Six Years of Solar: Lessons Learned to Help You

After working in the solar industry for well over a decade, in June 2019, I made the decision to install solar panels on my house. A lot has changed since then. I’ve had a job change, we experienced a global pandemic, and my children are in middle school. What hasn’t changed is my solar array reliably generates clean electricity, lowering my utility bill, with almost zero effort or thought on my side. 

Six years may seem like a somewhat arbitrary time period to anchor to, but it’s notable because at some point in March 2025 the system will have generated enough savings to cover the cost to install (net the tax credit and state incentives) on a simple payback basis. Or, to put it another way, I’m now generating completely free power from my roof.

What’s especially remarkable about this is that my payback period happened a year before it was forecasted to. 

How My Solar System Returned its Investment Faster than Forecasted

There are three main contributors to my solar array economics outperforming their financial forecast:

1) The modeling assumptions were relatively conservative. I live in a northern climate and get a decent amount of snow most years, so I ensured the soiling rate (panel coverage) reflected this lower performance. However, the last two years have been way below average with snowfall and my system absolutely cranks out power on bright crisp days. Statistical probability says this will even out over time, but Mother Nature played her part in helping my solar investment. 

2) A tree fell down. There was a relatively large tree on the property line with my neighbor that cast a diffused shadow on my array for about an hour a day during the summer. It wasn’t enough shade to cut it down when I went solar, so I factored that in to my performance model. However, a wind storm three years ago took the tree down and now my array yields that much more power. 

3) My retail cost of electricity from my utility is up over 50% since 2019. This is the largest single driver of my savings. The utility provider in my area has done some absolutely massive rate increases post-pandemic. One year saw over a 10% increase, much greater than the 3% annual increase I modeled. By going solar I effectively locked in my savings rate, so the more my utility charges, the more I save. And since we installed solar we’ve purchased an EV and put in a hot tub – so that extra savings is huge. 

What I Would Have Done Differently With My Solar System

All things considered, I’m very happy I went solar and the system has worked flawlessly. However, the manufacturer of my inverter and solar panel (LG for both) is no longer in solar. The good news is that the warranty is still covered by the manufacturer. But, in the instance of a failure I likely can’t get a replacement component. Instead, they’ll send me the depreciated value of the equipment. 

The other huge downside – and this is a key takeaway – is LG no longer supports their monitoring platform. I got around this by installing a Sense, but this is an important takeaway if you’re considering solar: will the companies be around to support the components for the life of the system? 

Performance and Price Differences in Going Solar Today vs 2019

A roadblock for a lot of people to go solar is the idea that solar panels keep getting more efficient and cheaper. In 2019, I installed 375w DC panels coupled with 320w AC micro inverters. Today, I’d likely install REC Pure RX 460w modules coupled with Enphase 8x microinverters with a peak output of 375w AC. So, yes, I’d have a more efficient system today, but since my array is now fully paid for I’m glad I didn’t wait. 

The other big question is cost. While the hardware is cheaper in 2025 the overall installation cost isn’t much lower, due to inflation, higher labor rates, tariffs, and higher cost of financing. So, could I have achieved a lower cost if I waited? Maybe. But I’m glad I “locked in” solar when I did. 

Get custom proposals an REC + Enphase solar array for your home.

Choosing an Installer

Believe it or not, I actually spoke to an Energy Advisor at the predecessor company for solar.com (PickMySolar). At the time, they didn’t offer coverage in my area (today they do), but the energy advisor still took the time to run a simulation for me and make technology recommendations. 

I spoke with—and received quotes from— multiple local installers. I also reached out to my town’s inspector and asked who they would use if they were installing solar. I went with a great local company that is still thriving today and I can trust that if I need anything they’ll pick up the phone or respond to an email. 

Final Thoughts After 6 Years with Solar

Making the investment to go solar was the right move. Today’s me thanks 2019 me. 

I’ve come to the conclusion that going solar is about answering three questions. 

Am I installing the right technology? Although I’m happy my manufacturer still backs its warranty, it would be nice if they were still in solar. Selecting high-performing, reliable technology backed by a bankable company was the right move, and I’d do it again today—even at a premium over the “cheap stuff.” 

Am I working with the right company? Your local installation partner is a vital piece of the puzzle. I’m glad I worked with a local contractor and not a national outfit. I’ve referred friends and neighbors to them (had I worked through solar.com I would have earned $599 per referral!). If I were to do it again today, I’d absolutely get multiple quotes through a platform like solar.com to help me navigate the process.

Do the proposals meet my financial objective? I ended up paying for my system outright, which gave me the best return on investment. Claiming the tax credit was simple and so was claiming my state incentives. 

With all of the uncertainty today around tariffs, the future of the solar tax credits, and the cost of electricity, I’d encourage you to take the leap and consider going solar. You in six years will likely look back and thank today’s you.