Do solar panels really increase my home value?

Yes, usually by about 4% according to data from Zillow. However, this increase in value generally applies only if you own the system (cash or loan). Leased systems do not add the same value and can sometimes complicate the sale of a home.

What happens if I move before my solar loan is paid off?

If you sell your home before the loan is cleared, you typically have two options. You can use the proceeds from the home sale to pay off the remaining balance of the solar loan, or you can transfer the loan to the new home buyer, provided they qualify for the financing.

Is solar cheaper than paying my electric bill?

In most states with high electricity rates, yes. The goal of a solar loan is to replace your variable, rising electric bill with a fixed monthly loan payment that is lower than what you were paying the utility company. Once the loan is paid off, your energy costs drop to near zero.

Do I still have to pay an electric bill with solar panels?

Yes, you will likely still receive a monthly bill. Most utilities charge a small fixed connection fee (often around $10–$20 per month) to keep your home connected to the grid. Additionally, if you use power at night and do not have a battery, you may pay for that electricity, though net metering credits often offset this cost.

How much does it cost to clean and maintain solar panels?

Maintenance costs are very low. In many climates, rain is sufficient to keep panels clean. If you live in a particularly dry or dusty area, you might need a professional cleaning once every 1–2 years, which typically costs between $150 and $300.

Blog – Page 4 – Utilities For My Home

Illustration showing average solar cost of $15k-$30k and a 30% tax credit in 2026.

Jan 29 2026

Off

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? 2026 Pricing & Savings Guide

By LaLeesha Haynes

Solar energy prices have stabilized, making 2026 an excellent time to invest in a system that can pay for itself in under a decade. Seeing the upfront price tag for a new solar array can…

Illustration of a woman with a tablet, a house, and a wind turbine under the title 'What Is Wind Energy?'

Jan 29 2026

Off

What Is Wind Energy? How It Works and Benefits for Your Home

By David Cosseboom

Wind power is a clean, renewable energy source that can lower your carbon footprint and potentially reduce your utility bills. You have likely seen giant white turbines spinning slowly in the distance during a road…

A man holds a tablet with a graph next to a house with a wireless smart meter transmitting data.

Jan 28 2026

Off

What Is a Smart Meter? A Complete Guide to Pros, Cons, and Opt-Outs

By David Cosseboom

Understanding how this digital upgrade affects your energy bills, privacy, and home efficiency If you recently received a notice from your utility company about a meter upgrade, or you just noticed a digital device replacing…

Two renters with moving boxes check a tablet, with water, electric, and Wi-Fi icons overhead.

Jan 28 2026

Off

Renters Utility Setup Guide: How to Connect Services in Your New Apartment

By LaLeesha Haynes

Everything you need to know about scheduling, transferring, and budgeting for utilities before move-in day Getting the keys to a new apartment is exciting, but walking into a dark, cold room because the electricity isn’t…

A woman holds a tablet showing an energy usage chart with 500 kWh highlighted, next to moving boxes.

Jan 27 2026

Off

How to Find the Best Energy Plans for Renters: Avoid Fees and Save Money

By Claudio Kriegel

Choosing the right electricity plan for your apartment requires understanding your usage and matching your contract to your lease. Moving into a new apartment is stressful enough without having to worry about navigating a confusing…

A man plugs an Ethernet cable into a modem, making a jagged internet signal graph become smooth.

Jan 27 2026

Off

What Is Jitter? Why Your Internet Lags and How to Fix It

By LaLeesha Haynes

High jitter creates frustrating lag spikes, but simple hardware upgrades and network adjustments can smooth out your connection. We’ve all been there: you’re about to make a crucial point on a video call or take…

Illustration of a man holding a sign with icons for energy choice, green power, cost, and security.

Jan 27 2026

Off

What Is Energy Deregulation? A Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing Your Supplier

By David Cosseboom

Understanding your power to choose can lead to lower rates and greener energy options Energy deregulation might sound like a dry economic term, but it translates into a powerful advantage for you as a homeowner:…

A man presenting two options: a variable rate graph and a fixed retail plan line.

Jan 25 2026

Off

Standard Choice Offer (SCO): Understanding Your Default Gas Rate

By David Cosseboom

Learn how Ohio’s default natural gas rate works and whether it’s the right choice for your home. If you live in Ohio and use natural gas, you might have noticed the term “Standard Choice Offer”…

Illustration comparing 5G Home Internet (Faster & Cheaper) and Satellite (Wider Rural Reach).

Jan 25 2026

Off

5G Home Internet vs. Satellite: Speed, Cost, and Reliability Compared

By LaLeesha Haynes

5G home internet offers a faster, more affordable alternative to satellite for many rural households, though availability remains the biggest hurdle. Few things are more frustrating during the process of moving to a rural or…

Infographic comparing Cable (Wired Stability) and 5G Home Internet (Wireless Flexibility) setups.

Jan 24 2026

Off

Cable vs. 5G Home Internet: Which Is the Smarter Choice for You?

By LaLeesha Haynes

Understanding the trade-offs between wired stability and wireless flexibility to find the perfect fit for your household needs. If you are in the middle of a move or just trying to lower your monthly bills,…