Should You Go Solar This Summer? A Simple Guide to Getting Started at Home
Summer is one of the best times to make the switch to solar. With longer daylight hours, higher energy bills from air conditioning, and often easier installation conditions, installing photovoltaics in the warmer months makes practical and financial sense. Whether you're motivated by rising utility costs, a desire for energy independence, or the appeal of clean, renewable power, this guide will walk you through why summer is an ideal time, the costs involved, incentives, and tips on how to choose the right system and get started.
Why Is Summer a Good Time to Go Solar?
While you can install solar panels, also known as photovoltaics, at any time of year, summer is often the best. Why? Because, depending on where you live, your electrical bills are likely skyrocketing due to running air conditioners, and you can save money with solar.
Photovoltaic output is also highest in summer thanks to the longer daylight hours and more direct sunlight, which means even greater savings on your bill.
Finally, summer is also a good time for installations, as the weather is more predictable, resulting in smoother and quicker installations.
How Do You Know If Your Home Is Ready for Solar?
Virtually any home in the United States is suitable for photovoltaics, and if you want to save money and gain energy independence, you’re ready. However, there are a few things to consider.
Most home solar systems are installed on roofs, so you need to consider the size, shape, and slope of your roof and the amount of shade from trees and nearby buildings. Another factor to consider is the age of your roof. Since photovoltaics typically last 25 years or more, if your roof needs to be replaced, it’s best to take care of that first.
EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels can be installed on virtually any roof. However, they perform best on south-facing roofs with a 15 to 40-degree slope, depending on your latitude. Still, east- and west-facing roofs also produce significant output, and there are ways that your installer can address shade and flat roofs.
If your roof is unsuitable, you can use ground-mounted systems. Additionally, people living in apartments can even install photovoltaics on balconies.
What Are the Costs and Incentives of Going Solar?
Like everything else, investing in photovoltaics comes with pros and cons. For instance, a complete array installed requires a significant investment, ranging from about $10,000 to $35,000, depending on the size and other factors. Still, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Solar Generator (PV220W) will save you money immediately through reduced electricity bills. After those savings cover the installation cost, you'll enjoy free energy for years. Furthermore, having photovoltaics increases your property value should you decide to sell.
However, there are also significant government incentives, tax credits, rebates, and low- or no-interest loans available, making it even more appealing. And yes, those incentives are still available for Americans in 2025 and 2026. While some (but not all) are being phased out, they will not disappear immediately. If you install your system this summer, you will still be eligible for the full incentives.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Solar Generator
How to Get Started With Solar This Summer
The first step is determining if your roof is suitable for photovoltaics, ensuring it’s neither too old nor too shaded. If it’s not suitable, you can consider portable or ground-mounted systems instead.
Then, choose your solar system. Start by determining how many kWh your household uses each day, which you can calculate from your electrical bill. Divide your kWh by 1000 to get your daily use in watt-hours (Wh). Then, decide whether to supplement with solar or use it to meet your energy needs.
When choosing an array, look for quality monocrystalline panels with conversion efficiencies of at least 22%. Cheaper panels with lower efficiencies produce less power and fewer savings.
You also need to decide if you want battery storage. This is highly recommended, allowing you to stay powered up when the grid goes down and use your free, clean energy at night or during high demand when your panels aren’t producing enough.
If you want to cover your entire energy use with solar, buy a larger system than you need and look for expandable models to add an air conditioner, hot tub, or other appliance to your home. For instance, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Solar Generator + 2 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels is a robust system that starts at an impressive 7.2kW of output, which is enough for the average home, but is expandable up to 90kWh for even the most power-hungry homes.
Finally, carefully choose your installer and verify their references and warranties to ensure you receive a quality installation that matches the quality of your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Battery Storage to Go Solar?
No, battery storage is not technically necessary for going solar as long as you remain tied to the grid. However, it allows you to use clean energy at night and provides backup power in case the grid goes down.
What Are the Costs and Incentives of Going Solar?
A solar array costs approximately $10,000 to $35,000, depending on the array size, your roof type, and other factors. Numerous government tax credits, rebates, and other incentives are still available that can significantly reduce your upfront costs.
Summer Solar Maximizes Savings, Boosts Output, and Future-Proofs Homes
Going solar this summer can be one of the smartest, long-term decisions you make for your home. With longer days delivering maximum photovoltaic output, rising utility bills, and government incentives still available, now is the time to act. Whether you're looking to offset part of your energy use or fully power your home, systems like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Solar Generator + 2 x 400W Rigid Solar Panels offer reliable, expandable solutions that grow with your needs, allowing you to enjoy clean, free power for decades to come.