Power your home with clean, renewable energy

Rooftop solar uses solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to turn sunlight into electricity. PV panels can be installed on your roof, or even in your yard. They produce no carbon emissions and can save you thousands of dollars a year. If rooftop solar doesn't work for you, you may be able to participate in a Community Solar program.

Why do it?

To save money by generating carbon-free energy for your home.

When?

Any time, as long as you don’t plan on replacing your roof in the near future.

Who is this for?

Rooftop solar for homeowners, community solar for renters.

Costs and benefits

Upfront Costs

$17,000–$24,000 (after tax credits)

Average Lifespan

20 - 30 years

Cost Savings

$1,000+

Features

Zero-carbon, no-cost electricity

Difficulty

Hard, hire a solar installer

Environmental benefits

Carbon-free electricity

Our Takeaway

Rooftop solar produces no carbon emissions, and can save you thousands of dollars a year

Rebates and Credits

Find a solar installer

Try our contractor network directory

We've curated a list of contractor networks that provide the talent you're looking for. Check it out!

Contractor network directory

Going all-electric can be tricky. Our free planner makes it easier.

Get your personalized electrification plan — designed for your unique home, lifestyle, and priorities. Understand your costs, maximize your savings, and get started!

Try our planner today

Learn more about solar

Solar power 101

Everything you need to know about solar, including solar panel options, incentives, average costs, and more.

Written by: EnergySage

Solar cheat sheet

Written by: CNET

Project Sunroof: A guide to solar solutions

Written by: Google

Guide to community solar

Written by: Washington Post

Solar: Pricing, costs, and financing

Written by: Energy Sage

Solar and home battery storage

Written by: U.S. Department of Energy

Project guide

1. Decide what type of solar is right for you

You can choose to install rooftop solar on your own home, or to subscribe to community solar. Visit Energy Sage’s Community Solar Marketplace to learn more. You can also install a home battery system in combination with your solar system, which may be a good option if you live in a place with frequent power outages.

2. Make sure your roof is solar-ready

If your roof needs to be replaced sometime in the next 5 to 10 years, you may want to replace your roof before getting solar.

3. Get solar quotes

Check out Energy Sage to get quotes from multiple local solar installers at once. Getting quotes from multiple installers can help you save money. If you have plans to electrify your home, but you have not electrified yet, let your installer know what you plan to electrify. They may install a larger solar system to serve your future electrified energy needs.

4. Install rooftop solar

Install rooftop solar and enjoy your energy bill savings — and the satisfaction that your electrified home is powered by the sun!

Find a solar installer

Electrify your home with the help of a trusted, qualified solar installer

Download our guide for tips on working with solar installers, questions to ask, and how to evaluate quotes.

Get the solar project guide!

FAQs

Where can I get guidance on solar panel options for my home?

Energy Sage has a buyer’s guide that breaks down solar panels by type, efficiency, warranty, climate, and more.

What is net metering and how can I find out if my state offers it?

Net energy metering means that your utility pays you for excess electricity generated by your solar panels. You can check with your utility company to find out if your state has mandatory rules. Learn more about net metering from the Solar Energy Industries Association here.

My home doesn’t get enough sunlight, is there something else I can do?

If your home is not right for solar, we recommend participating in a community solar program. A community solar project is a central solar power plant, whose electricity is purchased by multiple community members. Community solar participants often save between 5 to 15 percent on their electricity bills.