Getting Started with Solar: A Simple Guide for Homeowners
If you’ve been thinking about going solar but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. At Supreme Solar and Electric, we talk to homeowners every day who are interested in reducing their electric bills, gaining energy independence, and doing their part for the environment—but aren’t quite sure how to get started.
This guide will walk you through every step of the process in plain English. Whether you’re in Fresno, the Coachella Valley, or anywhere in sunny California, this post is designed to help you understand if solar is right for you, how to size your system, what your payment options are, and how to choose the right contractor and equipment.
Let’s dive in.
1. Is Solar a Good Fit for My Home?
Before you start looking at panels, batteries, or financing, the first step is determining whether your home is even a good candidate for solar.
Check Your Roof’s Sun Exposure
Solar panels produce electricity from direct sunlight—so the more sunlight your roof gets, the better. Ideally, your roof should be:
- Facing south, west, or east
- Free from large obstructions like trees or buildings that cast shade
- In good condition with enough surface area to support your energy needs
While south-facing roofs typically get the most consistent sun exposure throughout the day, west and east-facing roofs are also great options—especially with today’s high-efficiency solar panels. West-facing systems tend to produce more energy in the late afternoon (perfect for peak usage), while east-facing panels catch the morning sun and still contribute significantly to your energy production.
If your roof is partially shaded or doesn’t face the optimal direction, solar might still work—but it could reduce your production or require more panels to make up the difference.
What If My Roof Doesn’t Work for Solar?
If your roof isn’t ideal, the next option is a ground-mounted solar system. This involves installing solar panels on racking systems on your property, usually in a sunny part of the yard or field. Ground mounts can be an excellent solution when the roof just won’t cut it—but they do require space and sometimes additional permitting.
Roof Suitability Checklist
- Does my roof get at least 5+ hours of direct sunlight?
- Is it shaded by trees or nearby buildings?
- Is my roof facing south, west, or east?
- Is my roof in good condition (no need for re-roofing soon)?
- Do I have space on my property for a ground mount, if needed?
If you answered yes to most of these, you’re off to a good start.
2. How Much Solar Do I Need?
Once you know your home can support solar, the next step is figuring out how much solar you actually need.
Look at Your Energy Usage
Your solar system should be designed to match your energy consumption. We typically look at your electricity usage over a full 12-month period. This gives us a complete picture, including seasonal highs and lows (like heavy AC use in the summer).
Here’s how to determine your energy needs:
- Check your electric bills for total kilowatt-hours (kWh) used annually
- Identify high-usage months (usually summer for hot areas like Fresno or Coachella Valley)
- Factor in any upcoming electrical appliances, such as:
- Electric vehicle chargers
- Pool pumps
- Electric water heaters
- Well pumps
- HVAC systems
- Electric dryers or ovens
What If I’m New to the Home?
If you just moved in and don’t have 12 months of usage data, don’t worry. A qualified contractor (like Supreme Solar and Electric) can estimate your expected energy needs based on your square footage, number of occupants, and appliances.
3. How Will I Pay for My Solar System?
Once you know how much solar you need, the next big question is: how do I pay for it?
There are two primary options: renting (leasing or power purchase agreement) or buying (cash or financing).
Option 1: Rent the System (Lease or PPA)
With a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you don’t own the system. Instead, you buy the power it produces—just like you currently do from your utility company, but typically at a lower, fixed rate.
Pros:
- Usually zero upfront cost
- Maintenance is handled by the system owner
- Fixed monthly bill
Cons:
- You don’t own the system
- Limited or no increase in home value
- May complicate home sale
Option 2: Purchase the System
Purchasing your solar system—either with cash or financing—means you own it. You’re paying for the equipment, the installation, the permitting, and the warranty. The upside is that the system is now an asset on your property.
Pros:
- Increases home value
- You qualify for the 30% federal tax credit
- No monthly power bill from your utility
- Better long-term savings
Cons:
- Upfront cost or monthly financing
- You’re responsible for monitoring and maintenance (though most contractors include warranties)
Financing Solar
Most homeowners choose to finance their system. Solar loans are similar to car loans but usually come with longer terms—often 20 to 25 years—and many offer zero down options. The monthly payment is often less than what you’re currently paying for electricity.
The goal here is simple: eliminate your electric bill and replace it with a fixed, often lower, monthly payment—while locking in energy savings for decades.
4. Choosing the Right Solar Contractor
Once you’ve decided solar is right for your home, and you know how much you need and how you want to pay for it, it’s time to find a contractor you can trust.
What to Look For
- Local Reputation: Look for contractors with strong reviews in your area. Supreme Solar and Electric, for example, has over 150 five-star reviews across Fresno and the Coachella Valley.
- Longevity: A company that’s been around longer has more experience and will likely be around for service later.
- Licensing and Insurance: Always confirm your installer is a licensed contractor with proper insurance coverage.
- Customer Support: Do they offer service after the install? Are they local, or outsourcing everything?
Why Local Matters
Working with a local solar installer means faster support, better communication, and more familiarity with your utility company’s requirements (like PG&E, SCE, or IID). We’ve helped hundreds of California homeowners navigate permits, interconnection, and post-installation support.
5. What Equipment Should I Choose?
The solar panels themselves are just one part of the system. You’ll also want to look at the inverter, battery storage, and overall system design.
Solar Panels
These convert sunlight into electricity. When selecting solar panels, it’s best to go with trusted, high-efficiency brands. Some of the top panel manufacturers we recommend include:
- SEG
- Jinko
- Q-Cells
- REC
- Panasonic
Each of these brands offers reliable production, strong warranties, and high performance—even in the hotter climates we often see in the Central Valley and desert regions.
Inverters
Inverters are what convert the DC electricity your solar panels generate into AC power that your home can use. There are a few types of inverters available:
- String inverters – Affordable and ideal for unshaded roofs
- Microinverters – Great for shaded roofs and panel-level monitoring (e.g., Enphase)
- Hybrid inverters – Designed to work with battery storage systems
Choosing the right inverter depends on your home’s design, shading, and whether or not you plan to install a battery.
Battery Storage
In California’s NEM 3.0 world, battery storage is more important than ever. Since utilities offer less compensation for solar energy sent back to the grid, storing your power and using it later provides better savings.
Some of the top battery brands we work with include:
Each battery has its strengths, whether it’s whole-home backup capabilities, expandable storage, or app-based monitoring. If you’re not sure which battery is right for you, our team can walk you through your options.
6. The Solar Installation Process
Once you’ve picked your contractor and signed your agreement, here’s a basic overview of what to expect:
- Site Survey: A technician visits your home to inspect your roof, electrical panel, and determine the best layout.
- System Design: Engineers create a custom layout based on your home and energy needs.
- Permitting: Your contractor submits plans to the city or county for approval.
- Installation: Typically takes 1-2 days depending on system size and complexity.
- Inspection: A city inspector confirms the system is installed correctly.
- Interconnection: Your utility grants permission to operate (PTO), and you start producing power!
Final Thoughts: Is Solar Worth It?
In high-electricity-cost states like California, going solar isn’t just a good idea—it’s one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for your home. If your home qualifies and you size the system correctly, solar can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the next 25+ years.
Plus, with zero-down financing, federal tax credits, and energy prices continuing to rise, the sooner you start, the more you’ll save.
At Supreme Solar and Electric, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From your first consultation to final inspection, we make the process easy, transparent, and stress-free.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to take the next step or just want to find out if solar makes sense for your home, reach out to our team. We offer free consultations and can walk you through your home’s solar potential, energy usage, financing options, and more.
Contact Supreme Solar and Electric today and take control of your energy future.
Get the Deal You Deserve.
Contact Supreme Solar Today
