Solar panels
Everything you need to know about home solar
How it works, which panels and inverters to choose, what a fair price looks like, and how to tell if your roof is ready.
The basics
How solar powers your home
Panels capture sunlight
Solar cells turn sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
Inverters convert it
An inverter changes DC into the alternating current (AC) your home uses.
Your home uses it first
Appliances run on solar power before pulling anything from the grid.
Extra goes to the grid
Surplus power earns bill credits, or charges a battery if you have one.
Panel technology
Which type of panel is right for you?
Typical specs for panels sold for US homes in 2026. Specific models vary.
| Type | Efficiency | Why people choose it | Temp. coefficient | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline PERC | 20-22% | Proven, affordable, the standard for the last decade | -0.35%/°C | Budget-friendly installs |
| N-type TOPCon | 21.5-23.5% | Now the most common new panel; lower degradation | -0.30%/°C | Best all-round value |
| Heterojunction (HJT) | 22-24% | Excellent heat performance and long-term output | -0.26%/°C | Hot climates, small roofs |
| Back-contact (IBC) | 22.5-24.5% | Highest efficiency, clean all-black look | -0.29%/°C | Premium, space-limited roofs |
| Thin-film | 17-19% | Lightweight and flexible, rare on homes | -0.25%/°C | RVs, special structures |
Buying checklist
Four specs that matter more than the brand name
Efficiency
Higher efficiency means more power from less roof. It matters most on small or complicated roofs.
Temperature coefficient
Panels lose output when hot. A smaller number (like -0.26%/°C) is better in warm climates.
Degradation rate
Look for 0.4% per year or less. It decides how much power you'll still get in year 25.
Warranty
25-year product and power warranties are now standard. Some brands offer 30 years.
Inverters
The box that does the real work
Your inverter choice affects shade performance, monitoring and how easily you can add a battery later.
String inverter
One central box converts power for the whole array.
Lowest cost and simple to service.
Shade on one panel lowers output of the whole string.
Microinverters
A small inverter sits under every panel.
Best for partial shade and complex roofs; panel-level monitoring.
Higher upfront cost; more parts on the roof.
String + optimizers
A central inverter plus a DC optimizer on each panel.
Panel-level monitoring and shade tolerance at a mid price.
Still has a single central inverter that can fail.
Hybrid inverter
Handles both solar panels and a battery in one unit.
Clean battery-ready setup; efficient DC charging.
Locks you into compatible battery brands.
Costs
What solar systems cost by size
Installed price before incentives at three common price points. Production assumes 4.4 peak sun hours, close to the US average.
| System size | Panels (430 W) | Yearly production | At $2.50/W | At $3.00/W | At $3.50/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | 10 | 5,139 kWh | $10,000 | $12,000 | $14,000 |
| 6 kW | 14 | 7,709 kWh | $15,000 | $18,000 | $21,000 |
| 8 kW | 19 | 10,278 kWh | $20,000 | $24,000 | $28,000 |
| 10 kW | 24 | 12,848 kWh | $25,000 | $30,000 | $35,000 |
| 12 kW | 28 | 15,418 kWh | $30,000 | $36,000 | $42,000 |
Is your roof ready?
A quick roof check
Most roofs work. These five signs mean yours is likely a great fit. If not, community solar is a strong alternative.
Learn about community solar- South, east or west-facing roof sections with few obstructions
- Less than about 3 hours of shade at midday
- A roof with at least 10 years of life left (replace first if not)
- Roughly 350 or more square feet of usable space for a typical system
- An electrical panel with room for a solar breaker, or budget for an upgrade
Solar panel questions
How many solar panels do I need?
Most homes need 15 to 25 panels. Divide your yearly electricity use (kWh) by your area's yearly production per kW to get system size, then divide by panel wattage. Our calculator does this for you.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, at reduced output. Annual sunshine is what counts, which is why solar works well even in places like New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
Not when installed properly. Reputable installers seal every mount and back their work with a workmanship warranty of 10 years or more.
Does solar increase home value?
Studies have generally found that owned solar systems add value to homes. Leased systems can complicate a sale, so check transfer terms.
Ready to see real prices?
Compare quotes from pre-screened local installers. Free, no pressure, and your phone number stays private.