Recently I have seen a ton of those tempting ads promising free solar on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Well, I decided to do some digging to help you separate fact from fiction. Can you really get free solar for your home and cut down those pesky monthly power bills?
In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into what’s really going on with these ads, who’s involved, and whether they can genuinely help you transition to solar energy.
Rather watch than read? Check out our 7-minute video below.
The Inflation Reduction Act and Solar Incentives
Before we break down a “free solar” ad, it’s crucial to understand the backdrop of solar energy in 2023.
In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act introduced several solar incentives, with one standing out for homeowners—the tax credit. The tax credit, initially set at 26%, was extended to 30% and is slated to last until 2032.
This significant incentive helps reduce the overall cost of installing a solar system and speeds up the payback period. But is it enough to make solar free? Let’s find out.
The ‘Free Solar’ Ad: Breaking Down the Promise
Let’s take a look at a one-minute ad that piqued my interest. It’s not unusual for these ads to pop up on various websites. They often promise enticing benefits like millions of US homeowners no longer paying energy bills at zero net cost.
This particular ad claimed that solar companies have a “nasty little secret” and they are trying everything to keep it from the public. Clever marketing, but is it true? Let’s break it down.
Clicking on the ‘Free Solar’ Ad
When you click on the ad, it takes you to a website where you’ll be prompted to provide your zip code. Then, you’ll start sharing some personal information, including your home address.
Now, don’t worry; this is standard practice when you’re looking to go solar. The solar installer needs these details to provide an estimate and customize a system to your home.
But here’s where the plot thickens. After filling out the information, I hit a dead end. There was no estimate, no cost breakdown, and no size of the system estimation.
Instead, it turned out to be a lead generation site.
The Lead Generation Trap
The main goal of a lead generation site is to gather leads for solar installers. In essence, they’re the top of the sales funnel, and they might not provide the valuable information you’re looking for. So your information gets passed along without receiving the details you need to make an informed decision.
In my case, the first company I encountered was called Sunvalue. They swiftly verified my information and then handed me off to another company called Solar America. Solar America wanted to ensure I was genuinely interested in going solar and that my address was correct.
Finally, they connected me with Sunrun, a prominent player in the US solar industry. Sunrun reached out to me within five minutes of Solar America’s call.
Sunrun primarily deals in solar leases, meaning you don’t own the equipment. While this can reduce the upfront costs, you won’t get solar for free.
The whole process, from finishing the initial form to receiving a call from Sunrun, took less than a day. In the world of lead generation, they were lightning fast.
The Truth About ‘Free Solar’
So, here’s the million-dollar question: can you actually get solar for free? The short answer is no.
The equipment required for a solar system can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of your system and your energy consumption. And that’s just the equipment cost—we’re not even considering the installation labor or any necessary electrical updates.
However, there are plenty of incentives, tax credits, and programs that can significantly reduce the cost of going solar.
If you’re considering making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to do your research, ask the right questions, and work with reputable companies.
Your Path to Solar Energy
Let’s take a look at some of the ways that could make solar energy more affordable for you.
- Solar Tax Credits
Take advantage of federal tax credits that can significantly lower your solar system’s cost. - Local and State Incentives
Some states and municipalities offer additional incentives to promote solar adoption. - Net Metering
Many utilities offer net metering programs, allowing you to sell excess energy back to the grid and reduce your energy bills. - Financing Options
Numerous financing choices are available, from loans to solar leases, that can make solar more accessible.
Actionable Steps For You
- Join Our Facebook Group
We’ve just started a Facebook group where homeowners, solar consultants, and myself can answer your questions and provide insights. Click here to join. - Get an actual cost estimate and size (kW) of the system you need
If you want to start where I started to get solar on my home, click here. This link will take you to Solar Reviews which has a great cost estimator for your needs. Then if you want they can connect you to local installers to get an actual quote looking at your specific home electrical system, roof setup, tree coverage, etc.
In the world of solar, it’s all about making informed choices. While free solar may be a myth, the benefits of going solar are very real.
If you’d like to learn more about how to pay for solar, check out our video.