Going Solar

Flexible solar panels can bend and curve, so they offer installation options where traditional panels don’t work — but there are drawbacks.

Sally Jones

Want to learn how much power a solar panel produces? We’ll break down what you need to know and how to calculate your solar panel’s energy production.

Brian Church

Interested in going solar? Learn whether a 3kW solar panel array is right for you, how much one might cost and how much it can save you.

Brian Church

Thinking 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

Exploring 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

A 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

Looking to buy some solar panels? Find out if 100W panels are right for your goals and how many of them you might need with ConsumerAffairs.

Brian Church

Wondering how much your solar panels will net you long term? Learn how to calculate your solar panel ROI and see what affects your returns here.

Kiah Treece

Wondering whether solar panels will increase your home’s resale value? Find out the answer and whether it’s worth it with ConsumerAffairs.

Kiah Treece

Interested in going solar? Learn if a 10-kilowatt system is right for your needs, how much one might cost you and how much it can save you.

Brian Church

Trying 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

There 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

Interested in going solar? Find out whether a 6-kilowatt system is right for your needs, how much one might cost you and how much you can save.

Brian Church

The 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

Considering going solar and looking for the right installer? Read about the best solar energy companies and how to choose which is right for you.

Kathryn Parkman

Compare wattage, size, efficiency and other key features of our top portable solar panels to choose the best ones for your next adventure.

Brian Church

Need batteries for solar storage? Compare top solar batteries on capacity, efficiency and cost. Top picks include Vivint, Sunrun and Sunlux.

Chauncey Crail

If you need a solar inverter, you have three main options: a string inverter, microinverters or a solar generator. Learn how to pick here.

Brian Church

A 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

A 500-watt solar panel has its uses, but you’ll likely be better served with something smaller. Learn more about 500-watt solar panels here.

Brian Church

A 300-watt solar panel can be a good choice for some people, but it may be a little small for a residential installation. Learn more here.

Brian Church

400-watt solar panels are a great choice for residential solar panel systems. Learn more about how 400-watt solar panels work here.

Brian Church

250-watt solar panels are great for DIY solar installations, but they may be a little small if you want to run your entire home off solar energy.

Brian Church

Worried 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

A 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

Looking 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

A 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

Researching 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

Solar 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

We looked into how efficient solar panels are at converting energy from the sun into electricity — check out the results and more.

Brian Church

To 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

The 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

Whether 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

Considering 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

Learn 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

Need 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 power purchase agreements, or PPAs, can help make solar panels more affordable. Read more about solar PPAs and how they work.

Chauncey Crail

Find and compare the best solar shed lights. We found our top picks from brands like HMCITY, AmeriTop, HULPPRE, Aqonsie and Flyhoom.

Taylor Sansano

More 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

Read 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 has a relatively small carbon footprint, but it’s not perfect. Read more about the pros and cons of this energy solution.

Alina Bradford

A 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

A 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

Double-sided, bifacial solar panels produce electricity from both direct sunlight and reflected light. Learn more about how they work.

Brian Church

Switching to solar power? Read about our top picks for the most efficient solar panels this year, including SunPower, LONGi and Qcells.

Chauncey Crail

Ground-mounted solar panels provide some advantages over roof-mounted panels. Read more to find out which solution is right for you.

Justin Martino

A 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

The main difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels is efficiency — monocrystalline are more efficient. Read more about both.

Brian Church

Net 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

Solar 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 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

Want to keep your solar battery from overcharging? Read more about how solar charge controllers work and whether they are worth it.

Brian Church

A community solar power collective helps you to lower your energy costs and contribute to the environment without installing solar panels.

David Stillwell

Wondering 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

What are the pros and cons of solar energy? Benefits include a lower electric bill and energy independence; disadvantages include installation costs.

Kathryn Parkman

If 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

Passive solar heating systems have been around for centuries, since civilizations adapted the design of dwellings to harness the warmth of the sun.

Brian Church

Solar-powered air conditioning uses electricity generated from sunlight to run cooling and HVAC units. Learn more about how it works.

Brian Church

Check out these six easy steps to solar panel installation — plus, info on permits, financing and other frequently asked questions.

Brian Church

Solar 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

Solar 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

From 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