With many clean energy tax incentives on the chopping block in the United States, homeowners are searching for more affordable solar panel alternatives — namely, those that don't require a hefty upfront investment.
In early 2025, California retiree Terry opted for plug-in solar panel technology in lieu of conventional rooftop photovoltaics.
Terry explained his decision-making process to nonprofit solar group Bright Saver, saying, "I've wanted solar for a long time, but I need a new roof and I'm in my 70s — will I live long enough for the investment to pay off?"
In addition to reducing your reliance on pollution-causing fossil fuels such as coal and oil, installing solar panels in your home can significantly trim your monthly energy bills. The only downside to conventional rooftop solar cells is that it can take you a while — usually about 10 years — to break even with your installation.
By contrast, plug-in solar panels have a payback period of only about seven years, but it could be as little as a year or two with the right legislation, according to Bright Saver. Rather than a pricey install, homeowners use less permanent "plug-in" fixtures that are small enough to be mounted in backyards or on patios, balconies, and the like. For Terry, these attachments generated roughly 2 kilowatt-hours of power per day, saving him about $27 in external energy costs per month.
Whether you'd rather have a low-risk plug-in option or a long-term economical investment, The Cool Down's Solar Explorer can help you find the solar option that's right for you.
Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills
- EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on an installation by curating competitive bids from local installers
- Not ready to spend upfront? Palmetto's $0 down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%
- TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners
To make the most of your solar energy upgrade — no matter the form it takes in your home — you can pair your panels with other energy-efficient appliances, like an electric or hybrid HVAC system.
With TCD's HVAC Explorer, you can browse systems that best suit your heating and cooling needs and save up to 50% when you make the switch. Meanwhile, the Palmetto Home app can snag you $5,000 in rewards for all your clean energy home improvement projects.
Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. |
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