To make the right solar decision, you need to know the right questions to ask. Knowledge is power when it comes to confidently deciding to go solar. Doing your research will help you get the best system for your needs. Remember, not all solar is equal and neither are solar companies.  

Here are some important considerations when doing your research. 

Getting the right system size for your home. 

Every home uses a different amount of electricity, which determines the best system size to cover your needs. Some companies offer packages with a specific number of panels. Solar is not a “one size fits all” because you may not have enough panels to properly offset your energy usage or, even worse, end up paying for more panels than you really need. By understanding how much energy your home uses over the course of the year, you will be able to get a better idea of how many panels your home needs. This information can easily be gathered from your utility provider by either calling them or logging in to their online portal and determining how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy your home uses each month for a full year.  

Taking advantage of available tax credits and incentives.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit has been a major boon to the solar industry and homeowners alike for the last several years, substantially reducing the upfront cost of going solar. In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, Arizonans are eligible for three additional benefits, ranging from rebates of up to $1000 to exemptions on sales and property taxes. However, the window for these benefits is closing. At the time of writing this article, the Federal Solar Tax Credit will drop from 26% to 22% by the end of 2022 and then be reduced to zero by the end of 2023. This is why we strongly encourage homeowners to take advantage of the benefits available to them before they expire. You could reduce your upfront costs by upwards of 30 percent. 

Understanding the best way to pay for your system.

Every customer is on a different budget so the way you choose to pay for your system matters. There are a variety of ways you can get solar on your home. Here are some of the most common ways people have gone solar with Solar Topps. You can purchase your system and take advantage of available tax credits and rebates to reduce the upfront cost. Additionally, you can get a loan through a third-party financing company, such as banks or from solar-specific financing partners we work with like GoodLeap, GreenSky, and Sunlight Financial, and then make monthly payments to them for the financing term. You can also lease a system that will allow you to make a lump sum or monthly payments to the leasing company, who will be responsible for the performance and maintenance of the system, but will also be the beneficiary of any available tax credits or incentives.

Additional Tips

As solar increases in popularity, more homeowners are starting to make the switch and save on their energy bills. But what are the best ways to save the most money? While every homeowner’s journey is different, there are still some key universal ways to get the best system for your home.  

Since 2009, Solar Topps has helped thousands of homeowners go solar without regrets and we are happy to share some of the key factors we have noted over the years that make for a better solar experience. See some of our additional articles from the list below.  

Tip: Get Multiple Quotes from Qualified Solar Installers 

Tip: Read the Fine Print of the Solar Installation Agreement 

Tip: Timing is Everything  

Always remember that you are not alone in this process. Whether Solar Topps is your installer of choice or you decide to go with someone else, we want you to get the best value possible. Feel free to call, text or chat online for a free, no obligation conversation. We look forward to helping you go solar, without regrets.