The Pros and Cons of Going Solar

*Updated April 28th, 2025

Thinking about making the switch to solar? You’re not alone. More and more homeowners are considering solar panels—whether it’s to cash in on tax incentives, lower monthly energy bills, or reduce their carbon footprint. And it’s easy to see why: solar energy offers some pretty compelling benefits.

But like any major home improvement project, it’s not all sunshine and savings. There are some potential downsides you’ll want to think through before committing, especially since installing solar panels can be a significant upfront investment.

In this article, we’ll break down the biggest pros and cons of going solar, so you can make an informed decision that’s right for your home, your wallet, and your long-term goals.

How Solar Panel Systems Work

If you’re thinking about going solar, it definitely helps to know a little bit about how the whole setup actually works. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an engineer to understand the basics. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Solar panels are made up of tons of tiny cells that are designed to capture sunlight. When the sun hits these cells, it creates an electric current—kind of like flipping a light switch, but using sunshine instead of your finger. That raw energy, called direct current (DC) electricity, needs a little help before it can power your fridge, TV, or air conditioner.

That’s where the inverter comes in. The inverter’s job is to take that DC electricity from your panels and convert it into alternating current (AC) electricity—the type of power that your home actually uses. Think of the inverter as the translator between your solar panels and your appliances.

If you want even more control over your energy use, you can add a battery to your system. Batteries store extra solar energy so you can use it later—like at night or during a power outage. They’re optional (and add to the cost), but for some homeowners, they’re worth it for the peace of mind and extra independence from the grid.

Speaking of the grid, there’s also something called net metering. This is a program that lets you send any extra electricity your panels generate back to the utility company—and in return, you get credits on your electric bill. So, if you produce more power than you use during the day, those credits can help offset the cost of any energy you pull from the grid at night or on cloudy days.

The Pros of Going Solar

Going solar comes with a lot of potential perks—some you might already expect, and a few that could surprise you. From saving money on your electric bills to doing your part for the environment, there are plenty of reasons homeowners are making the switch. Plus, with the cost of solar systems coming down and energy rates climbing, it’s starting to make more financial sense than ever. Here are some of the biggest benefits of going solar you’ll want to keep in mind:

• You may reduce your electric bills. This is probably the reason you are considering installing solar power in your home. With naturally generated electricity, you pay the electric company less.
• It may improve your home value. Many home values increase after installing solar panels. If you are moving in the near future, you may see a decent return on your investment. Not every home will increase in value, though; make sure you discuss this with a professional appraiser or realtor in your area to see if home values typically increase with the addition of solar panels.
• The cost of solar keeps decreasing. In an economy of rising energy rates, it’s a welcome reprieve to learn that solar rates are decreasing.
• You do your part to protect the environment. Anything you can do to lessen your carbon footprint on the earth can help the environment. Solar energy doesn’t directly pollute the air, which makes it more environmentally friendly.

The Cons of Going Solar

Like any big investment, there are some potential drawbacks you’ll want to weigh carefully. Solar isn’t the right fit for every home or every homeowner, and there are a few challenges you should know about before taking the plunge. Here are some of the most common downsides to consider:

• Not every home is eligible. Before you settle on installing solar panels, talk with a solar energy company. Have them come out and evaluate your roof – if it’s not the right pitch or steepness, you may not be able to install them.
• It takes time to break-even. If you are moving in the near future, you probably won’t break-even on the installation costs alone. It takes an average of 8 years to make your investment back. While you may gain some appreciation in the home’s value, it probably won’t be enough to offset the cost right away.
• Not everyone saves money. If you already don’t pay much for electricity, you won’t see significant savings installing solar panels. This could also mean that it takes longer to realize the savings, making your break-even point even longer.
• It’s expensive. Let’s face it – installing solar panels is expensive. Most homeowners finance the purchase with the solar energy company. If you aren’t eligible for the financing, you must either pay out of pocket or find financing elsewhere.
• It’s hard to find quality installers. Don’t just fall for any scheme. Many companies come around and push their services – they typically aren’t legitimate. Do your research and make sure the company you choose has a good background, is licensed and insured, and has positive reviews from people that have used their services before.

Common Solar Myths and Misconceptions

There’s a lot of outdated (or just plain wrong) information out there that can make the idea of installing solar panels seem way more complicated or risky than it really is. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths:

“Solar only works in sunny states.”

It’s true that places like Arizona and California are solar powerhouses—but that doesn’t mean solar won’t work elsewhere. Solar panels don’t need constant, blazing sunshine to do their job. They still generate electricity on cloudy days and during cooler weather. States like New Jersey, New York, and even cloudy Oregon have strong solar adoption rates because it’s all about how much sunlight you get over the course of a year—not just how hot or sunny it feels day-to-day.

“Solar panels will damage my roof.”

This one makes a lot of people nervous, but when installed properly by a licensed professional, solar panels won’t hurt your roof at all. In fact, they can actually help protect the parts of your roof they cover from rain, snow, and sun exposure, potentially extending your roof’s lifespan. Of course, if your roof is already in bad shape, you’ll want to handle repairs first—but good installers will point that out before they even start the project.

“Solar is only for rich people.”

Once upon a time, solar was pretty pricey and mostly for early adopters with deep pockets. But times have changed! With falling installation costs, federal tax credits, state incentives, and new financing options, solar is more accessible than ever. Many homeowners can go solar with little to no upfront cost by financing their system or signing a solar lease. In fact, for a lot of people, the monthly solar payment is about the same—or even less—than their old electric bill.

Final Thoughts: Is Solar Right for You?

At the end of the day, going solar is a big decision—and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all. For some homeowners, the savings, eco-friendly perks, and boost in home value make it a no-brainer. For others, the upfront costs, long payback period, or tricky roof situations might make it less appealing.

The most important thing is to weigh the pros and cons based on your situation. Talk to a reputable solar company, crunch the numbers, and see if it truly makes sense for your home and your future plans. If it does, you could be looking at years of lower bills and cleaner energy. If not, you can always revisit it down the road when the timing feels right.

FAQs

Can I install solar panels on a flat roof?

Yep, you can! Flat roofs can actually be great for solar. Installers just use special mounting systems that tilt the panels at the right angle to capture the most sunlight. The key is making sure the structure of your roof can support the panels, so you’ll definitely want a professional evaluation before you move forward.

How much can I really save with solar?

It depends on a few things—like how much you currently pay for electricity, the size of your system, local utility rates, and available incentives. Some homeowners save a few hundred dollars a year, while others save thousands. A good solar company can give you a custom estimate based on your home and usage habits, so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.