FreshSuns is your comprehensive solar energy resource — providing calculators, guides, educational content, and tools to help homeowners and businesses make informed decisions about solar power, energy efficiency, and sustainable living.
Solar energy is transforming how America and the world generate and consume electricity. The cost of solar panels has fallen by more than 90% over the past decade, making solar power economically viable for the average homeowner for the first time in history. In 2023 alone, the United States added a record amount of new solar capacity, and the industry continues to grow at an extraordinary pace.
Yet despite this growth, many homeowners remain confused about solar — how it works, how much it costs, whether it makes sense for their specific situation, and how to avoid common pitfalls. FreshSuns exists to cut through the confusion with clear, unbiased, data-driven information.
The average American home solar installation costs between $15,000 and $30,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and applicable state incentives, many homeowners see payback periods of 6-9 years, with systems that last 25-30 years. That represents substantial long-term savings and protection against rising utility rates.
In many US states — particularly those with high electricity rates and good solar resources like California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts — solar makes strong economic sense for most homeowners who own their homes.
FreshSuns is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information. Solar savings estimates are based on publicly available data from NREL, EIA, and regional utility rate schedules. We do not sell solar panels or installation services and receive no commissions from solar companies.