Solar-Estimate.org News Category: Solar financing

Can you install solar panels on a flat roof? How much is output and cost affected?

19 Oct 2018

You've been thinking about getting a solar system for your home. You've heard about all the ways it can save you energy, and it sounds like a great opportunity. There's only one problem: you've always heard that solar panels need to be placed at an a...

What is the best option to finance your solar installation in 2018?

13 Aug 2018

Installing a solar energy system saves money and helps the environment. By avoiding future utility bills, the system will pay for itself in a few years, but the up-front costs may be more than you have in available cash. Fortunately, there are many f...

2019 will be a break out year for solar power on homes

23 Jul 2018

While some say there is a solar power revolution on the horizon, others say it’s already here! The sun provides a dependable and affordable alternative source of electric power in the form of photovoltaics (PV) and solar heating through concentrated...

Community Solar: An Alternative to Owning or Leasing Residential Solar Energy Systems

12 May 2018

When consumers think about residential solar, they often think about owning or leasing. There is another alternative that may not be as well-known: community solar.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit: How Should It Influence Your Buying Decision?

12 Apr 2018

The ITC is a federal tax credit that reduces the tax liability for individuals and companies by 30% of the value of their solar investment. Who claims the credit differs, depending on whether the customer is residential or commercial.

Are Solar Panels Worth it in Oakland?

05 Apr 2018

In the end, there are many options to use solar energy at your home. There is the federal tax credit of up to 30 percent for a system you own. There are also solar loans to help you own a system with no money down and solar leases and PPAs, which giv...

Will congress extend the 30% solar tax credit beyond 2020?

10 Mar 2018

The solar tax credit certainly gives a powerful incentive to install solar power for your home. But it still represents a significant up-front investment. If you are a cost-conscious consumer, this may well give you pause.

Are solar panels worth it in San Francisco in 2018?

07 Mar 2018

Yes, they are. This is unequivocal. You might as well frame the question differently and ask, “Do you enjoy saving money while saving the planet?” It’s practically a rhetorical question.

How much do solar panels cost in San Francisco in 2018?

06 Mar 2018

Solar panels are becoming more affordable than ever. San Francisco has a generous incentive for solar. The GoSolarSF program offers money back per kilowatt of energy. For 2018, this rebate starts at $300 per kilowatt.

Finding the cheapest, best solar home loans

29 Jan 2018

American home and residential property owners are increasingly taking out loans to have a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy system installed as opposed to turning to third-party owners (TPO) providing residential solar leases or power purchase agreement...

How do I Estimate how Much Solar Panels Will Cost on my Home?

26 Jan 2018

Numerous solar cost-estimating tools to help you understand how much a solar array should cost you. Having that knowledge ready when you talk to solar installers helps you better understand the pros and cons of financing solar options and can help yo...

How will Trump's solar tariffs affect residential solar panel costs In 2018?

24 Jan 2018

The short answer is that they won’t. Here’s why the newly implemented solar tariffs will have minimal effect on the cost of residential solar panel installation in the United States in 2018 and 2019.