{"id":11267,"date":"2025-03-06T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T11:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=11267"},"modified":"2025-03-06T11:04:32","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T11:04:32","slug":"facts-about-solar-panels-you-should-know-before-buying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=11267","title":{"rendered":"Facts About Solar Panels You Should Know Before Buying"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Solar panels are becoming more common on roofs across the nation. They can save you money and reduce emissions, using an abundant source of power. But there\u2019s a lot that might surprise you about solar panels. Read on for 21 facts you should know about this remarkable technology. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">1. Solar panel technology is over 100 years old<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Although humans have been trying to harness the sun\u2019s energy since the 7th century B.C., the first solar cells were installed in 1883<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-2-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-2-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. Modern solar cells, like the ones we use today, were developed at Bell Labs in 1954. Since then, technological advances have made solar panels more efficient and reliable<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-3-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-3-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">2. Solar energy is free, but solar panels are not free<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">3. Solar panels can save you money<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Although solar panels aren&#8217;t free, they can still bring <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">significant savings on electric bills<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. Also, many states provide homeowners with incentives to install solar, and the federal government offers a <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">solar tax credit<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> of up to 30% of the cost of installing a residential solar system<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-12-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-12-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">4. The cost of solar panels keeps going down<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">The <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">cost of installing solar panels<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> has dropped by nearly $15,000 since 2010, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-15-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-15-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. According to EnergySage, the average cost of installing a home solar system in 2025 is about $30,000 before federal tax credits and incentives, with the cost potentially dropping to $21,000 or less after federal and local incentives<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-16-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-16-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">5. Solar panels take years to pay for themselves<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">The average payback period (the point at which the money you&#8217;ve saved by having the solar system exceeds the cost of the solar system) for residential solar ranges from 3.6 to 19.1 years, with an average of 7.5 years, according to EnergySage<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-18-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-18-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. The exact payback time depends on factors like where you live, the size of your system and <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">how you pay for it<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">6. Solar panels last a long time<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Solar panels generally last<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> 20 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-22-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-22-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. Warranties for solar power production are typically 25 years long. Solar panels typically won\u2019t stop working after these periods \u2014 they just get less efficient. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">7. The efficiency of solar panels decreases over time<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Solar panel efficiency<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> is a measure of how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. Although solar panels last a long time, they gradually lose efficiency as part of normal wear and tear \u2014 at an estimated rate of about 0.5% each year, according to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. After 20 years, you can expect your solar panels to function at about 90% capacity<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-25-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-25-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">8. Some solar panels are more efficient than others<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Today\u2019s residential solar panels are 21% efficient on average; some are up to 23% efficient<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-27-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-27-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. This means they convert 21% to 23% of the sunlight that hits them into electricity. More efficient panels cost more, but because they generate more electricity, they may save you more over the life of your solar system.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">9. Solar panels are usually connected to the power grid<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Unless you go completely off the electric grid, your solar panels will likely be connected to the grid<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-30-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-30-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. That\u2019s because when your panels aren\u2019t producing as much electricity as you\u2019re using (such as when it&#8217;s dark outside), you have to draw electricity from the grid. When your panels are producing more power than you need, you can send that power back to the grid or store it in a battery for use later. In many states, you can get a credit on your electric bill for the power you send back (this is often called <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">net metering<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">10. In most cases, solar panels do not produce energy during blackouts<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Because solar panels are connected to the grid, solar panels usually shut down when there\u2019s a grid outage<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-33-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-33-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. That\u2019s to protect utility workers from surges of power coming back onto the grid. To obtain electricity from your solar panels during a blackout, you can pair your solar panels with a <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">solar battery<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">11. Solar panels can produce energy on cloudy days<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">12. Solar panels require maintenance<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Pollutants and particles that build up on solar panels can cause energy loss; in drier, dustier parts of the U.S. that loss can be as high as 7% annually<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-39-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-39-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. So it\u2019s a good idea to <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">clean your solar panels<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> once or twice a year in addition to other <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">solar panel maintenance<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> work.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">13. Solar panels can increase a home\u2019s value and help it sell faster<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">According to a 2019 survey by Zillow, <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">solar can increase a home\u2019s value<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> by up to 4.1%, depending on your location. In a 2022 survey, Rocket Homes found that homes with solar are more likely to sell over the asking price and also tend to sell faster, spending 13.3% less time on the market than homes without solar<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-44-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-44-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">14. Solar panels can protect a roof<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Solar panels can protect your roof from rain, hail and sun, potentially extending the life of your roof. Be sure your roof is in good condition so it can support the weight of the panels; a quality installer should do a site visit to assess the condition of your roof<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-46-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-46-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">15. Some roofs are better for solar panels than others<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Solar panels can be installed on many types of roofs, but the best types are asphalt, metal, tile, tar and gravel. If you live in the northern hemisphere, a south-facing roof is ideal<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-48-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-48-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">16. Solar panels produce the most energy at specific roof angles<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal angle for solar panels on most U.S. homes is between 15 and 40 degrees<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-50-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-50-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">17. Solar panels work better in cooler weather <\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Although solar panels generate more energy when they get more sun, they also generate more energy when they\u2019re a bit cooler. The ideal temperature for solar panels is up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit; they work if it&#8217;s hotter than that, but they won\u2019t be quite as efficient<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-52-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-52-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">18. Solar panels can save more money if combined with heat pumps and electric vehicles<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">More than half of a typical household\u2019s annual energy consumption is for space heating and air conditioning, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-54-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-54-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. Pairing solar panels with an electric heat pump, which is much more efficient than traditional furnaces, may significantly lower your power bills<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-55-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-55-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. Similarly, pairing solar with an EV may save consumers hundreds of dollars per year<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-56-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-56-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">19. Solar panels create cleaner energy<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">All manufacturing creates some emissions. But once solar panels are on your roof, the energy they generate is clean and renewable. According to Columbia University, solar panels even reduce CO2 emissions more than trees<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-58-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-58-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">20. Solar panels can be recycled<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">According to the Department of Energy, over 85% of the materials in a solar panel, such as aluminum and glass, <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">are recyclable<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">21. More solar panels are being manufactured in the U.S.<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Most solar panels are still manufactured overseas, but the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is encouraging growth in U.S. solar manufacturing<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-62-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-62-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. According to research firm Wood Mackenzie, domestic solar panel manufacturing capacity has nearly quintupled since Q2 of 2022<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-63-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-63-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. EnergySage maintains a list of the top American-made panels<\/span><button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-64-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"Ay_QNo\"><span class=\"_32SMwQ\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"_21EZtY _28z5Fp _2JIHTU vLzrnO\" data-currency=\"Link\" target=\"_self\"><sup>[0]<\/sup><\/span><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-64-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_3NQ2Lf\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;bottom:100%\" class=\"qytd5D _3c_2vo\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8 _3eCw6n\">\n<h2 class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _2w4PM3 _1My7YX\" data-currency=\"Text\"><span class=\"_3P4ktl zeCuXk _28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Can I get financing for a solar panel system?<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">In addition to tax incentives and rebates, there are options available. Many solar installers offer financing, but you may also be able to finance your solar investment through a <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">home equity loan<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"> or <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">home equity line of credit (HELOC)<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. These options may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Home equity loans and HELOCs are ways to borrow against the value of your home, converting equity into cash. With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically from five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You\u2019ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">principal and interest<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you&#8217;re using your home as <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">collateral<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"x6Nm1J\">\n<table class=\"_1omsYt _1TDqyw _1Fk9YB\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"_2urZgm ebRntp _2QHQFI _2VMe8U\"><\/th>\n<th class=\"_2urZgm ebRntp _2QHQFI _2VMe8U\"><\/th>\n<th class=\"_2urZgm ebRntp _2QHQFI _2VMe8U\">\n<div class=\"_3ZnmUT _306GJB\">\n<div>\n<figure class=\"_3ngNGS BgIPML _2Evx7h\">\n<div class=\"xkItPk\" style=\"background-color:transparent\">\n<div class=\"_30SBGi x6Nm1J\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"_21EZtY TS4Kq- _28z5Fp _28CJ7N\" data-currency=\"Body\">Quicken Loans: NMLS#3030<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _3XSQGm _2urZgm _2QHQFI _2VMe8U _14vxWx\">\n<div class=\"_1AeKb4\"><span class=\"_14cHu7\">SS rating\u00a0<button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-65-1-6-1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"_19GC0z\" title=\"How is this rating determined?\"><span class=\"_1Z-QXc\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><svg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"_2ulGkX\" fill=\"currentcolor\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 15.387c-.645 0-1.129.524-1.129 1.13 0 .644.484 1.128 1.129 1.128.605 0 1.129-.484 1.129-1.129 0-.605-.524-1.129-1.129-1.129zm.282-.968a.466.466 0 00.484-.484c0-1.733 3.145-1.612 3.145-4.314 0-2.056-1.854-3.266-3.951-3.266-1.815 0-2.823.726-3.67 1.814-.161.242-.12.525.121.686l.524.403c.202.121.484.08.646-.12.604-.767 1.21-1.17 2.379-1.17 1.613 0 2.338.847 2.338 1.653 0 1.734-3.145 1.492-3.145 4.314a.49.49 0 00.484.484h.645zM12 3.29c4.758 0 8.71 3.912 8.71 8.71A8.7 8.7 0 0112 20.71 8.673 8.673 0 013.29 12 8.699 8.699 0 0112 3.29zM12 2C6.476 2 2 6.516 2 12c0 5.524 4.476 10 10 10 5.484 0 10-4.476 10-10 0-5.484-4.516-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-65-1-6-1\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_2Dnq6l\" aria-label=\"How is this rating determined?\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;top:100%\" class=\"_3extVD _2piv35\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>SS&#8217;s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _3XSQGm _2urZgm _2QHQFI _2VMe8U _14vxWx\">\n<div class=\"_1AeKb4\"><span class=\"_14cHu7\">SS rating\u00a0<button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-65-1-6-2\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"_19GC0z\" title=\"How is this rating determined?\"><span class=\"_1Z-QXc\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><svg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"_2ulGkX\" fill=\"currentcolor\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 15.387c-.645 0-1.129.524-1.129 1.13 0 .644.484 1.128 1.129 1.128.605 0 1.129-.484 1.129-1.129 0-.605-.524-1.129-1.129-1.129zm.282-.968a.466.466 0 00.484-.484c0-1.733 3.145-1.612 3.145-4.314 0-2.056-1.854-3.266-3.951-3.266-1.815 0-2.823.726-3.67 1.814-.161.242-.12.525.121.686l.524.403c.202.121.484.08.646-.12.604-.767 1.21-1.17 2.379-1.17 1.613 0 2.338.847 2.338 1.653 0 1.734-3.145 1.492-3.145 4.314a.49.49 0 00.484.484h.645zM12 3.29c4.758 0 8.71 3.912 8.71 8.71A8.7 8.7 0 0112 20.71 8.673 8.673 0 013.29 12 8.699 8.699 0 0112 3.29zM12 2C6.476 2 2 6.516 2 12c0 5.524 4.476 10 10 10 5.484 0 10-4.476 10-10 0-5.484-4.516-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-65-1-6-2\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_2Dnq6l\" aria-label=\"How is this rating determined?\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;top:100%\" class=\"_3extVD _2piv35\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>SS&#8217;s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _3XSQGm _2urZgm _2QHQFI _2VMe8U _14vxWx\">\n<div class=\"_1AeKb4\"><span class=\"_14cHu7\">SS rating\u00a0<button type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-65-1-6-3\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" data-currency=\"PopoverDisclosure\" class=\"_19GC0z\" title=\"How is this rating determined?\"><span class=\"_1Z-QXc\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><svg viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"_2ulGkX\" fill=\"currentcolor\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 15.387c-.645 0-1.129.524-1.129 1.13 0 .644.484 1.128 1.129 1.128.605 0 1.129-.484 1.129-1.129 0-.605-.524-1.129-1.129-1.129zm.282-.968a.466.466 0 00.484-.484c0-1.733 3.145-1.612 3.145-4.314 0-2.056-1.854-3.266-3.951-3.266-1.815 0-2.823.726-3.67 1.814-.161.242-.12.525.121.686l.524.403c.202.121.484.08.646-.12.604-.767 1.21-1.17 2.379-1.17 1.613 0 2.338.847 2.338 1.653 0 1.734-3.145 1.492-3.145 4.314a.49.49 0 00.484.484h.645zM12 3.29c4.758 0 8.71 3.912 8.71 8.71A8.7 8.7 0 0112 20.71 8.673 8.673 0 013.29 12 8.699 8.699 0 0112 3.29zM12 2C6.476 2 2 6.516 2 12c0 5.524 4.476 10 10 10 5.484 0 10-4.476 10-10 0-5.484-4.516-10-10-10z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><span id=\"nw-aria-ssr-4-65-1-6-3\" hidden=\"\" style=\"display:none;position:fixed;left:100%;top:100%\" role=\"dialog\" tabindex=\"0\" data-dialog=\"true\" class=\"_2Dnq6l\" aria-label=\"How is this rating determined?\"><span style=\"font-size:30px;width:1em;height:1em;pointer-events:none;top:100%\" class=\"_3extVD _2piv35\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>SS&#8217;s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _2urZgm ebRntp _14vxWx _3cdcda _2VMe8U _2QHQFI\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _2urZgm ebRntp _14vxWx _3cdcda _2VMe8U _2QHQFI\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _2urZgm ebRntp _14vxWx _3cdcda _2VMe8U _2QHQFI\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"\">\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"\">\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\"><\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"\">\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\">\n<div class=\"_14vxWx quick-fact__nationalRegional\">\n<h5 class=\"TS4Kq- _3_uGsM _28z5Fp _306GJB _8DgC29 _3VmbAf\">National \/ regional<\/h5>\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _1Z9m6Z\">National<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\">\n<div class=\"_14vxWx quick-fact__nationalRegional\">\n<h5 class=\"TS4Kq- _3_uGsM _28z5Fp _306GJB _8DgC29 _3VmbAf\">National \/ regional<\/h5>\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _1Z9m6Z\">National<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"x6Nm1J _24_iq9 _3cdcda _2urZgm SMhwaz\">\n<div class=\"_14vxWx quick-fact__nationalRegional\">\n<h5 class=\"TS4Kq- _3_uGsM _28z5Fp _306GJB _8DgC29 _3VmbAf\">National \/ regional<\/h5>\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _1Z9m6Z\">National<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_3VJt4n\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">Another option is a <\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">solar loan<\/span><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">. Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer these to fund solar panels and installation, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000, and annual percentage rates ranging from 6% to 36%. They function like a personal loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. And unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral required for a solar loan. This means your home or solar panels aren\u2019t at risk if you miss payments, but you may have to pay late fees.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_3wlVa6 _2247K8\">\n<p class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\"><span class=\"_28z5Fp _3-to_p\">So, yes, you likely can get financing. If you go this route, compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing package that a solar provider may offer you to ensure you get the best deal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nerdwallet.com\/article\/mortgages\/facts-solar-panels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Solar panels are becoming more common on roofs across the nation. They can save you money and reduce emissions, using an abundant source of power. But there\u2019s a lot that might surprise you about solar panels. Read on for 21 facts you should know about this remarkable technology. 1. Solar panel technology is over 100<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11268,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[195],"tags":[1343,351,345,344],"class_list":{"0":"post-11267","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personal-finance","8":"tag-buying","9":"tag-facts","10":"tag-panels","11":"tag-solar"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11267"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11267\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}