How to Invest in Solar

Different Paths, Same Benefits

When it comes to paying for a solar system, there are several options to suit different budgets and financial goals. Understanding your payment options and the incentives available to you can make a huge difference in your financial outcome. With the right approach, a solar system will be a smart and affordable long-term energy solution for you. We have put together a guide with answers to our most frequently asked questions as well as everything you need to know about investing in solar.

Financing: 


  • Depending on your state, there are various financing options available, including many low-interest choices. Solar loans, offered by banks or lenders, allow homeowners to borrow the funds for the system and pay it back over time. You can start saving on energy bills immediately, while spreading out the cost of the system. Our team will review these options with you once your system’s details are finalized.


Cash: 


  • Paying for solar in cash is a straightforward option that allows homeowners to avoid any interest, fees, or monthly payments.  This option allows homeowners to fully own the solar panels from day one, which can result in a greater return on investment.


Incentives:


  • Federal Tax Credits: This is a tax credit offered by the U.S. government to encourage the adoption of solar energy, which allows homeowners and businesses who install solar systems to deduct 30% of the total cost of their solar system from their federal taxes. This includes the cost of the solar panels, inverter, installation, and other associated expenses. These are dollar for dollar rebates that reduce the amount of federal taxes that you owe at the end of the year.​


  • State Tax Credits: Many states offer their own solar tax credits to further reduce the cost of installing a solar system. These state-level credits vary widely in terms of eligibility, amount, and availability, although by combining state and federal incentives, homeowners can maximize their savings and make solar energy more affordable. These are dollar-for-dollar rebates against state income taxes that are paid throughout the year or owed at the end of the year.​


  • State Incentives: Some states offer incentives to customers installing solar systems. For example, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers rebates for systems installed by authorized solar companies such as Apex. ​In this case, the amount of the rebate is determined by the size of the system. As with most state incentives, it's important to stay informed about deadlines and eligibility requirements to maximize these financial benefits.



How Does Net Metering Work?


Net metering is a billing mechanism that is offered by some states which allows solar energy system owners to send the excess electricity they produce back to the grid and receive credits on their utility bills.


  • Solar Production: During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. On sunny days, they might produce more energy than your household or business uses at that moment.


  • Sending Excess Energy to the Grid: Any surplus electricity that your system generates is sent back to the utility grid. The utility tracks how much excess energy your system delivers.


  • Earning Credits: For the electricity you send to the grid, you earn credits on your account. These credits can offset the electricity you consume from the grid when your solar panels aren't generating enough power, such as at night or cloudy days


  • Reconciliation: Depending on your utility provider, at the end of the billing cycle (monthly or annually), any remaining credits might be rolled over, paid out, or forfeited, based on the policy of your state or utility company.


Solar as an Investment:


Once installed, your solar system can provide substantial savings on energy bills for 30-40 years or more. Solar energy allows homeowners and businesses to lock in lower, predictable energy costs. While traditional energy sources are subject to changing utility rates, your system will allow you to avoid these fluctuations. Over time, the savings generated from reduced electricity bills can far outweigh the initial cost of installation.


Your System Will Eventually:

  • Produce free electricity
  • Increase property value


We like to compare your solar system to an apple tree. Once the apple tree is planted, very little to no maintenance is required to upkeep it, yet it continues to produce apples year after year. Similarly, once your solar system is installed, there’s minimal maintenance needed, and it will continue to generate energy and savings for decades. Just like you enjoy the benefits of the apples without needing to buy them, you’ll enjoy the ongoing reduction in your energy bills without worrying about rising utility rates. 


While this may be a cheesy sales pitch, it’s the truth. The only way a solar system could be a poor investment is if energy costs were going down, which they’re not.  Just like you wouldn’t hesitate to plant a tree that keeps giving you fruit year after year, a solar system is a smart, sustainable investment for the long haul.

 Do you have more questions about paying for your solar project? Are you interested in seeing how much you could save by going solar? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

Request a Quote!

What the 2026 Utility Rate Changes Mean for Homeowners

By mbaker • January 23, 2026
What the 2026 Utility Rate Changes Mean for Homeowners As we move into 2026, homeowners are facing a major shift in how much it costs to power their homes. Utilities across the country are preparing for another round of significant rate increases — driven by aging infrastructure, higher demand, and rising energy costs. At the same time, the federal solar tax credit is set to step down, reducing the incentive homeowners have relied on for years. While this combination may sound discouraging at first, it actually underscores a larger truth: with utility rates climbing faster than ever, going solar still makes long-term financial sense. Rising Utility Rates in 2026 Many utility providers have already announced increases for 2026, and the trend is consistent nationwide. In fact, the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved an increase of 30% increase for New York utilities to occur over the next 3 years. Electricity costs are going up, fixed monthly charges are increasing, and more utilities are shifting to time-of-use pricing models that penalize homeowners during late-afternoon and evening peaks. In some regions, residential demand charges — once reserved for commercial customers — are becoming more common. For the average homeowner, this translates to noticeably higher bills even if their usage stays the same. Some areas could see annual increases of 10–25% as these new structures take hold. The Solar Tax Credit Is Decreasing — But the Savings Aren’t 2026 is also the year the federal solar Investment Tax Credit steps down from the full 30% for many homeowners. This means installing solar will carry a slightly higher upfront out-of-pocket cost than in recent years. However, the long-term economics still strongly favor solar. While the tax credit reduces, electricity prices continue to rise every year — and those increases compound over time. The value of producing your own electricity becomes greater with each rate hike, often offsetting the reduced tax incentive within just a few years. In other words, the short-term increase in system cost is still outweighed by decades of escalating utility prices. Why Solar Still Makes Financial Sense Solar’s value has always come from its ability to provide clean, predictable, stable energy for decades — and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is how quickly grid-supplied electricity is becoming more expensive. By installing solar, homeowners reduce or eliminate their reliance on a system where prices are uncontrollable and consistently rising. Pairing solar with battery storage makes the financial case even stronger, allowing homeowners to bypass expensive peak rates and keep their homes powered when the grid is stressed or offline. Even with the incentive stepping down, the lifetime savings from solar in 2026 remain extremely strong. What Homeowners Should Take Away The combination of rising utility rates and a reduced tax credit might seem like a reason to wait, but it’s actually the opposite. The longer homeowners remain 100% dependent on the grid, the more expensive their energy costs become. Solar continues to offer protection from rate volatility, greater control over monthly expenses, and long-term savings that significantly outweigh the loss of part of the tax credit. 2026 is a reminder that the cost of utility power is only moving in one direction — and investing in your own energy system is one of the smartest ways to stay ahead. If you’d like a personalized look at what these changes mean for your home, our team can walk you through the numbers and build a plan tailored to your energy needs.

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