Maybe you’ve realized that those pesky rate hikes show no signs of slowing down, and you now understand that going solar is one of the best decisions you can make for your household.
Now, the question is: what do you even need to start?
It turns out…not much honestly!
From rooftop and plug-in solar to community solar, in 2026, there are plenty of options out there to help you benefit from solar energy.
So here are some key questions for you to remember so you stay organized as you determine the best solar path for you.
1. What Are My Energy Needs?
Before you decide to go solar, it’s crucial for you to properly understand your utility needs.
Grab a recent utility bill, look over it, and see exactly how much you’ve been paying for electricity over the past year. If your bill has increased steadily then going solar could be a good option to help you save money and make your home more energy efficient.
Also, pay attention to your annual kilowatt hours rating on your bill to determine your annual electricity usage. If you decide to go the rooftop solar route, this will help your solar installer properly evaluate your energy needs so they can size your system accordingly.
2. What Are My Options For Going Solar?
As a homeowner, you might be a good candidate for rooftop if you can afford it and have the proper roof conditions. Getting set up with your own solar panels is a great way to become energy independent and cut your electric bill. This also boosts your home’s value which is a nice perk if you ever want to sell in the future!
However if you rent your home or don’t have the proper roof structure, community solar is the next best option. This program grants you access to solar energy through a monthly subscription to a solar farm. Thanks to your subscription, you get solar credits to help you save 10-25 % off your monthly electric bill.
And have you heard of plug-in solar? This solar solution is pretty new to the U.S but it shows much promise. It lets you generate your own solar energy through plug-in panels connected to a power outlet on your balcony, front or backyard or roof deck. It’s a simple yet effective option if you want to avoid the steps involved for rooftop or community solar.
3. Is My Roof Ready For Solar Panels?
If you decide getting your own solar panels is best for you, having a qualified solar professional inspect your roof should be at the top of your to-do list.
Remember, there’s no rooftop solar without a good roof! Ideally, your roof should be south-facing, made of a durable material like asphalt, metal, or tile, and it should have plenty of space and sun exposure.
Be sure to keep in mind that the older your roof is, the less suitable it’ll be to support solar panels. A solar system has an average lifespan of 25 years so if your roof is older than 10 years, it needs to be properly inspected by a solar installer who will determine whether or not it can support a rooftop solar system.
4. How Can I Afford Solar Panels?
Switching to solar power is quite the investment but there are different options available to help you pay for your solar panels:
Cash
Paying in cash is the most practical option if you can afford it. It gives you the best return on investment since you won’t have to worry about interest fees and you’ll immediately have full ownership over your solar panels. A cash payment also makes you eligible for tax credits and incentive options.
Loans
Another way to own your panels without paying for them upfront is by taking out a loan. You could opt for a secured loan (which offers lower interest rates but requires collateral) or an unsecured loan (which doesn’t require collateral but may impose higher interest rates). Depending on the loan you choose, you may even have to put up your house as collateral so you need to take the time to properly evaluate all your options.
Lease
A lease consists of an agreement with a solar company that will install and maintain your panels for a fixed monthly price. The downside? The company fully owns the panels. This means that if you go the leasing route, you won’t be able to claim any tax credits from your solar system given that ownership is a prerequisite of those types of incentives.
5. Do I Qualify For Any Credits Or Financial Incentives?
Going solar is not cheap but thankfully, there are different credits and incentives that help make the process a lot more affordable. Not all these incentives will reduce the initial costs of residential solar but they can help you recoup part of your investment, increase your savings or even just make a little extra cash on the side.
For example, installing a rooftop solar system in your home could give you access to benefits like property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions or rebates, like the $500 PECO Rebate in Pennsylvania. Enrolling in programs like net metering and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) also helps solar owners benefit from extra energy produced by their system. For example, with net metering, homeowners receive credits for any leftover energy produced by their system that they send back to the grid. They can later use these credits to reduce or even eliminate their electric bill during winter months when their panels underproduce.
And even if you go the community solar route, your long-term saving potential is maximized since your solar developer can pass the savings from any extra incentive on to you, the subscriber.
Remember: Incentives vary by state so check with your state and your local utility to see which ones you might qualify for.
Transitioning to solar energy doesn’t have to be complicated if you’re well prepared. If you’re ready and want to learn more about any of our solar offerings, reach out to us reach out to our team and we will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have.