Comment Passer au Solaire
Everything you need to know about going solar in 2025 — from incentives to installation.
Don't Miss the 30% Federal Tax Credit
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) saves the average homeowner $6,000+ on their solar system. Available through 2032 — act now!
Understand Your Energy Usage
Review your last 12 months of electricity bills. Note your average monthly usage in kWh and your average bill amount. This determines what size solar system you need.
💡 A typical US home uses ~900 kWh/month. A 5kW system produces ~550–700 kWh/month in most states.
Check Available Incentives
Every US homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal ITC. Additionally, your state may offer tax credits, net metering, property tax exemptions, and utility rebates.
💡 Use our state pages to see all incentives available in your state.
Calculate Your Savings
Use our solar savings calculator to estimate your net cost after all incentives. Enter your system cost, monthly bill, and state to see federal credit, state credit, and payback period.
💡 A typical 5kW system costs $13,000–$18,000 before incentives. After 30% federal ITC: $9,100–$12,600.
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least 3–4 installers for quotes. Prices can vary significantly. Ask each for: equipment brands, system size recommendation, warranty terms, and permit handling.
💡 Never pay the full amount upfront. A standard deposit is 10–25%.
Review Financing Options
Most installers offer: cash purchase (best ROI), solar loans (own the system), solar lease (no upfront but no tax credit), or Power Purchase Agreement/PPA (pay per kWh).
💡 To claim the federal ITC, you MUST own the system (not lease it).
Installation & Interconnection
Professional installation typically takes 1–3 days. After installation, your utility must inspect and connect your system to the grid (interconnection). This can take 2–8 weeks.
💡 Your installer handles permits and interconnection applications in most states.
Claim Your Tax Credits
File IRS Form 5695 with your tax return to claim the federal ITC. For state credits, check your state's tax form requirements. Keep all invoices and contracts.
💡 The ITC credit can be carried forward to future tax years if your liability is lower than the credit amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can renters go solar?
Renters cannot install rooftop solar or claim the federal ITC. However, community solar programs in many states allow renters to subscribe to a shared solar array and receive bill credits.
Does solar work in cloudy states?
Yes! Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. States like Massachusetts and New York have thriving solar markets despite cloudier weather. Higher electricity rates often offset fewer sun hours.
What if my tax liability is less than the credit?
You can carry forward unused ITC credits to future tax years. If your credit is $6,000 but you only owe $4,000 in taxes, you claim $4,000 this year and $2,000 next year.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels typically last 25–30 years. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing the panels produce at least 80–90% of their rated output.
Ready to find your solar incentives?