Is solar really free?
No. Panels always cost something to install. What people usually mean by "free solar" is $0 upfront: a lease or power-purchase agreement where a company owns the system on your roof and you pay for the power it produces, or a loan where monthly repayments sit close to your old electric bill.
Both can genuinely lower your monthly costs. But neither is free, and with a lease or PPA the tax credit goes to the system owner, not to you — we compare all four structures in lease vs. loan vs. buying outright. SunSetup's review is free and carries no obligation — that part really is at no cost.
How much does a home solar system cost?
Most US residential quotes land in the $2.50–$3.50 per watt range before incentives, so a typical 7 kW system falls somewhere around $18,000–$25,000 before credits. Roof complexity, electrical panel upgrades, equipment tier and battery storage all move that number. See the full breakdown of what solar panels cost.
Will solar work on my roof?
Most roofs work. What matters is orientation (south-facing is best in the northern hemisphere; east and west still work), pitch, usable unshaded area, and the condition and remaining life of the roof covering.
Heavy permanent shade — mature trees you won't remove, or a taller building next door — is the most common genuine disqualifier. Our guide to sizing an array covers how much roof you actually need. And if your roof is within a few years of replacement, re-roof first: removing and reinstalling an array later is an expensive way to save a step.
Can I get solar if I rent?
Not on your own. Installing panels is a permanent modification to the building, so it needs the property owner's agreement. If you rent, look into community or shared solar in your area — those let you buy into an off-site array without touching the roof.
What happens to my electric bill?
It shrinks rather than disappears. You stay connected to the grid, so you keep paying fixed connection or service charges, and you still buy power at night unless you have a battery. Surplus daytime generation is usually credited back under your utility's net metering rules.
A well-sized system commonly offsets 60–100% of annual consumption. Sizing far beyond 100% rarely pays, because exported power is credited at a lower rate than power you avoid buying — see net metering explained.
How long do solar panels last?
Panels are typically warrantied for around 25 years and keep producing beyond that at gradually reduced output, usually losing well under 1% of capacity a year. The inverter is the component most likely to need replacing first — commonly somewhere between years 10 and 15. Factor one replacement into any long-run estimate.
Does solar add value to my home?
Owned systems generally support resale value, because the buyer inherits lower electricity costs. Leased systems are more complicated: the lease has to be transferred to the buyer or bought out at sale, which can slow a transaction. If you may move soon, that difference matters more than the panel brand.
What do you do with my information?
We use it to prepare your savings estimate and, if you consent, to introduce you to vetted installers who serve your area. We do not sell your details into open lead markets or pass them to anyone you haven't agreed to hear from, and you can ask us to delete them at any time. The full detail is in our Privacy Policy.
Will I be cold-called constantly?
No. You hear from SunSetup and, if you consent, from matched installers. You can opt out at any point — reply STOP to a text, use the unsubscribe link in any email, or email us. Consent to marketing contact is never a condition of getting your estimate.
How long does installation take?
The physical install is usually one to three days. The full timeline from signed contract to switched on is more often six to twelve weeks, because it includes site survey, engineering, permitting, utility interconnection approval and inspection. Permitting is the step that varies most between jurisdictions.
General educational information about residential solar, not financial, tax or engineering advice. Costs, incentives and utility rules differ by location and change over time.