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Contact Us for UpdatesFrequently Asked Questions
1. Who is this solar information designed for?
Our guides and tools are created for homeowners, renters, and curious beginners who want clear, unbiased solar education before talking to installers or comparing quotes.
2. How do I know if solar is right for my home?
Solar suitability depends on your roof condition, shading, electricity usage, local incentives, and utility policies. Our beginner tools and checklists help you evaluate these factors step-by-step.
3. How much does a typical solar system cost in the US?
Solar pricing varies by state, equipment, installer, and system size. We provide general educational ranges and explain how incentives, tax credits, and financing options affect your final cost.
4. Are the solar tools and calculators on this site free to use?
Yes. All tools, checklists, and beginner resources are free for personal use. They’re designed to help you understand solar basics, estimate potential savings, and compare options.
5. What is net metering, and does it still exist?
Net metering policies vary by state and utility. Our guides explain how net metering works, what has changed in recent years, and what alternatives exist where traditional net metering has been reduced or replaced.
6. Will solar panels work during a power outage?
Most grid-tied solar systems shut off during outages for safety. To keep power during an outage, you need a battery system or a specialized inverter setup. We explain these options in beginner-friendly terms.
7. What maintenance do solar panels require?
Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning and periodic inspections are usually enough. We explain what homeowners can expect over the system’s lifetime.
8. How long do solar panels and batteries last?
Most solar panels last 25–30 years or more. Batteries typically last 10–15 years depending on chemistry and usage. Our guides break down warranties, degradation, and replacement expectations.
9. How do solar tax credits and incentives work?
We explain the federal solar tax credit, state incentives, utility rebates, and how they apply to homeowners. Our content is educational and helps you understand what to ask your tax professional.
10. What should I do before talking to a solar installer?
We recommend reviewing our beginner guides, using our tools to understand your home’s solar potential, and learning the key questions to ask during a consultation.
11. Can renters go solar?
Yes — through community solar, shared solar programs, or portable solar options. We explain these alternatives in simple terms.
12. What is the difference between rooftop solar and ground-mounted solar?
Rooftop solar uses your existing roof structure, while ground-mounted systems require open land. We compare costs, performance, and suitability to help you understand the tradeoffs.
13. What should I do after reading the beginner guides?
Explore our free tools, compare your options, and continue learning at your own pace. The more you understand, the more confident your decisions will be. Treat the blog like a library – there are loads of articles and report to boost your knowledge base. Key factor is for your to make a calm and informed choice. You’ve landed in the right place!
Who We Are
We’re here to make solar clear, honest, and accessible — without the jargon. Our mission is to empower homeowners with REAL solar education so they can make confident decisions.
Why This Exists
I wanted a single place where anyone could start from zero — and end with a system that actually pays them back. I know I could’ve done with the help. A lot of work and love has gone into this project to bring you a simple, foolproof recipe — with all the ingredients!
We created this:
- To remove obstacles: Solving the hack of finding factual & helpful info, with vetted partners prioritizing customer care and quality.
- To dispel the fears around costs and investing
- To even the playing field: Sunshine is free, have your piece!!
- Because balance, sustainability, and planet health matter to me.
A Personal Thank You Note
We want to sincerely thank you for trusting Navigating Solar with your energy journey.
Our goal was to cut through the noise and give you the honest, unvarnished truth about going solar. We hope you feel empowered, educated, and ready to take control of your energy future.
I would like to thank our solar affiliate partners. They’ve gone above and beyond, to bring you offers of exceptional quality and dedicated customer care, where care is the keyword.
I’d like to thank Shaun Murray, who devoted many hours lovingly creating this website, specifically with you - the user - in mind. Making this as user-friendly (and fun) as possible, including ensuring your privacy and security - and keeping your dashboard data safe.
Like what he’s done? Drop him a note here. We love your feedback! It helps us improve your experience.
Here's to lower bills and a brighter planet.
Legal & Disclosures
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we trust.