Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Going Solar
Going solar can save you a lot of money and make your home more resilient. But it’s also a big decision—and many homeowners rush in without knowing what to look for. Below are the top 5 most common mistakes people make when going solar—and how to avoid them.
1. Focusing Only on Price, Not Value
The mistake: Choosing the cheapest quote without understanding what’s actually included.
Some companies offer bottom-dollar systems that look good on paper—but leave out critical things like:
Panel quality
Inverter brand
Roof work or electrical upgrades
Customer support or warranties
Why it matters: A cheap system with poor equipment or a rushed install can cost more in the long run through breakdowns, poor performance, or added utility bills.
What to do instead:
Check the online reputation of the company itself and what others have to say. Ask about warranties.
2. Not Understanding the Financing Terms
The mistake: Signing a solar loan or PPA agreement without reading the fine print.
Some homeowners get stuck in long-term loans with high interest, or lease deals with steep 6-7% escalators (an.nual price increases) Others miss deadlines for tax credits or don’t realize what happens if they sell their home.
Why it matters: Financing can make or break your savings. A good system with bad terms is a bad deal.
What to do instead:
Ask for a plain-English explanation of your financing terms
Check if your payments will go up each year
Make sure you understand what happens if you move
Know whether you qualify for the 30% federal tax credit, and when it phases out
3. Overestimating Their Savings
The mistake: Believing unrealistic savings projections.
Some companies promise huge savings without considering things like:
Your actual electricity use
Your utility’s rate plan
Shade on your roof
Weather and panel degradation over time
Why it matters: You could be disappointed if your bill isn’t as low as expected—or worse, end up paying more than before.
What to do instead:
Make sure your solar savings estimate is based on real usage data from your electric bill. Ask if your system is sized to cover 90–100% of your annual usage—and check if they’ve factored in shade and roof orientation.
4. Not Asking About the Roof
The mistake: Installing solar on an old or damaged roof.
If your roof needs to be replaced in a few years, you’ll have to pay extra to remove and reinstall the panels later. That can cost thousands.
Why it matters: Solar panels are long-term assets. If your roof isn’t in good shape, it can throw off the whole investment.
What to do instead:
Ask for a roof inspection before going solar
If your roof has less than 10 years of life left, consider replacing it first
Some companies offer solar + roof bundles or financing options to cover both
5. Thinking All Installers Are the Same
The mistake: Believing solar is a commodity—just pick anyone and the panels will work the same.
The truth is, your experience will depend heavily on the installer’s quality, speed, and communication. A good system with a bad install can underperform—or even damage your home.
Why it matters: Solar is a 25+ year investment. You want it done right.
What to do instead:
Ask how many installs they’ve done in your area
Check reviews—not just the star rating, but what people say about timelines and support
Ask if they handle permitting, utility approvals, and inspections (good companies do it all)
Ask what happens if something breaks—who do you call?
Final Takeaway
Solar can be one of the best upgrades you make to your home—but only if you avoid the common traps.
To recap:
Don’t chase the lowest price—chase real value
Understand your financing before you sign
Base your savings on facts, not hype
Check your roof before installing
Pick a trusted installer—not just whoever knocked on your door
A little homework up front can save you thousands—and give you peace of mind for decades to come.
