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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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How does the federal solar tax credit work?
7/8/2022The tax credit helps offset the cost of installing solar panels. It’s designed to make renewable energy systems more affordable for homeowners.
Zachary Shahan
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
Solar lease vs. solar PPA
7/1/2022Looking 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
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
Passive solar home design
6/18/2022A 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 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 community solar?
6/17/2022A community solar power collective helps you to lower your energy costs and contribute to the environment without installing solar panels.
David Stillwell
How many solar panels do I need for my house?
6/16/2022To estimate how many solar panels you need to power your whole house, consider your home’s size, energy usage, location and roof condition.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team
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
Are solar panels worth it?
6/15/2022Whether 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
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 efficient are solar panels?
6/10/2022We looked into how efficient solar panels are at converting energy from the sun into electricity — check out the results and more.
Brian Church
How do solar water heaters work?
6/10/2022Solar 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
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
How long do solar panels last?
5/27/2022Wondering 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
Greenest states in the U.S.
5/18/2022Washington, Oregon, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine are the most eco-friendly states of 2021. The least are West Virginia, Louisiana and Wyoming.
Kathryn Parkman
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
How do solar panels work?
5/16/2022Researching 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.
Kathryn Parkman
Best Solar Energy Companies
5/16/2022Ready to go solar? Learn about solar energy and compare highly rated companies. Our picks include Zenernet, SunPower, Elevation and Tesla.
Zachary Shahan
The solar effect
5/13/2022A 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
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
Best solar panels for homes in 2022
5/12/2022Looking for solar panels? Compare the best solar panels on the market. Learn about the types of solar panels and what affects solar panel efficiency.
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
How much do solar panels cost?
4/28/2022The cost of solar panels for an average-size home ranges from $11,144 to $14,696. Find out solar panel costs by state, installation costs and more.
Kathryn Parkman
Best portable solar panels
3/11/2022Compare 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
Solar energy pros and cons
2/17/2022What are the pros and cons of solar energy? Benefits include a lower electric bill and energy independence; disadvantages include installation costs.
Kathryn Parkman
Best Solar Financing Companies
9/27/2021Use our guide to find the best solar financing companies, read customer reviews and compare solar financing options: Solar loans, solar leases and PPAs.
Kate Williams, Ph.D.
Solar Energy Local Recommendations
We compared the top local solar energy companies across the U.S. to help you find the best in your city.
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Texas