How to go solar in 2025

Getting solar panels installed on your roof can feel overwhelming. Which panels should you choose? Should you replace your roof first? Where can you find a reputable solar installer? How should you pay for it?

These are all good questions—and they're ones that thousands of homeowners figure out every year. The solar installation process is more straightforward than you might think, especially when you break it down into manageable steps. From determining if your home is a good fit to flipping the switch on your new system, each phase has a clear set of actions you can take.

The best way to navigate the process is to take it step by step—and we're here to help you through each one.

Here's our quick guide to going solar.

Before going solar, you want to ensure you're a good fit. There are five key questions to consider to determine if solar is right for you:

1. How much do you spend on electricity? The higher your electricity bills, the more you'll save with solar. Solar might not be your best financial decision if your energy bills are low, but you'll still lower your carbon footprint by powering your home with clean energy. Homes with moderate to high electricity consumption and rates see the most substantial returns. Every kilowatt-hour your panels produce directly offsets what you'd otherwise purchase from your utility.

2. What type of home do you live in, and do you own it? It will be easiest to go solar if you live in a single-family house that you own. If you live in a condo, you may need approval from your HOA before installing solar on your property unless you have explicit roof rights. Similarly, your landlord must provide authorization before you go solar in an apartment.

3. Is your roof suitable for solar? The best roof for solar is south-facing, has a tilt between 30 and 45 degrees, has plenty of open space, experiences minimal shading throughout the day, and is in good condition. East and west-facing roofs work just fine, too. If your asphalt roof is more than 10-15 yers old, consider replacing it before installation—solar panels typically last 25-30 years. You'll want your roof to last just as long.

4. Can you take advantage of tax incentives and rebates? Some states offer better solar incentives than others. You’ll save a lot with solar if you live in a state with net metering, a solar renewable energy credit (SREC) market, rebates, and state tax incentives. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expires for systems installed after December 31, 2025, and is no longer accessible for most homeowners due to limited installer capacity.

5. How much do solar panels cost in your region? The cost of solar varies based on where you live. For example, according to our latest Solar & Storage Marketplace Report, before incentives, solar costs about $3.00/watt (W) in Massachusetts, while in Arizona, it's only $1.99/W. For a 10 kilowatt (kW) system, that's over a $10,000 difference in cost. On average, a 12 kW system—the typical size EnergySage shoppers need—costs about $29,649 before incentives.

Once you know you're a good fit for solar, the first step is to gather and compare competing quotes. Historically, most solar shoppers only saw a single solar quote from a company going door-to-door. But how can you ensure you pay a fair price for the right system without gathering multiple quotes? 

When you register for an account on EnergySage, we gather up to seven custom quotes from our network of vetted, experienced installers in your area. On average, solar shoppers who receive quotes on EnergySage pay 20% less for solar than those who don't.

You've received multiple quotes to compare. Now it's time to pick the installer and solar panel system that suits your needs. Compare your quotes based on details like the quality and type of solar equipment included in your quote, the installer's ratings and reviews, and the systems' comparative prices.

Our expert Energy Advisors can walk you through your quotes (even if you didn't get them through EnergySage) and provide free, unbiased advice on these factors to help you feel confident in your decision.

Once you've selected your installer, it’s time to review your contract. Pay close attention to details on costs, incentives, equipment, cancellation terms, and clauses. Only sign it when you feel ready.

Once you sign your contract, your installer will conduct a site visit as a final check to ensure the solar power system you're purchasing is suitable for your home. Typically, installers won't perform this step until after you've signed your contract because it lowers the number of sites where they send sales reps and engineers, cutting their overhead costs and ultimately lowering the price of your installation.

They’ll make any necessary adjustments to your contract after the visit, and they’ll typically let you out of the contract or only charge a minimal penalty if you don't want to proceed based on their findings.

During the site visit, an engineer (not a salesperson) will check your roof and electrical panel to decide if they need any updates before you go solar. They may come to your house or conduct your site visit virtually.

As crucial as deciding which installer to go with and which solar panel system to install is deciding how you will pay for your solar installation. There are three main ways to pay for solar: upfront cash purchase, a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), or a solar loan. Each method has pros and cons—the right choice depends on your financial priorities.

Once you've signed a contract and decided how to pay for your solar panel system, it’s time to sit back, relax, and watch your solar company install the panels on your roof. Before installation day, your installer will begin submitting the paperwork required for installation and interconnection to the grid and for applicable incentives.

On the day of your installation, you can expect 5-10 employees from your solar company to be on site, ranging from certified electricians to solar panel installers who will be on your roof attaching the panels. Most home installations take 1-3 days to complete. 

After your installation, you'll need approval for any incentives and permission to operate (PTO) from your utility before your installer can turn on your system. PTO can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months

Typically, your utility company will send a representative to your house to examine your system and install or update your meter so they can track the solar energy you send to the grid. Once they've completed PTO, you'll receive official documentation to officially turn your solar panel system on for electricity generation.

That's it—now, you’re ready to enjoy decades of solar-powered electricity.

The solar industry has matured considerably over the past decade. Prices have dropped, equipment quality has improved, and options have expanded to accommodate different situations and preferences. Whether you're drawn to solar for financial savings, energy independence, environmental reasons, or all of the above, there's never been a better time to make the switch.

Your roof is already there, soaking up sunlight every day. The only question is when you'll start putting it to work generating clean energy for your home.