Solar · financing · incentives

See how much it will cost to install solar

Free estimate · Typical completion under one minute · No obligation

30% federal tax credit (purchase / loan)$0-down lease options25-year equipment coverage typical
Solar panels installed on a residential roof
3.4M+
Estimates modeled
~$187
Example monthly savings
A–rated
Installer partners

Our estimates used by

The New York TimesCNBCInvestopediaNerdWalletBloomberg
Process

From estimate to permission to operate

01

Free estimate

Personalized savings analysis in about a minute — no obligation.

02

Site assessment

A specialist reviews your roof, shading, and usage on-site or remotely.

03

Custom proposal

Financing, incentives, and production modeled for your property.

04

Professional install

Certified crews complete most systems in 1–3 days.

05

Inspection & PTO

Permits, inspection, and utility permission to operate handled for you.

06

Start saving

Monitor production and savings; support when you need it.

Roof & production modeling

Satellite-based layout on your roof — not a cartoon mockup

We combine imagery and published solar intensity data to approximate roof area, sun hours, and a panel count that matches your bill — before you speak with anyone.

Satellite roof measurement and pitch context
Annual sunshine hours by coordinates
Panel count scaled to your usage and local rates
Transparent assumptions you can review with a specialist
Education

Everything you need to know about solar panels for home

💰

How much do solar panels cost for a home?

The average cost of residential solar panels in the US is now only $2.90 per watt. This makes a 7 kW system only $14,210 after claiming the federal tax credit. Our estimator calculates the actual cost based on your electricity use and current prices from solar providers near you — including $0 money-down monthly payment options.

🏷️

Are $0 down solar panel offers legit?

"Free solar panels" refers to a zero-down solar system where the monthly electric bill savings exceed the monthly solar payment — meaning you profit without ever spending money upfront. These offers are legitimate in states with higher electricity prices and/or strong solar incentives. Our estimator will tell you if this is possible for your specific location.

🔧

Can I buy solar panels and install them myself?

Absolutely — but you need at minimum an electrical contractor's license, and in many states a specific solar license or NABCEP certification. Permitting and utility approvals can also be complex, which is why over 95% of homeowners use a professional solar company to handle the entire job.

🌧️

Do I have to do any maintenance on solar panels?

There is no regular maintenance required on solar panels. You may want to clean them if you live in a climate that goes long periods without rain, or if they are installed on a flat or shallow-sloping roof. Otherwise, solar panels are essentially set-it-and-forget-it.

🏠

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The average home requires a 7 kW solar system — about 20 × 350-watt panels. However, this varies significantly by state and your actual electricity usage. Our estimator tells you exactly how many panels you need based on your location and monthly spend on electricity.

🛡️

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels last a minimum of 25 years, and many premium brands now offer 30-year warranties. Most systems pay for themselves in 6–10 years, leaving 15–20+ years of essentially free electricity generation.

Get My Free Estimate

Example outcome: ~$2,200/year in energy savings

Your result depends on roof, utility rates, and financing. Run the calculator to see your range.

Continue to full estimate →
Homeowners

Recent feedback

★★★★★

My bill dropped from $340 to $153. SolarAdvisor made the whole process painless.

Marcus T.
Phoenix, AZ
$187/mo
★★★★★

I was skeptical but the estimate was spot-on. $0 down and I'm saving day one.

Linda R.
Tampa, FL
$142/mo
★★★★★

Best decision I made for my home. The calculator was incredibly accurate.

James K.
San Diego, CA
$230/mo
★★★★★

The team walked me through every option. No pressure, pure expert guidance.

Priya M.
Austin, TX
$165/mo

Common questions

How does $0-down solar work?+
You lease the solar system with no upfront cost. Your monthly lease payment is set lower than your current electricity bill, so you start saving immediately. No installation cost, no maintenance cost.
What is the 30% federal tax credit?+
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on the full cost of your solar system. If you purchase or finance your system, you can claim this credit on your federal tax return.
How long do solar panels last?+
Quality solar panels are warranted for 25–30 years and typically last 30–40 years. Most systems pay for themselves in 6–10 years, generating free electricity for 20+ years after that.
Will solar increase my home value?+
Yes. Studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show solar-equipped homes sell for 4–6% more than comparable homes. Buyers pay a premium for low energy costs.
What if my roof isn't perfect?+
We work with all roof types. If your roof needs repairs, we can coordinate that before installation. Flat, sloped, tile, shingle — we've done them all.
How long does installation take?+
Most residential installations are completed in 1–3 days. Permitting typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on your municipality. You'll have power in 4–8 weeks from agreement.

Ready for a serious number on your roof?

Same flow used in 3,372,403+ estimates since 2020. No cartoon promises — just math, incentives, and next steps.

Start free estimate

Free · No obligation · About one minute