We surveyed solar customers nationwide in 2025 to gain insights into the state of the residential solar industry. In the survey, we asked 1,000 homeowners from diverse geographic areas and income levels about their solar system configurations so we could see what works and what doesn’t, and what’s next in residential solar adoption.
Solar installations in homes continue to reach record heights in 2024, which increases the need to understand consumer experiences. This article shares key insights on installation experiences, return on investments (ROI), energy independence, and trends influencing home solar technology to help us in our research on the best solar companies.
Key Takeaways
- The most common motivation for purchasing solar panels was to reduce power bills, as reported by 93% of survey respondents.
- The most common solar installer among respondents was Sunrun, chosen by 14% of solar customers.
- Over half of respondents didn’t buy any add-ons, such as solar batteries or EV chargers, with their solar panel installation.
- Our survey found that panel efficiency was the most important factor for customers when deciding between providers.
Why Do People Buy Solar Panels?
Our survey showed that the most common reason homeowners go solar is to save money on their electricity bills. Electricity costs represent a major part of the average home budget, and the possibility of reducing that cost is very tempting. By going solar with high-efficiency solar panels, homeowners can see their utility budgets improve and, in the long run, achieve savings that truly add up.
Environmental reasons also play a role in solar adoption, with 72% of participants saying they chose solar to protect the environment. Our survey suggests that reducing one’s carbon footprint and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels resonates strongly with homeowners in today’s society. Going solar represents a practical step towards sustainability, appealing to many individuals on an ethical level, according to the results of our survey.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they installed solar panels to increase the value of their home. Studies have shown that properties with solar panels sell faster and at higher prices, offering a worthwhile investment for those looking to plan ahead. For nearly 55% of respondents, energy independence was the main benefit of buying a solar system. Freedom from rising utility costs and power outages, along with increased control over their power supply, can provide a sense of security and autonomy.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
The national average cost of solar panels for a standard 6–8 kilowatt (kW) system, which typically includes 15–24 panels, is about $19,619. If you’re curious about what that means on a smaller scale, the average cost per solar panel is around $1,200. These estimates provide a starting point when budgeting for a solar project. Additionally, keep in mind that various incentives, like tax credits, can significantly reduce these costs.
Since installing solar panels, homeowners in our survey reported saving an average of $178 per month on their electric bills. These monthly savings can total over $2,100 per year, offering relief from rising utility costs. About 65% of homeowners said they saved between $80 and $300 per month, demonstrating that even modest systems, such as 10–15 panels, can provide meaningful financial benefits over time.
When it comes to financing solar panels, homeowners can choose from a variety of methods based on what fits their financial situation best. Here’s a breakdown of how our survey respondents financed their solar systems:
- 37% paid upfront using a credit card
- 31% paid upfront using cash
- 17% leased their solar system through an installation company
- 10% used a solar loan
- 5% entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA)
- 4% secured a bank loan
Solar Add-on Costs
When it comes to additional upgrades beyond basic solar panels, customers typically can choose from features such as solar batteries, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and more. Our survey showed the following add-on purchases among respondents:
- 61% of homeowners didn’t purchase any add-ons
- 19% bought a solar battery (such as the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem RESU)
- 11% opted for an energy efficiency audit to maximize their solar investment
- 7% invested in roof repairs before their solar installation
- 5% installed EV chargers alongside their solar systems
Of the homeowners who invested in solar batteries, the average solar battery cost was close to $5,500. Solar battery costs can vary widely from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $20,000, depending on the brand, size, and the number of units installed.
Tesla Powerwall, Generac PWRcell, SunPower SunVault, Enphase, Panasonic EverVolt, and Sonnen Eco were among the most popular brands. The Tesla Powerwall came out on top among customers with a share of close to 42% of reported installations.
Top Solar Providers
Homeowners in our survey preferred a select group of solar installation companies when making buying decisions. About 15% of homeowners used Sunrun, placing the company at the top of the list. Solar Energy World came in second with 12%, and Tesla received 10%. NRG Clean Power and Freedom Solar Power were both preferred by 8% of customers each. Together, these five companies together represent 53% of our total survey responses.
Some other companies of note include Trinity Solar (7%), Venture Solar (5%), Elevation (3%), Blue Raven Solar (2%), and Palmetto Solar (2%).
| Provider | Percent of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Sunrun | 15% |
| Solar Energy World | 12% |
| Tesla | 10% |
| NRG Clean Power | 8% |
| Freedom Solar Power | 8% |
| Trinity Solar | 7% |
| Venture Solar | 5% |
| Elevation | 3% |
| Blue Raven Solar | 2% |
| Palmetto Solar | 2% |
With a variety of reliable options available, homeowners can select a solar company most suited to their energy demands, budgetary aspirations, and customer care expectations. From cutting-edge technology to robust warranties and flexible payment plans, today’s solar market has dependable solutions to power your home in a way that’s more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Claims Experience and Satisfaction
When it comes to going solar, the real story lies in the experiences of homeowners themselves. Understanding first-hand feedback gives prospective solar customers a clear picture of what to expect, especially when it comes to navigating installation timelines, accessing available incentives, and dealing with warranty claims or ongoing service needs. Below, we break down real customer insights, including positive and negative experiences, which can help you make a more informed decision about your own solar journey.
Positive Experience
A majority of homeowners (89%) reported successfully taking advantage of federal or state tax incentives when installing solar panels. Among these homeowners, about 88% said it was easy to receive their incentives. Additionally, 92% of respondents said they would still have purchased solar panels even if incentives weren’t available, suggesting a strong preference for solar energy.
When it comes to satisfaction, 85% of homeowners described themselves as “very satisfied” with their solar panels, and 81% reported being very likely to recommend solar panels to friends and family. These high satisfaction and advocacy rates suggest that incentives not only help people make the switch to solar, but that customer experiences and results live up to or exceed expectations.
Negative Experience
While the overwhelming sentiment was positive, some homeowners encountered challenges with their solar panel installations. About 11% didn’t apply for or qualify for federal or state solar incentives, and among those homeowners, a small portion found the process or available financial outcomes less favorable. Around 5% reported feeling only neutral or somewhat dissatisfied with their solar panels, and 4% were unlikely or very unlikely to recommend solar to others.
These figures show that while issues can arise, these experiences represent a minority. Homeowners considering solar may find peace of mind in knowing the vast majority of our survey respondents said their system is a worthwhile, rewarding investment.
Regional Insights on Solar Panels
Homeowners across the U.S. are embracing solar energy, based on our survey results, but regional trends show some fascinating differences in adoption, satisfaction, and experiences with solar panel providers. Here’s a breakdown of key insights based on feedback from homeowners surveyed across various counties and states:
- South: Florida and Texas were two of the states with the highest number of solar installations in our survey, accounting for 14% of total responses. Florida counties like Orange, Polk, and Hillsborough showed especially high solar adoption, likely thanks to the state’s abundant sunshine and strong incentives. Texas counties, including Harris, Collin, and Dallas, are also experiencing solar growth based on our survey.
- Northeast: In states like New Jersey and New York, homeowners cited environmental consciousness and high electricity rates as major reasons for going solar. Programs like state-level rebates and strong net metering policies also made an impact.
- Midwest: Solar adoption is rising steadily in Michigan and Ohio, with many homeowners in our survey reporting being attracted to federal incentives and long-term savings. Though not traditionally a solar hotspot, Midwest residents reported a strong satisfaction with newer, more resilient panel technology, such as strong wind-resistant mounting systems, that handles variable weather conditions.
- West: Residents from California counties like Los Angeles, Santa Clara, and Riverside dominated our survey in both installation volume and customer satisfaction. Arizona’s Maricopa County and Washington’s King County also showcased strong solar markets, driven by ongoing solar incentive policies and abundant sunlight.
Common Trends in the Solar Industry
Our survey revealed a number of overarching trends that reflect the changing landscape of residential solar installation. These findings provide important insights for homeowners looking to go solar.
One of the most evident trends is the increased use of solar financing alternatives. Homeowners are turning to solar loans, leases, and PPAs instead of paying the full price upfront for their systems. With financing options, more customers can gain access to solar panels without a huge initial cost hurdle.
Another important trend is the overwhelming preference for professional installation. Homeowners consistently reported higher satisfaction rates when panels were installed by certified solar companies rather than through do-it-yourself (DIY) methods. This preference reflects the complexity of ensuring panels get properly mounted, wired, and integrated with local building codes and utility grids.
Additionally, our survey suggests that the accessibility of incentives greatly influences buying decisions. Respondents who easily qualified for and received federal or state tax credits reported being significantly more satisfied with their investment. On the flip side, those who struggled to apply or didn’t qualify for incentives expressed more neutral or mixed satisfaction levels. This suggests that having streamlined incentive processes is important to broadening solar adoption.
Key Highlights
- Over 85% of homeowners took advantage of either federal or state incentives when installing a solar system.
- Financing options like solar loans were more popular than cash purchases, especially among first-time solar buyers.
- Professional installation leads to higher customer satisfaction compared to DIY efforts.
- Satisfaction rates closely align with whether homeowners received expected financial incentives.
Overall, our survey suggested that while customers find price and efficiency important, factors like financing accessibility, professional expertise, and incentives are just as influential in shaping today’s home solar experiences.
Is Going Solar Worth It?
Based on our survey data and homeowner experiences across the country, solar panels are worth it. More than 90% of survey respondents reported being either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their solar panels, and an equally high percentage said they would recommend solar to family and friends. Financial incentives, such as the federal tax credit and state-level programs, played an important role, with over 85% of solar customers leveraging these opportunities to make their systems more affordable. Professional installation further boosted satisfaction rates, ensuring that homeowners maximized system performance and the longevity of their panels.
Solar energy isn’t just about cutting electricity costs—it’s about making a smart, future-focused investment in your home. With financing options, solar incentives, and the potential for an increased property value, the path to energy independence is more accessible. Whether you live in sunny Florida, tech-savvy California, or the rapidly growing solar markets of the Midwest and South, going solar today sets the stage for a more sustainable and cost-effective tomorrow.
Our Survey Methodology
To gain a clearer picture of what going solar really looks like, we conducted a comprehensive national survey in 2025 using Pollfish. We spoke with 1,000 U.S. homeowners who recently installed solar panels on their homes, aiming to find genuine, data-backed insights about their buying journeys, installation satisfaction, and spending.
We made sure to include voices from across the country, with participants representing every U.S. region and a diverse mix of homeowner profiles. Respondents ranged from 18–88 years old, with most being in their 30s–60s, and reflected an almost equal split between men and women. While many respondents worked full-time, the survey also captured perspectives from retirees, homemakers, part-time workers, and those between jobs. This broad representation helped ensure that our results provide an honest, well-rounded view of today’s residential solar market nationwide.
