Guides & advice · Solar
Solar: costs, choices and hiring advice
Lock in lower electric bills with power from your own roof. Here is what to know before you get quotes.
What it costs
$18,292–$36,409
Solar is priced by system size in watts. Most home systems are 5 to 12 kilowatts.
- 5 kW system$12,500–$17,500
- 8 kW system$20,000–$28,000
- 12 kW system$30,000–$42,000
Choices that change the price
- Buy, loan or leaseBuying with cash usually has the lowest lifetime cost.
- With or without a batteryBatteries store power for outages or evening use and add significant cost.
Problems and hidden costs to watch for
- Roof ageIf your roof will need replacing in the next several years, consider doing it before installing panels.
- Electrical panelSome homes need a panel upgrade to connect solar.
- Incentives changedFederal credits for homeowner-owned systems ended after 2025.
- Utility rulesHow your utility credits the power you send to the grid affects your savings.
Upkeep and lifespan
- MonitoringWatch the monitoring app for drops in production.
- CleaningRain cleans most panels; heavy dust or pollen may need occasional cleaning.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- What size system, and how much power do you estimate it will produce per year?
- What electricity rate and utility credit policy did you assume in the savings estimate?
- Who owns the system, and what happens if I sell my house?
- What warranties cover panels, inverters and roof penetrations?
All solar guides
Costs, budgets and timelines
- Solar cost guideNational prices, example budgets and what each price covers
- Solar Battery Installation Cost and What the Quote IncludesA home battery system averages about $10,000, or $400–$750 per kWh. Costs by size, retrofit charges and a line-by-line quote checklist.
Repair, replace or choose
- Solar Batteries vs. a Standby Generator for Power OutagesBatteries run quietly and recharge from solar but hold limited energy; generators run as long as they have fuel. Costs, limits and ownership compared.
- Buying vs. Financing vs. Leasing Solar PanelsWho owns the system, who gets incentives, what you owe if you sell, and the contract terms to read before signing.
Hiring and comparing quotes
- How to Read a Solar ProposalSystem size, production estimates, utility assumptions, equipment, warranties and exclusions: a line-by-line guide to solar proposals.
- How to Compare Contractor Estimates (With an Annotated Example)Line up scope, quantities, allowances, exclusions and warranty terms so you compare the same job, not just the bottom line.
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a ContractorA practical checklist for the first call, the estimate visit and before you sign, plus links to project-specific questions.
- How to Verify a Contractor's License and InsuranceWhere to look up a license, how to confirm insurance with the insurer, and what each check does and does not tell you.
- Quote comparison worksheetLine up up to three quotes side by side
Budget tools
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in the cost guide. They are not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.