companies
3/17/2023Worried about how you’ll pay for going solar? Read about the best solar financing companies and how to choose which is right for you.
Brian Church
Best solar panels in 2023
3/17/2023Interested in going solar? Check out our top picks for this year’s best solar panel brands, including Maxeon, Panasonic, Q Cells and LONGi Solar.
Cassidy McCants
Best cheap solar panels
3/16/2023Trying to go solar on a budget? Check out our top picks for this year’s best cheap solar panel brands, including Maxeon, Panasonic and LONGi.
Alina Bradford
How much do solar panels cost?
3/16/2023The tax credit helps offset the cost of residential solar power systems with a 30% credit until 2032. A reduced credit is available in 2033 and 2034.
Kathryn Parkman
How do solar water heaters work?
3/14/2023Solar water heaters aren’t as complicated to set up as you might think. Here’s how to know if a solar hot water system is right for you.
Taylor Sansano
Solar panel efficiency
3/10/2023We looked into how efficient solar panels are at converting energy from the sun into electricity — check out the results and more.
Brian Church
How many solar panels do I need for my house?
3/10/2023To estimate how many solar panels you need to power your whole house, consider your home’s size, energy usage, location and roof condition.
Taylor Sansano
How does the federal solar tax credit work?
3/10/2023The tax credit helps offset the cost of residential solar power systems with a 30% credit until 2032. A reduced credit is available in 2033 and 2034.
Zachary Shahan
Are solar panels worth it?
3/10/2023Whether solar panels are worth it for you depends on three factors: amount of sunshine, cost of your solar array and the cost of energy in your area.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
7 steps to going solar
3/9/2023Considering going solar and not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step list to help you convert to renewable energy at home.
Brian Church
Types of solar panels
3/9/2023There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Each has its own benefits. Read about which might work for you.
Alina Bradford
Best solar-powered heaters
3/3/2023Learn how solar-powered heaters work and if they’re worth it. Our top picks are from GRECELL, EF ECOFLOW, Renogy, Jackery and SunQuest.
Taylor Sansano
Best solar phone chargers
3/3/2023Need to charge your phone while you’re traveling or off the grid? Learn more about solar phone chargers and find one that works for you.
Taylor Sansano
Solar PPAs: what to know
3/3/2023Solar power purchase agreements, or PPAs, can help make solar panels more affordable. Read more about solar PPAs and how they work.
Chauncey Crail
Best solar shed lights
3/3/2023Find and compare the best solar shed lights. We found our top picks from brands like HMCITY, AmeriTop, HULPPRE, Aqonsie and Flyhoom.
Taylor Sansano
California solar incentives
3/3/2023More people are turning to solar power, and California's solar incentives can help residents offset the costs of installing a home solar power system.
Kiah Treece
Best solar panels for RVs
3/3/2023Read about and compare the best solar panels for RVs. Our picks include panels from Renogy, ACOPower, EF EcoFlow, SunPower and Topsolar.
Taylor Sansano
Nuclear energy pros and cons
3/3/2023Nuclear energy has a relatively small carbon footprint, but it’s not perfect. Read more about the pros and cons of this energy solution.
Alina Bradford
How does a solar lease work?
3/2/2023A solar lease allows you to rent solar equipment with a fixed monthly payment. Learn more about how a solar lease works and if it’s right for you.
Kiah Treece
How do solar loans work?
3/2/2023A solar loan goes toward the purchase and installation of solar panels. Learn more about solar loans and if they’re right for you.
Kiah Treece
What are bifacial solar panels?
3/2/2023Double-sided, bifacial solar panels produce electricity from both direct sunlight and reflected light. Learn more about how they work.
Brian Church
Most efficient solar panels
2/28/2023Switching to solar power? Read about our top picks for the most efficient solar panels this year, including SunPower, LONGi and Qcells.
Chauncey Crail
What are ground-mounted solar panels?
2/24/2023Ground-mounted solar panels provide some advantages over roof-mounted panels. Read more to find out which solution is right for you.
Justin Martino
Solar panel size and weight: a guide
2/18/2023A residential solar panel is approximately 65 inches by 39 inches and weighs about 40 pounds. Read our guide for more on solar panel size and weight.
Brian Church
Monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline solar panels
2/18/2023The main difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels is efficiency — monocrystalline are more efficient. Read more about both.
Brian Church
What is net metering?
2/18/2023Net metering is an electronic billing tool that credits solar energy system owners for energy returned to the grid. Read more to see how it works.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
What are solar windows?
2/18/2023Solar windows are windows with built-in solar panels that produce energy from the sun. Learn more about solar windows and how they work.
Brian Church
Solar panel cars
2/18/2023Solar panel cars are vehicles powered by solar energy. Learn more about how solar panel cars work, how to get one and if they’re worth it.
Chauncey Crail
The solar effect
2/16/2023A survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar panels and Redfin data on green homes illuminates the reasons for and benefits of installing solar panels.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
What is a solar charge controller?
2/16/2023Want to keep your solar battery from overcharging? Read more about how solar charge controllers work and whether they are worth it.
Brian Church
What is community solar?
1/19/2023A community solar power collective helps you to lower your energy costs and contribute to the environment without installing solar panels.
David Stillwell
Best portable solar panels
1/19/2023Compare wattage, size, efficiency and other key features of our top portable solar panels to choose the best ones for your next adventure.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
How long do solar panels last?
10/31/2022Wondering about the life span of solar panels? Read about how long they typically last, what affects their efficiency and how to make them last.
Brian Church
Going green by generation: Save the planet, or save your wallet?
10/14/2022Exploring how important it is for different generations to contribute to saving the planet, even if it means having to spend more money.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
Greenest states in the U.S.
9/22/2022Washington, Oregon, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine are the most eco-friendly states of 2021. The least are West Virginia, Louisiana and Wyoming.
Kathryn Parkman
Solar energy pros and cons
9/21/2022What are the pros and cons of solar energy? Benefits include a lower electric bill and energy independence; disadvantages include installation costs.
Kathryn Parkman
Where your solar savings go the furthest
9/9/2022Thinking about going solar? We look at which states are the best for buying solar panels based on potential savings due to going green.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
What is a solar tree?
7/1/2022A solar tree is a ground-mounted solar array that looks like a metal tree with solar panels for branches. It’s an alternative to rooftop panels.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
Solar panel cleaning
7/1/2022How often you clean your solar panels depends a lot on the climate where you live, but most experts say annually is sufficient. Here’s how it’s done.
David Stillwell
Flexible solar panel guide
6/21/2022Flexible solar panels can bend and curve, so they offer installation options where traditional panels don’t work — but there are drawbacks.
Sally Jones
Solar shingles vs. solar panels
6/17/2022If you’re planning to install a rooftop solar system, you have the choice between solar panels and solar shingles. But which option is right for you?
David Stillwell
How do solar lights work?
6/17/2022As renewable energy becomes more accessible, solar lights are lighting up lives. Here’s how solar lights work and how to shop for them.
Taylor Sansano
What is passive solar heating?
6/15/2022Passive solar heating systems have been around for centuries, since civilizations adapted the design of dwellings to harness the warmth of the sun.
Brian Church
How solar-powered air conditioning works
6/15/2022Solar-powered air conditioning uses electricity generated from sunlight to run cooling and HVAC units. Learn more about how it works.
Brian Church
Solar panel installation guide
6/15/2022Check out these six easy steps to solar panel installation — plus, info on permits, financing and other frequently asked questions.
Brian Church
What is a solar generator?
6/10/2022Solar generators are a sustainable source of backup electricity that can power your home or devices in an emergency. Read our guide to learn how.
Brian Church
How does a solar pool heater work?
6/3/2022Solar pool heaters are a great way to heat your outdoor swimming pool and save money on energy. Learn how to get started in this step-by-step guide.
David Stillwell
Best solar batteries
5/16/2022Need batteries for solar storage? Compare top solar batteries on capacity, efficiency and cost. Top picks include Vivint, Sunrun and Sunlux.
Kathryn Parkman
Solar energy vs. fossil fuels
5/12/2022Fossil fuels are convenient — for now. Compare solar energy and fossil fuel costs, efficiency, availability and more. Plus, learn about the benefits.
Kathryn Parkman
How to save energy at home
5/12/2022From using power strips to investing in energy-efficient appliances, learn how to lower your energy bill and save money with these 6 simple tips.
Emma Simon