Questions to ask before choosing home solar

A no-hype guide to costs, roof fit, financing, and warranties.

Evaluate your electric usage

Review at least 12 months of electricity usage and understand your utility’s billing structure and exported-energy credit rules.

Look closely at your roof

Consider age, shading, condition, direction, and expected roof life. Roof replacement after panel installation can add cost.

Separate savings projections from guarantees

Energy prices, usage, panel production, and utility policy can change. Ask for assumptions and a range of outcomes.

Understand financing

Compare cash price, total financed cost, fees, interest rates, and any payment changes. Loans, leases, and PPAs have different ownership implications.

Review permits and warranties

Confirm permit responsibilities, workmanship warranty, system monitoring, maintenance, and how repairs are handled.

Verify incentives at the source

Government and utility incentives have eligibility rules and may change. Check current official sources before relying on an advertised amount.