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We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
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From site assessment to flipping the switch — every step of a residential solar installation, with honest 2026 pricing now that the federal tax credit has expired.
7
Steps
6-12
Weeks Total
$0
Federal ITC (Expired)
2026 Reality Check: The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. All costs shown on this page reflect full out-of-pocket pricing. The only federal incentive still available is a Section 48 lease/PPA (deadline: July 4, 2026).
Most of the wait is in permitting and utility approval — the actual installation is surprisingly fast.
| Phase | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Consultation to Contract | 1-2 weeks |
| Permitting | 2-6 weeks |
| Installation | 1-3 days |
| Inspection to PTO | 1-3 weeks |
| Total | 6-12 weeks typical |
A solar consultant visits your home to evaluate your roof, electrical panel, shading, and energy usage. They measure your roof, check structural integrity, and review your utility bills to size the system correctly.
2026 Note: In 2026, your consultant should present costs without any federal tax credit for cash/loan purchases (Section 25D expired Dec 31, 2025). If they quote a 30% credit, they are using outdated numbers.
Engineers create a custom solar design using satellite imagery, shade modeling, and your energy data. You receive a detailed proposal with system size, equipment specs, production estimates, and pricing.
2026 Note: Legitimate 2026 proposals show $0 federal credit for cash/loan purchases. The only federal incentive path is a Section 48 lease or PPA, where a third-party owner claims the 30% commercial ITC. Deadline: construction must begin before July 4, 2026.
Once you approve the design, you sign the installation contract and finalize financing. NuWatt offers cash purchase, solar loans, and Section 48 lease/PPA options.
2026 Note: If choosing a Section 48 lease/PPA, the third-party financing company — not the installer — claims the federal ITC. This is the only way to access a federal incentive for residential solar in 2026.
Your installer handles all permit applications and utility interconnection paperwork. This is typically the longest wait in the process — your installer does the work, but the town and utility set the pace.
2026 Note: Net metering rules vary by state. In 2026, credits range from ~80% retail (NH, RI post-2023) to full retail (MA, ME rooftop). Your installer should explain your state-specific credit rate.
The installation crew arrives to mount panels, run wiring, install inverters, and connect everything to your electrical panel. Most residential installs take 1-2 days; larger or complex systems may take 3.
After installation, a municipal inspector verifies the work meets electrical and building codes. Then, the utility installs a bidirectional meter (or approves your existing smart meter) and grants Permission to Operate (PTO).
With PTO in hand, your installer activates the system and configures monitoring. You start producing solar electricity and earning net metering credits from day one.
A legitimate solar installer in 2026 will never do these things.
Section 25D expired Dec 31, 2025. Any company still showing this credit is either ignorant or dishonest.
High-pressure sales tactics signal a company that profits from confusion, not quality. You have a legal right to cancel within 3 days.
If the company that sells you the system hands off installation to an unknown subcontractor, warranty accountability is murky.
Code requires structural verification for most rooftop solar. Skipping this step risks roof damage and failed inspection.
Standard practice is 10-20% deposit, balance at completion. Full prepayment eliminates your leverage if problems arise.
Your installer should clearly explain your state-specific net metering rate and how credits appear on your utility bill.
Real pricing without the expired federal tax credit.
| System Size | 2026 Cost Range | Typical Panels | Homes Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,250-$17,000 | 12-13 | Small home, low usage |
| 8 kW | $22,800-$27,200 | 18-20 | Average home |
| 10 kW | $28,500-$34,000 | 23-25 | Larger home, EV charger |
| 15 kW | $42,750-$51,000 | 34-38 | High usage, heat pump + EV |
Costs shown are pre-state-incentive. Ranges reflect NuWatt's 9-state service area. See state-by-state solar costs for your exact market.
State-by-state pricing without the federal tax credit
Read guideHow to access the only federal incentive left — before July 4
Read guideHow a third-party owner unlocks the 30% ITC for you
Read guideNeed a new roof first? Estimate combined reroof + solar cost
Read guideHow to evaluate solar companies and avoid scams
Read guideHonest analysis without the ITC — state by state
Read guideNuWatt handles everything from site assessment to PTO — direct installer, no subcontractors, honest 2026 pricing. Free consultation with no obligation.