2A Solar

2A Solar is a free, plain-English guide to home solar, batteries, backup power and off-grid systems for self-reliant Americans. When you are ready, it connects you with a solar pro through contacts.plus.

It depends on your roof or land, how much sun you get, your electric rates, your utility's net metering rules and the incentives available where you live. A site visit and a written quote from a licensed installer are the only way to know for your home.

Most grid-tied solar systems shut off during an outage for the safety of line workers, so they do not power your home on their own. To keep power during an outage you need a battery or a backup system designed to run with your solar.

Buying with cash or a loan usually means you own the system and any incentives tied to ownership, while a lease or power purchase agreement means a company owns it and you pay for the system or its power. Read every contract carefully, including the term, escalators and what happens if you sell your home.

Federal, state and utility incentives change, so check what applies to you today before you sign anything. Confirm current federal rules with the IRS or a tax professional, and state or utility programs with your state energy office or utility.

Choose a licensed, insured installer, get more than one written quote, and compare equipment, warranties, workmanship guarantees and total cost — not just the monthly payment. Walk away from anyone who pressures you to sign the same day.

Use any "Talk to a solar pro" button on 2A Solar to reach our solar page on contacts.plus, or send a request through the site and we will get back to you personally.