6 Essential Tips for Buying Solar in 2025

If you're thinking about going solar in 2025, you’re making a smart choice! Solar energy can save you thousands on electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint. However, with changing incentives, financing options, and pricing trends, it’s important to make an informed decision. Here are five key tips to help you maximize your savings when purchasing solar for your home this year.

1. Take Advantage of Solar Incentives

One of the biggest ways to save money on solar is by leveraging available incentives. The federal solar tax credit lets you deduct 30% of your system cost from your federal taxes. This means if your solar installation costs $20,000, you can get a $6,000 tax credit. Additionally, many states offer extra incentives, such as tax credits, sales tax exemptions, and rebates that can reduce your total cost even further.

Check what programs your state and local utility providers offer. Some utilities even provide performance-based incentives, meaning you get paid for the energy your system generates over time. By stacking multiple incentives, you can significantly cut down your solar investment.

2. Choose the Right Financing Option

If paying for solar upfront isn’t an option, financing can make solar affordable. Here are the most common ways to finance solar:

• Cash Purchase: Best long-term savings but requires a large upfront payment.
• Solar Loans: Low or no upfront cost with fixed monthly payments, allowing you to still claim incentives.
• Leases & Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): No upfront cost, but you don’t own the system or qualify for tax credits, leading to lower savings.

Solar loans usually offer the best balance of affordability and long-term financial benefits. Compare interest rates and terms to find the best deal. If you have home equity, a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) may offer lower interest rates than traditional solar loans.

3. Get Multiple Quotes & Compare Offers

Solar prices can vary significantly between installers, so getting at least three quotes is crucial. Look for these factors when comparing quotes:

• Total Cost and Cost per Watt – A fair price in 2025 is around $3 per watt before incentives.
• Equipment Quality – Compare panel brands, inverters, and warranties to ensure reliability.
• Installer Reputation – Read customer reviews, check certifications, and ensure they have a solid track record.

Many installers are willing to negotiate if they know you have competing offers. Shopping around can save you 10-20% on your total solar cost.

4. Optimize Your Solar System Design

Proper system sizing and design can maximize your savings. Here’s how:

• Right-size your system: Don’t overbuild—your solar array should match your energy usage. Some utilities don’t pay full price for excess energy you send back to the grid.
• Consider energy efficiency upgrades: Reducing energy waste with LED lighting, smart thermostats, and better insulation can lower the number of solar panels you need.
• Think about battery storage: Batteries let you store solar power for nighttime use, helping you save more if your utility has time-of-use rates or limited net metering policies.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Changes

Solar policies and prices change over time. Utility companies may adjust net metering rules, affecting how much you earn for excess solar energy. Electricity rates are rising nationwide, making solar even more valuable. Additionally, while solar panel costs have dropped over the years, supply chain issues and tariffs could cause slight price increases. Waiting too long to install could mean missing out on savings.

If you’re considering solar, act sooner rather than later to lock in today’s incentives and avoid potential cost hikes.

6. Install Your Own Solar

Believe it or not, thousands of people install their own solar each year and that number is only going to grow in 2025. Installing your own solar has never been easier and more affordable, costing homeowners about 40% less than the national average.

DIY Solar is the premier option for solar self-install. We provide you the engineering and designs, help you through the permitting process, and provide you a customized solar kit and instructions that you can install yourself. If this sounds interesting to you, get a quote with us today.

Final Thoughts

Going solar in 2025 is a great investment, but making the right choices can save you thousands. Take advantage of tax credits and rebates, choose the best financing, shop around for competitive quotes, and design your system smartly. By following these five tips, you’ll maximize your savings and enjoy clean, affordable energy for decades to come.