Solar 101
Why is Solar Right For You?
Common reasons for Going Solar:
Lower or eliminate your electric bill: Power prices may have dipped recently, but the long-term outlook for energy prices show a steady increase.
Increased Home Value: If the time comes to sell your home, you'll be selling a home with little or no electric bill-- a powerful selling point.
Safe Investment: Has your retirement fund taken a hit lately? In addition to increased home value, Residential Solar can produce small, but certain long-term returns.
Reduce Your Footprint: An average residential solar electric system reduces C02 emissions by 89,429 lbs. per year; the equivalent of planting 130 trees every year.
Electricity, Hot Water, Heat
There are three types of solar:
Photovoltaic or PV: Produces electricity to power your home
Passive Thermal: Produces heated air to heat your home
Thermal Hot Water: Produces hot water
Learn Your Usage
Determine your monthly usage from your bill. This is measured in kWh.
System Size
The size of a solar electric system depends on the following:
Daily Energy Usage: As you'd expect, the less energy you need, the less your system will cost. The average home in the U.S. uses 900 kW hours per month.
Daily Sun Hours: This is the number of hours your location receives peak exposure to the sun. What's your sun hours? U.S. Solar Map
Percentage of Coverage: The cost of the system will depend on the percentage of electricity you hope to gain from solar.
Get Started
Average System Cost
The cost of a typical system can be broken down into 2 areas: components and installation. In the solar industry, this cost is tracked by dollars per watt.
Range of Cost: Residential Grid-Tie systems can start as low as $2000 (installed) for a starter system, all the way to $50,000 or more.
Average Component Cost: $4 per watt. This includes all the components including panels, inverters, mountings and electrical accessories.
Average Installation Cost: $2.50 per watt. This usually includes the physical installation of the system and connection to the grid.
Example: A 3 kW system is 3000 watts. So the components will cost $15,000 before rebates, and the installation will cost $6,000.
Get Started
800.810.9939
» Get A Personalized Quote » Calculate Your System Size » Solar FAQ'sWhat is Residential Solar?
There are many terms for a residential solar energy system, such as grid-tie (tied into the energy grid), residential solar, and home solar. They all mean the same thing: a solar electric system that provides clean and renewable power from the sun.
Get Started with Solar
Step 1
Determine your usage from your bill.
Step 2
Have one of our experts design a custom system or select a kit.
Step 3
Find an installer in your local area.
Looking for off-grid systems?
Visit our off-grid page. Click here for off-grid kits, FAQ's, and more.
Still have questions about how it all works?
Visit our learning center to find detailed articles, podcasts, videos, and more.



