Compare Solar Installation Options Near You
A good solar proposal depends on roof condition, shade, utility rules, incentives and household energy use. Start with your ZIP code, then compare proposals built on the same assumptions.
Start with your ZIP code
ZIP code helps identify sunlight, utilities and possible incentives. Exact design and savings require an address, roof assessment and utility-bill review.
Compare solar arrangements
| Solar option | Best for | Main advantage | Important tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | Owners seeking maximum long-term value | No financing interest and direct ownership benefits | Highest upfront cost |
| Solar loan | Owners wanting ownership with payments over time | Can preserve ownership incentives with lower upfront expense | Interest and dealer fees can materially change total cost |
| Lease | Households prioritizing predictable payments | Installer may handle ownership and maintenance | Long-term savings, escalators and home-sale transfers require scrutiny |
| Power purchase agreement | Households paying for produced electricity rather than equipment | Little or no upfront equipment cost in some markets | Availability is limited and contract terms can be complex |
| Solar plus battery | Homes needing backup capability or time-of-use savings | Stores energy for outages or expensive rate periods | Adds substantial cost and backup limits vary |
What to compare before choosing
- System size and production: compare panel count, watts, annual kWh estimate and degradation assumptions.
- Total cost: separate equipment price, financing fees, interest, roof work and electrical upgrades.
- Savings assumptions: verify utility-rate escalation, export credits and consumption estimates.
- Equipment and warranties: panels, inverter, battery, workmanship, roof penetrations and labor.
- Installer credentials: licensing, insurance, subcontractors, references and service responsibility.
A sound comparison process
1. Define the need
Gather twelve months of electricity use and decide whether backup power is part of the goal.
2. Compare equal proposals
Compare proposals using the same energy use, roof area, utility rate and financing period.
3. Verify before agreeing
Verify permits, interconnection, incentives, warranties and the cash price before signing.
Availability notice: Solar suitability, incentives, net-metering rules, savings and installation requirements vary by address, utility and tax situation. Estimates are not guarantees; confirm details with licensed installers, your utility and qualified tax advisers.
Compensation disclosure: CompareDecisions.com may receive compensation when you follow certain links or complete a qualifying action with a referral partner. You do not necessarily need to make a purchase for us to receive compensation. Compensation does not determine our comparison standards.