Solar Basics
What Is Solar Energy?
Solar refers to the energy we capture from the sun’s rays and convert into electricity or heat. In residential applications, solar panels (also known as photovoltaic or PV panels) convert sunlight into usable electricity to power your home. It’s a clean, renewable source of energy that reduces your dependence on the utility grid, lowers your electric bill, and helps reduce carbon emissions.
To learn more, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) overview:
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the solar cells within a panel, it generates an electric current that flows through your system and powers your home. This clean energy can be used immediately, stored in a battery, or sent back to the grid for credits through net metering.
To explore a more detailed explanation, visit the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work
Solar Savings & Incentives
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) that allowed homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes was a powerful incentive to significantly reduce the upfront cost of going solar.
This incentive to Go Solar expired at the end of 2025.
If you’re considering solar, please contact iSP Solar and we can explain how affordable going solar can be if your home is a good candidate for solar.
Learn more from the official Energy.gov Guide to the Solar Investment Tax Credit:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics(opens in new tab)
Are there state incentives or rebates for solar?
Yes! In addition to the federal tax credit, many states and local utilities offer solar incentives, rebates, and tax exemptions to help reduce the cost of going solar. These benefits vary widely by location and can include cash rebates, property tax exclusions, solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), and more.
To find the most up-to-date incentives in your area, visit the DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency)—a free and comprehensive resource funded by the U.S. Department of Energy:
https://www.dsireusa.org/
What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar homeowners to receive credit for the excess electricity their system sends back to the grid. During the day, your solar panels may produce more electricity than you use — with net metering, that surplus power is credited to your utility account and can offset energy used at night or on cloudy days.
This policy helps maximize your savings and shortens the payback period of your solar investment. Net metering rules vary by state and utility.
Learn more from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
Types of Solar Systems
What’s the difference between grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid solar systems?
There are three main types of solar energy systems:
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Grid-Tied: The most common setup, grid-tied systems are connected to the local utility grid. They allow homeowners to draw electricity when solar isn’t producing and often use net metering to receive credits for excess energy sent back to the grid. These systems typically don’t work during power outages unless paired with battery storage.
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Off-Grid: These systems are completely independent of the utility grid and rely entirely on solar panels and battery storage for power. They are most often used in remote areas where grid access is unavailable or unreliable.
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Hybrid Systems: Hybrid systems combine the benefits of grid-tied and off-grid systems by using solar panels + battery storage while remaining connected to the grid. They provide backup power during outages and more control over energy use and time-of-use savings.
Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver resource:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/solar-plus-storage
What is battery storage and backup power?
Battery storage systems store excess electricity generated by your solar panels so you can use it when the sun isn’t shining—such as at night, during cloudy days, or during a power outage. This stored energy gives homeowners greater control over their electricity use and helps reduce dependence on the utility grid.
Backup power from a battery ensures that your essential appliances—like refrigerators, lights, medical equipment, or internet routers—keep running even when the grid goes down. When combined with solar, battery storage creates a more resilient and energy-independent home.
Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy:
Solar Equipment
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are several types of solar panels, each with different materials, efficiencies, and applications:
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Monocrystalline panels are made from a single crystal structure and are typically the most efficient and space-saving option. They’re known for their high performance and long lifespan.
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Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals melted together. They’re generally less expensive but slightly less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
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Thin-film panels, including perovskite solar cells, are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for certain applications. Perovskite is an emerging technology with promising efficiency and cost advantages, though it is still largely in the research phase.
Each panel type has its advantages depending on your energy goals, roof space, and budget.
Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy – Solar Energy Technologies Office:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-cell-basics
What is an inverter and why does it matter?
A solar inverter is a crucial component of any solar energy system—it converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that your home appliances can use. Without an inverter, the electricity from your solar panels wouldn’t be compatible with your home’s electrical system or the utility grid.
Inverters also play an important role in:
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Monitoring your system’s performance
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Detecting faults or shading issues
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Optimizing energy production, especially with advanced types like microinverters or string inverters with optimizers
In short, your inverter ensures that the power your panels produce is safe, usable, and trackable.
Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Photovoltaic Basics:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-system-design-basics
Financing Options For Your Solar System
Solar Loans, Leases, and PPAs: What’s the difference?
Solar Loans, Leases, and PPAs: What’s the Difference?
There are three main ways to finance a solar system: loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) — each with different ownership and savings implications:
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Solar Loan: You borrow money to purchase the system and own it outright once paid off. You benefit from tax credits and incentives and usually save more in the long run.
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Solar Lease: You rent the system from a solar company and pay a fixed monthly fee. You don’t own the system, so you’re typically not eligible for tax credits.
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Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Similar to a lease, but instead of a fixed fee, you pay for the electricity the system produces, usually at a lower rate than your utility. The solar provider owns, installs, and maintains the system.
Each option affects your long-term savings, maintenance responsibility, and eligibility for incentives differently. It’s important to compare terms and understand what works best for your financial goals.
Learn more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/solar-panel-loans-lease-and-ppa-whats-difference/
Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar U.S. Department of Energy
Homeowner Considerations
Do I need a new roof before going solar?
Before installing solar panels, it's important to evaluate the condition of your roof. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 15–20 years or older), it may be wise to replace or repair it before going solar. This helps avoid the cost and hassle of removing and reinstalling your panels later.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners work with a qualified solar installer to assess whether their roof is suitable for solar and to factor in any potential roof-related costs as part of the project.
Key things to consider include:
- Roof age and material
- Shading or structural issues
- Orientation and pitch
- Local building codes and load requirements
Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver resource:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/planning-home-solar-electric-system
Ion Solar Pros makes it easy by offering roof repair and replacement services through our sister company, ISP Roofing. Whether it’s a minor fix or a full replacement, we’ll take care of the roof and the solar—all under one roof.
Call today for a free roof assessment: (203) 896-4999
Visit: https://www.isproofingusa.com
Will Solar Increase My Home Value?
Yes, multiple studies show that homes with solar energy systems typically sell for more than comparable homes without solar. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with owned solar systems—often $15,000 or more, depending on the system size and location.
Solar can also make your home more attractive to buyers by offering long-term energy savings and environmental benefits. However, the value increase may vary based on local real estate markets, utility rates, and whether the system is owned or leased.
Learn more from the U.S. Department of Energy–funded Berkeley Lab report:
https://emp.lbl.gov/publications/selling-sun-price-premium-analysis
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