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Spring and fall offer the optimal time for scheduling an installation. Cooler weather means crews can work more efficiently without the summer heat slowing them down, and contractors often have increased availability between peak seasons. You’ll also avoid winter storms that can delay roof work. If you’re targeting a tax credit for the current year, aim to have the system running by December 31 so the credit can be applied.

Most systems recoup their post-tax-credit cost in six to 10 years. Your exact payback window depends on local utility rates, the amount of sunlight your roof receives, and the amount of energy you use. The higher your electric bill, the faster those panels work off their price tag. Add in the 30% federal tax credit and any state incentives, and you’ll start seeing true savings even sooner.

You can count on most panels to produce power for 25 to 30 years, and many monocrystalline models keep going for closer to 40. Thin-film options sit on the shorter end at 20 years. Staying on top of annual cleanings and quick repairs helps every panel reach the high end of its lifespan and protects your investment along the way.

Yes—if your system is properly sized, you can power an entire home with solar energy. A solar power designer will look at your yearly kilowatt-hour use, roof space, local sun hours, and whether you’re adding battery storage. When those pieces line up, the panels can cover all of your day-to-day needs and bank extra energy for nighttime or cloudy days.