{"id":11966,"date":"2025-03-27T21:09:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T21:09:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solar.com\/learn\/?p=11966"},"modified":"2025-03-27T21:12:01","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T21:12:01","slug":"six-years-of-solar-lessons-learned-to-help-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solar.com\/learn\/six-years-of-solar-lessons-learned-to-help-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Years of Solar: Lessons Learned to Help You"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019ve had a job change, we experienced a global pandemic, and my children are in middle school. What hasn\u2019t changed is my solar array reliably generates clean electricity, lowering my utility bill, with almost zero effort or thought on my side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Six years may seem like a somewhat arbitrary time period to anchor to, but it\u2019s 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\u2019m now generating completely free power from my roof.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s especially remarkable about this is that my payback period happened a year before it was forecasted to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How My Solar System Returned its Investment Faster than Forecasted<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are three main contributors to my solar array economics outperforming their financial forecast:<\/span><\/p>\n

1) The modeling assumptions were relatively conservative.<\/strong> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2) A tree fell down.<\/strong> 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\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3) My retail cost of electricity from my utility is up over 50% since 2019.<\/strong> 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\u2019ve purchased an EV and put in a hot tub \u2013 so that extra savings is huge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What I Would Have Done Differently With My Solar System<\/strong><\/h2>\n

All things considered, I\u2019m 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\u2019t get a replacement component. Instead, they\u2019ll send me the depreciated value of the equipment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The other huge downside \u2013 and this is a key takeaway \u2013 is LG no longer supports their monitoring platform. I got around this by installing a Sense, but this is an important takeaway if you\u2019re considering solar: will the companies be around to support the components for the life of the system?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image<\/h2>\n

Performance and Price Differences in Going Solar Today vs 2019<\/b><\/h2>\n

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\u2019d likely install REC Pure RX 460w modules coupled with Enphase 8x microinverters with a peak output of 375w AC. So, yes, I\u2019d have a more efficient system today, but since my array is now fully paid for I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t wait.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The other big question is cost. While the hardware is cheaper in 2025 the overall installation cost isn\u2019t 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\u2019m glad I \u201clocked in\u201d solar when I did.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get custom proposals an REC + Enphase solar array for your home.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Choosing an Installer<\/b><\/h2>\n

Believe it or not, I actually spoke to an Energy Advisor at the predecessor company for solar.com (PickMySolar). At the time, they didn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I spoke with\u2014and received quotes from\u2014 multiple local installers. I also reached out to my town\u2019s 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\u2019ll pick up the phone or respond to an email.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Thoughts After 6 Years with Solar<\/b><\/h2>\n

Making the investment to go solar was the right move. Today\u2019s me thanks 2019 me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve come to the conclusion that going solar is about answering three questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Am I installing the right technology?<\/strong> Although I\u2019m 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\u2019d do it again today\u2014even at a premium over the \u201ccheap stuff.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Am I working with the right company?<\/strong> Your local installation partner is a vital piece of the puzzle. I\u2019m glad I worked with a local contractor and not a national outfit. I\u2019ve 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\u2019d absolutely get multiple quotes through a platform like solar.com to help me navigate the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do the proposals meet my financial objective?<\/strong> I ended up paying for my system outright, which gave me the best return on investment. Claiming the tax credit<\/a> was simple and so was claiming my state incentives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With all of the uncertainty today around tariffs<\/a>, the future of the solar tax credits, and the cost of electricity, I\u2019d encourage you to take the leap and consider going solar. You in six years will likely look back and thank today\u2019s you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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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. 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