Solar panels are expensive. They do nothing for curb appeal. The installation process takes forever and the panels don’t even work without sun! Plus, all solar installers and their contractors are dishonest.

Right?

These are common misconceptions when it comes to solar energy.

As a family-owned residential solar installation company, we've heard it all. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, at Mpower Solar we’re dedicated to building a greener, more sustainable future in all five boroughs and beyond.

Now, get powered up because we’re about to bust the top five solar myths and bring you nothing but the facts.

1. Solar Myth: Solar panels are expensive.

There’s no doubt that solar systems can lead to some sticker shock. According to Nerd Wallet, the average cost of installing an average-size home solar system in 2025 is $29,360. Any purchase with that price tag is sure to bring some worry along with it. 

The great news is that thanks to a variety of system factors, tax incentives, and purchasing options, that average cost starts to go down faster than you can say solar savings.

When it comes to your system, factors like energy usage, system equipment and size, house and roof characteristics and location, and of course, the installer you work with, will vary the price of your solar installation. Plus, each of these will depend solely on your situation.

But, the fastest way to see your lump sum come down is through tax incentives and payment options.

3 Cost Saving Incentives for Solar Panels

1. Federal Tax Incentives for Solar

At the federal level, investing in residential solar might qualify you for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which is a tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act that is equal to 30% of your system. This credit will likely apply to you if you’re purchasing solar for your main home, aka the home you live in most of the time, as long as the home is in the US, of course. 

According to SolarReviews, the federal solar investment tax credit saves homeowners $6,545 on average when they install solar.

2. New York State Solar Incentives

As you can imagine, each state has different solar incentives, so it’s important to do some research into what you personally qualify for. We're going to take a look at New York State’s programs because that’s where we’re located.

New York State offers residents a 25% tax credit called the Solar Energy System Equipment Credit. Whether you buy your system up front, finance, lease, or enter into a written purchase of power agreement, you may qualify for this credit. However, it’s important to know that this tax credit is limited  to $5,000 but can be carried over on your New York State income tax for up to five years.

3. New York State also offers a property tax exemption.

If the addition of solar panels increases your property value, you can apply to exempt that increase from your property taxes. This means that if you qualify, you won’t have to pay higher property taxes as a result of going solar.

Residents of New York City are offered a tax abatement, which replaces the property tax exemption we just discussed. From January 1, 2024 through January 1, 2035, NYC offers eligible residents a 7.5% abatement. The abatement is applied to your property for a 4 year period following approval and will be equal to 7.5% of your installation cost, equal to your property tax, or $62,500 – depending on which is lowest. 

All that to say – New York residents can save up to $65,000 when they qualify for all offered incentives.

2. Solar Myth: Solar panels are ugly.

Don’t get too wrapped up on Reddit posts that are a hot bed for shaming the appearance of solar panels on your home. While we appreciate your eye for aesthetics, there are some workarounds you can consider when you want to go solar but keep your curb appeal.

Solar systems have come so far in the looks department. Modernized manufacturing has really honed in on sleeker designs that blend more seamlessly with your roof. Panel color, design, and which mounting system you use can all be discussed when speaking to professional installers about your needs, wants, and concerns.

The right installer for you will take your biggest concerns into consideration when designing your solar panel layout. And in some cases, depending on factors like your roof and where the sun hits your property, your installer might be able to craft your equipment so that the panels aren’t seen from the road, at all.

3. Solar Myth: Solar panels don’t work without sun.

Let’s set the record straight.

It’s true that solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. However, they still function and provide electricity at night and on cloudy and rainy days.

With optimal sunlight, solar panels will generate an excess amount of electricity. As a homeowner, and depending on your location, you will use a solar battery or take advantage of net metering to access the excess.

Either way, you can rest assured that your home will not be without power when the sun is hiding. Your panels will have your back.

4. Solar Myth: Solar installation is a complex project.

While each homeowner’s project will vary depending on their unique situation, most homeowners find that the solar installation process is more lengthy than complex.

Once you’ve taken your time to choose the right installer, they’re likely going to want to do a physical inspection of your site. Getting the site inspected could take 3 plus weeks depending on the timeliness of your installers. After the inspection, you can expect the installer to request some site prep like the trimming of trees for optimal sunlight or roof or electrical repair to your home. Depending on the needs of your home, the prep work can add length to the project.

When it comes to complexity, however, a professional installer should have internal teams or partnerships with people who can handle the prep for you – sometimes without you even being home. In some cases, extra prep costs might already be baked into the price of your solar system so that they do not require extra cash from your wallet.

After your home is prepped, your installer will begin to design your optimal system. This will likely be able to be completed without too much input necessary from you. The best installers will also handle acquiring needed permits from your local government so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Final steps to the process include the installation and final inspection. During these steps, all you’ll need to do is sit back and relax. Your professional installer should coordinate everything on your behalf.

So, while the solar installation process can be lengthy due to various factors, not much is actually needed from you once you sign off on the project. We’ll say it again – the best installers handle the complexity of the project for you.

5. Solar Myth: Solar companies and installers are dishonest.

The truth is, there are plenty of good solar installation companies out there. Like any industry, however, there are contracts and companies who will try and take advantage of potential clients.

Since the early 2000s, solar panels have lowered significantly in cost, environmental awareness has increased, and government incentives have skyrocketed. According to Green Lacer, by 2023, the global solar market had become a multi-billion dollar industry. All of this combined has created a huge boost in the solar industry and created room for a ton of solar installers to pop up.

Unfortunately, rapid market growth also means many companies that aren't qualified or who don't last. In the past years, many installers have shut their doors due to a plethora of factors which can leave clients frustrated. This rapid growth coupled with a few bad actors has made it even more important for clients to do their own due diligence and to hire a reputable solar installation company.‍

How to avoid solar scams

It’s important to note that door knocking is a widely used sales strategy in the solar industry. However, a reputable and professional company will never use pushy sales techniques, offer deals for free panels or incredibly low prices, or start your project before a contract is signed. They will also never claim to represent your current utility company or claim to work with the government.

The best thing you can do to ensure you’re working with a reputable installer is to do your research. If someone knocks on your door selling solar, do not feel pressued, or obligated to sign or commit to anything. Reputable solar representatives will walk you through the benefits of going solar, offer concrete quotes, and leave you with literature to review on your own time. Next, hit the internet to do your own research.

Pay close attention to the company’s existing reviews and make sure you feel heard, not forced at the beginning of the process. The best installers will work with you to make the project happen in a way that makes you comfortable and excited to go green.

Shedding Light

Yes, solar panels are expensive but incentives can make the up front or monthly costs more palatable. Modernized equipment takes curb appeal into account. The installation process can be lengthy but it should never be complex for the homeowner. Solar panels do in fact work without sun. 

And the most important truth of all—there are plenty of reputable solar companies out there, like MPower Solar here in New York. Make sure you choose one!

To begin your New York solar installation project or for more information about installing solar panels on your NYC home—contact us at Mpower Solar today.