3 Ways Going Solar Changes Your Life

March 7, 2017

When you go solar with SunPower you can relax knowing you're generating clean energy from the sun.

Editor’s Note: In 2020, SunPower announced the completion of the strategic spin-off of its manufacturing division into a separate business named Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. As a result, SunPower has expanded its offerings to drive future growth. The SunPower Equinox® system now offers multiple panel options, including front- and back-contact panels, all of which are responsibly and rigorously quality tested to provide the best energy solution for your home. For more information on the differences in panel technology, see: http://ow.ly/5hPL50LzjxK.

You know that a residential solar system will change how you power your home. But have you taken the time to think about the ways solar will change your life?

There May Be Financial Rewards

As soon as your solar system for your home is turned on, you start generating your own electricity from the sun. Though the amount you will save on your monthly electric bill will vary depending on factors such as your location, shade, system size, utility rates and weather, the simple way to think of it is this: The more solar power you make, the less energy you have to buy from your utility company. Depending upon local guidelines, your utility company may end up giving you a credit on your bill for the solar energy they’re using from your home.

There’s also the U.S. Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, known as the ITC. The ITC allows a taxpayer to take a dollar-for-dollar reduction in income taxes equal to 30 percent of the basis that is invested in the solar system.1 In 2020, the ITC drops to 26 percent; in 2021, it drops to 22 percent. After that, the ITC may expire, so don't delay if you want to take advantage of this perk.

Other incentives may be available in your state. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to find out. You may also see your property value increase after you install a solar energy system.2

You’re Directly Helping the Environment

By capturing the abundant, clean energy of the sun, you are helping to sustain the environment that supports all life on earth. Your house becomes more than a home; it becomes a mini renewable power plant that’s reducing the amount of harmful emissions released into the air we breathe.

Because SunPower’s high efficiency solar panels allow you to produce up to 60 percent more power in the same space as conventional panels during the first 25 years,3  your impact on helping the environment will be that much greater sooner.

With a typical energy system, all you can is watch the electric meter and track the changes in your monthly power bill. But now that SunPower and its partners have embraced big data and analytics through the SunPower® monitoring system (an optional add-on service with your system) you can use a computer or smartphone to watch every kilowatt (kWh) produced and used.

Just download the app to monitor your kWh activity, including the peaks and valleys of your energy usage during the day, your electricity bill savings and how much CO2 you’re avoiding. 4

You Become a Role Model for Friends and Neighbors

Having a SunPower solar system on your roof isn’t only a way to save money, it’s a reflection of what you believe. By going solar, you set a positive example for friends, family and neighbors.

Your community will see that you’re using renewable energy and that you’re doing a good thing for the environment and the future.

When you retell your journey about going solar, you can also talk about how 100 percent of SunPower direct current (DC) E-Series and X-Series solar panels meet strict environmental standards when it comes to how they are made.

That means that not only are you producing renewable energy, but you are also producing that energy with solar panels manufactured with reusable or recyclable materials through a sustainable process. That’s a lifecycle you can be proud of.

Thousands of our customers have told us how their lives have changed for the better since they went solar with SunPower technology. Read some of their stories on our community solar page.

Together, we’re making a difference with every sunrise.

Learn more at SunPower.com. Sign up for a free home solar evaluation here:  or call us 1-800-786-7693Click here to find a SunPower residential dealer near you.

 1Tax credits subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its partners or customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances.

2 Source: Hoen, B., Adomatis, S., Jackson, T., Graff-Zivin, J., Thayer, M., Klise, G., & Wiser, R. (2015). Selling Into the sun: Price Premium Analysis of a Multi-State Dataset of Solar Homes. Based on an analysis of homes with and without solar systems in eight states from 1999 through 2013. Actual impact on home values will vary.

3 SunPower 360W compared to a Conventional Panel on same sized arrays (260W, 16% efficient, approx. 1.6 m2), 4% more energy per watt (based on PVSyst pan files), 0.75%/yr slower degradation (Campeau, Z. et al. "SunPower Module Degradation Rate," SunPower white paper,  2013).

4 Monitoring system sold separately and is required to monitor power production and usage.