When you connect with a solar provider through The Home Depot, you are not buying panels off the shelf. You are scheduling a comprehensive home consultation.
Solar panel installation represents a significant home investment, and choosing the right partner matters. With regional service providers, transparent processes and ongoing customer support, The Home Depot can help homeowners confidently navigate the complexity of going solar.
Why Homeowners Choose Solar: It’s About Savings
The primary driver for most homeowners to consider installing solar panels is lower electricity bills. While environmental benefits are real, the decision to go solar typically comes down to practical financial savings. In markets where electricity costs run high, such as California, Nevada, Florida, Arizona and parts of the Northeast, solar systems can significantly reduce long-term energy expenses.
The goal is straightforward: Replace your current utility bill with a lower-cost electricity payment. Solar providers aim to offset up to 80% of your utility bill while charging less than your current electricity rate. For homes in regions with frequent power disruptions, solar systems paired with battery storage can offer additional value through energy independence and backup power during outages.
Environmental Impact: The Numbers
While savings drive most decisions, the environmental benefits are substantial. An average 10-kilowatt residential system offsets an estimated 110–155 metric tons of carbon emissions over a 25-year period. Your provider’s monitoring app tracks this data in real time, showing exactly how much your system has offset throughout its lifetime.
As electricity demand continues to grow, renewable energy sources become increasingly important for grid stability. Residential solar installation can reduce strain on the electrical grid and support cleaner energy production.
The Home Depot Connection
The Home Depot offers two ways to start your solar journey:
- Online: Visit the Services section at homedepot.com and submit your information. A qualified provider in your area will contact you to schedule your home assessment.
- In-store: Solar provider representatives are available nationwide in The Home Depot stores. These experts can answer initial questions and begin your consultation process. The Home Depot partners with established regional solar providers to help you connect with installers who understand your local climate, permit requirements and utility policies.
Understanding Your Solar Consultation
When you connect with a solar provider through The Home Depot, you are not buying panels off the shelf. You are scheduling a comprehensive home consultation. This personalized assessment is essential because every home is different. During the consultation, a solar expert will:
- Evaluate your roof condition and age (ideally less than 10 years old)
- Assess structural capacity to support panel weight
- Analyze sun exposure patterns throughout the day
- Review your utility bills to understand energy usage
- Discuss your household needs such as a pool, an electric vehicle or future additions
- Calculate optimal system size for your property
- Present customized financing options
The Installation Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations for your project. The time you sign your contract to when your system is fully operational can take anywhere from two to nine months, with most installations averaging about two months to get panels on your roof.
After signing your contract, you will receive a quick validation call to confirm your details and review next steps. The physical installation itself is relatively fast and often completed in just a few days. Between these two steps is the longest phase, which involves the permit and utility coordination process needed to ensure that your system connects properly to the grid. Even with battery storage, your home still needs a grid connection to send excess power back for potential credits and to draw power when necessary. Because permit timelines differ by region, your provider will keep you updated as your system moves through the various approvals.
Federal Tax Credits and State Incentives
Federal tax credits are available for solar installations, though program details evolve. Currently, financed systems (loans) must be installed by the end of 2025 to qualify for the credit. Leased systems and PPAs have extensions through safe harboring provisions into 2030.
Beyond federal credits, many states and utilities offer additional rebates or incentives. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides current information on programs in your area. Your solar provider will help identify applicable incentives and assist with applications.
Taking the Next Step
Solar installation is not a decision to rush, but it is worth exploring if you live in an area with unfavorable electricity rates and if you plan to stay in your home long-term. The consultation costs nothing and provides detailed information about what a system would cost, save and produce for your specific property. The Home Depot connects you with experienced providers that understand your local market and can explain your options clearly. These providers bring expertise in installation quality, financing structures and long-term support backed by The Home Depot’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
Visit your local Home Depot store or explore solar services online to schedule a consultation.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about solar technology and industry trends, the U.S. Department of Energy offers a comprehensive Homeowner’s Guide to Solar. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) also provides valuable data on the solar market, policy updates and the future of renewable energy.
