Everything You Need to Know Before Going Solar
Let’s face it: your electric bill isn’t going down, climate change isn’t going away, and your neighbor’s solar setup looks better than ever.
If you’ve been considering going solar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything from how a home solar system works, to what it costs, to how you can actually buy solar systems online — yep, that’s a thing now.
They say, “Knowledge is power.” ShopSolar.ai gives all the power you need to make a confident decision to switch to solar.
Is solar right for you? Let’s break it down with a quick checklist.
Inverters convert solar direct current (or DC) power into usable alternating current (or AC) electricity—which is what you use in your home.
Which industry leaders do we offer?
Store energy for nighttime or power outages. Cover your entire home or just the important parts.
We offer top-tier batteries like Tesla Powerwall, Delta, Fox ESS, or FranklinWH.
The sleek black rectangles on your roof that catch sunlight all day long.
Our top brands include Mission Solar Energy, Qcells, and REC. All made in the US.
Typically made of high grade steel and aluminum, this system secures panels to your roof.
A proper roof clearance is no more than 3 inches. Less than that means no ventilation.
More than that allows too much wind which vibrates the array leading to roof leaks at the penetration points.
Lets you track your system’s production and your home’s consumption — spoiler: they’re not the same thing.
Most monitoring systems are accessible via an app and comes standard with your inverter. Apps usually have a long list of features and communicate with your system via wifi.
kW = system size; kWh = a unit of measure like what gallons is to gas; what you actually use in electricity.
Your new digital utility meter that tracks your production and consumption; it’s how you earn credits for excess power.
An ON/OFF switch mounted near your utility meter required by code to keep first responders safe.
Knowing solar jargon will give you an advantage over other homeowners. Become the solar expert of your neighborhood. They'll thank you later.
You’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners are asking, “Is solar for my home really worth it?” Short answer: yes. Long answer: here’s why.
When your system produces more electricity than your home consumes, you send it to the grid and earn credits. Use less than you produce, and you’re golden.
We break this all down in our Financial Section.
You’ve gathered a few quotes and now you’re overwhelmed. Let’s simplify it.
Hot Tip: Use the instant quote widget on our home page to get a no-obligation estimate tailored to your roof and usage. It’s free, fast, and no pushy sales reps.
No matter your route, we help you get the best price for home solar systems — no commissions, no fluff. Enter your address in our widget to see if you qualify.
Are you looking for your next DIY project? You’re in the right place. Get the lowest price without compromising value and buy solar online with ShopSolar.ai.
Check out our solar panel kit with battery and inverter options. They’re perfect for hands-on homeowners.
We sell:
Bonus: We’re a direct-to-consumer company. That means you’re buying at wholesale-level pricing — no middleman, no installer markup.
And yes, you can buy solar online. It’s the 21st century — we’ve got you.
Let’s break it down with a quick checklist:
✅ Your average utility bill is over $75/month
✅ Your roof is under 15 years old (replacement for $0 down, ask us how)
✅ No major obstructions (skylights or attic vents)
✅ No heavy shading from trees or buildings (removal for $0 down, ask us how)
✅ You have 650+ credit (for financing)
Still unsure? Let us do the heavy lifting. Use our widget below for a free solar quote and see what your home qualifies for.
Enter your address to see if your home is ready for Solar 👇👇👇
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We’re a Different Energies company.
Here’s a rough flow for a full-service install:
All of this is coordinated by ShopSolar.ai, your local solar installation company. If you’re searching for solar installers in my area or a solar installation company near me, search no more, we are your partners across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.