Solar Power: A Guide To Green Energy For Your Family Home

Part of homesteading and rural living isn’t just about getting away from the city — for many people it’s about building a more self-sufficient life, often off the grid, and living in a greener, more sustainable way. The sun is one of our greatest resources, and with the right setup, you can turn it into a reliable source of power for decades to come.

Solar power has clear advantages, but it also comes with costs, challenges, and long-term considerations. Knowing both the pros and cons before you commit can save you a lot of money, and headaches, down the line.

Why pay the power company more than you have to? Why throw money away to the utility company when that money could be invested in your own solar system? With a qualified electrician and some batteries, you could install a transfer switch and disconnect yourself from the grid entirely, or run in a hybrid setup that reduces your dependency on the grid.

Cons of Going Solar

Big Decision with Real Implications

This might seem silly but solar panels are really hard to move once you put them in place. So poorly placed panels can hurt curb appeal or property value, or just be a big nuisance if you do it wrong the first time.

Company Risk

Some solar companies have gone bankrupt, leaving customers without warranty coverage or service support. If the installer disappears, you may be stuck paying for repairs or replacements out of pocket.

High Upfront Cost

Even with loans, tax credits, and rebates, the initial price tag for panels, batteries, and installation can be steep. It may take years before you break even.

Loan + Bill Overlap

For grid-tied systems, you’ll still have a monthly loan payment on top of a utility bill — at least until your system starts producing enough to offset most of your usage.

Weather Dependence

Solar production drops during cloudy days, storms, or snow coverage. Without adequate battery storage or a backup generator, you may run short on power during bad weather.

Maintenance!

Panels need occasional cleaning, wiring and inverters can fail, and batteries require monitoring or replacement every several years. These costs add up over time.

Benefits to Going Solar

Autonomy

When massive power outages occur, you have your own power plant. If you pair solar panels with battery storage, you can run essential systems — lights, refrigerators, well pumps — without depending on anyone else.

Freedom From Utility Companies

Over time — mind you, it will take a while to pay back your initial loan for having the panels installed — you won’t be paying the power company every month for providing a service the sun can give you for free. Even if you stay grid-tied, your bill can drop to almost nothing most months.

Tax Credits

The federal government will provide a tax credit amounting to 26% of the total cost of your solar panel installation. Some states have their own incentives, which can further cut costs.

Rebates

In addition to tax credits, there are numerous programs such as Net Energy Metering, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, Solar Tax Exemptions, and straight-out cash rebates for switching from the power grid to solar panels. Some utilities will even buy your extra electricity at market rates.

Installation

The company will acquire the proper permits and handle the design and installation of your panels, but you should be involved in the process from day one.

Picking where the solar control boxes are installed requires some consideration. I ended up putting the one on my house in the wrong place, and it will need to be moved. Think about accessibility, weather protection, and how far they are from both the panels and your main breaker panel.

The install crew is nowhere near as familiar with your land as you are. Make sure they aren’t going to accidentally cut through a water or electric line. Don’t be afraid to speak up — you are the one who will live with the system for decades.

Make sure the panels are positioned exactly where you want for maximum exposure to the sun, ideally with no shade from trees or buildings during peak daylight hours.

They can be ground-mounted, which also provides opportunities for creative storage (wood, tools, small equipment) as well as no holes in your roof. If you plan to use your panels as a storage shed or covered area, mount them as tall as possible for more headroom.

Solar panels can be ugly if placed wrong. Make sure you do a strong, proper prior planning session before installation. Use string or stakes to mark where the panels will be, and walk around to see how they’ll look from different points on your property.

If the initial cost of installation is prohibitive, keep in mind that solar panels can be added over time. Start with enough to cover your essential loads, then add more panels and batteries as your budget allows.

Negotiating A Solar Panel Loan

Solar salesmen are much like car salesmen: somewhat pushy and impatient, although you still end up with your own power plant instead of a flashy ride.

I was able to upgrade my old electrical system and roll it into my solar loan, which is something you should ask about if your wiring or breaker panel is outdated.

You will still have to pay a grid fee if you remain connected, plus your loan payment on the system. Off-grid systems avoid the grid fee, but require more upfront investment in batteries and backup systems.

Most systems are warrantied for the life of the loan. With a long-term loan, my kids may be the ones to find out how well the warranty actually works.

The loan is fully transferable, so it’s not a problem if you sell your home. In many cases, the loan payment is cheaper than a monthly power bill, which becomes a selling point.

How Most Solar Panel Systems Work

For grid-tied systems:

1. You’re still using your electric company’s power when needed.
2. Your solar panels produce power and put any extra back into the grid.
3. You get a new meter that tracks how much power your system exports.
4. Your power company issues your account credits you can use for everyday needs.

It’s possible that you may use more power than you produce, especially at first or during cloudy seasons, meaning you’ll have both a loan and a utility bill. This is common in the first few months, but after a while the system will have paid for itself — and from then on, it’s putting money back in your pocket.

For off-grid systems:

• All power is stored in your battery bank.
• You rely on stored power at night or in low-sun conditions.
• A backup generator is recommended for extended bad weather or high-demand periods.