*Updated September 15th, 2025

Thinking about making the switch to solar energy? More and more homeowners are considering installing a solar panel system—whether it’s to cash in on federal tax incentives, lower monthly energy bills, or reduce their carbon footprint with a renewable energy source. And it’s easy to see why: solar is a clean energy source with some pretty compelling benefits.

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

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

How Solar Panels Work

If you’re thinking about going solar, it definitely helps to know how the whole solar energy system actually works. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an engineer to understand the basics.

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells designed to capture sunlight. When the sun hits these cells, they create direct current (DC) electricity. That raw power needs a little help before it can power your home.

That’s where the inverter comes in. It converts DC into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity your home appliances use. Think of the inverter as the translator between your solar panels and your fridge, TV, or AC unit.

Want more control? Add energy storage with a battery. Batteries keep extra solar power on hand for nighttime or outages. They increase the cost of your solar system, but for many homeowners, the peace of mind and energy independence are worth it.

Finally, many states offer net metering, which lets you send any excess solar energy back to the grid. In return, you get credits on your bill. That way, if your solar panels won’t produce enough power on cloudy days, those credits help balance your energy costs.

The Pros of Solar Energy

Switching to solar comes with plenty of upsides. Here are some of the biggest solar energy pros:

• Lower energy bills – With your own residential solar energy system, you’ll buy less electricity from your utility. That’s one of the main benefits of solar energy—long-term savings.

• Boosts your home value – According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, many homes with solar panels sell for more. Homes with solar panels are attractive to eco-conscious buyers looking for efficient home energy.

• Falling costs – The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically, and incentives like the federal solar tax credit or the residential clean energy credit make investing in solar panels more affordable.

• Clean energy – Solar power is a renewable and non-polluting source of energy. By using solar, you’re cutting down on emissions and helping the planet.

• Incentives & financing – From solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), to state rebates and solar renewable energy certificates, there are more ways than ever to make installing solar panels affordable.

The Cons of Solar Energy

Of course, there are cons of solar panels and cons of going solar that you’ll want to weigh:

• Not every home qualifies – Your roof has to be suitable for a solar array. If it’s too shaded, too steep, or structurally weak, you may not be a good candidate. A trusted solar installer can confirm if your home is suitable for a solar system.

• Long payback period – On average, it takes 7–10 years to break even on your solar investment. If you plan to move soon, you may not see the full return.

• Savings vary – If your energy costs are already low, the value of your home solar system may take longer to pay off.

• High upfront costs – Even with financing, the total cost of your solar can feel steep. A solar lease or solar loan can ease the burden, but it’s still a serious investment in solar.

• Finding reliable installers – Unfortunately, not every solar company is reputable. Look for professionals certified by the American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners for peace of mind.

• Weather dependence – While solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days, solar panels won’t produce as much power in poor conditions. That means you’ll still rely on the grid or storing solar energy in a battery.

These advantages and disadvantages of solar don’t mean solar isn’t worth it—they just highlight the cons to consider so you can decide if the advantages of solar energy outweigh the cons.

Common Solar Myths

A few solar energy pros and cons get mixed up with myths. Let’s clear some up:

• “Solar only works in sunny states.”
  False! Solar energy works in all climates. It’s about your yearly sunlight, not how hot it feels. Even cloudy states like Oregon see strong solar adoption.

• “Solar panels will damage my roof.”
  With a professional solar installation, panels actually protect the roof beneath them. If your roof is already weak, a good installer will recommend repairs before installing a solar system.

• “Solar is only for the wealthy.”
  Thanks to the solar investment tax credit, rebates, PPAs, and community solar projects, more people can go solar with little or no money upfront. Many solar customers find the monthly payment for a residential solar power system is about the same—or even less—than their old utility bill.

Final Thoughts: Is Solar Energy Worth It?

At the end of the day, the advantages and disadvantages of solar come down to your situation. For some, the pros of solar energy—lower bills, clean energy, and added home value—make it a no-brainer. For others, the upfront cost and long payback period may outweigh the benefits.

The key is to crunch the numbers, talk to a certified solar installer, and decide if adding a solar energy system is right for you. With incentives like the federal solar tax credit and residential solar power system financing options, solar energy are becoming more accessible than ever.

If the pros of using solar fit your lifestyle and long-term plans, you’ll still benefit from solar energy for years to come. For many homeowners, the advantages and disadvantages balance out in favor of solar—and the savings, independence, and eco-friendly impact outweigh the cons.

FAQs

Can I install solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes! A solar company can design a solar panel system with special mounts to tilt your solar panels on your home for maximum sunlight.

How much can I really save with solar?
Savings vary depending on the size of your solar system, local incentives, and how much power your solar array generates. Many solar customers save hundreds or even thousands per year. A good installer can estimate the total cost of your solar and expected savings.

What financing options are available?
You can choose a solar loan, solar lease, or power purchase agreement. Each one affects the cost of your solar panels and long-term ownership differently.

Does solar increase the value of my home?
Yes, in many cases. Studies show homes with solar panels often sell faster and for more. The value of your home may rise, especially in areas where solar adoption is high.

Is solar worth it if I don’t use much energy?
Even if your energy needs are modest, you may still benefit from solar energy through incentives, lower bills, and added property value.