At Credit Human, we’re not just hopping on trends, we’re making valuable investments and helping our members do the same. Solar panels are not just a savvy money choice. Solar technology can change how you live, work and have fun.
Solar energy can reduce electricity bills and raise a home’s value. However, the benefits extend beyond just saving money. Cleaner energy means cleaner air for you, your family and your community. It means fewer smoggy days, healthier lungs and a safe environment for kids to grow up in.
By embracing solar energy, we’re helping preserve natural habitats, protect biodiversity and combat climate change, ensuring a livable environment for generations to come.
Solar energy in the United States is growing fast. Since 2000, the country has installed over 248 gigawatts of solar power. That’s enough energy production to run more than 41 million homes. As the fastest growing renewable energy source, solar energy isn’t a trend, it’s a viable power source to fuel our cities and homes.
Solar can help lower your monthly electric bills, and in many places, you can get paid (via monthly statement credits) for extra energy your system sends back to the grid. Homes with a solar panel system also tend to sell at a higher price point—on average about $15,000 more according to a Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Study.
Even better? When more homes go solar, entire communities benefit. A recent study Synapse Energy Economics1 found that local solar adoption can save regions over $1.1 billion, freeing up resources for schools, safer streets and affordable housing.
Every solar-powered home helps reduce harmful emissions, improving the air we breathe and the water we drink. In fact, one single solar home can prevent 3-4 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year. That’s the same as planting over 100 trees annually, meaning cleaner air, access to fresh drinking water, healthier ecosystems and a future we can feel proud to pass on to future generations.
Average monthly usage ÷ Average days in a month = kWh per day
kWh per day ÷ Peak sun hours = kWh needed
Payback period = $18,552 ÷ $2,613 ≈ 7.1 years
The most popular way to pay for solar panels is by financing with a loan. In general, credit unions tend to have the lowest interest rates on loans vs going through a bank. At Credit Human, we not only give you a competitive rate for solar loans but will also connect you with a dealer that has passed our rigorous standards for excellence.
From there, we recommend getting quotes from multiple approved dealers and choosing the one that best fits your needs, whether that’s based on pricing, service offerings, installation timeline or overall vibe. Every homeowner is different, and your dealer should align with your goals and expectations.
From the moment you say “I want solar” to the day panels are powering your home, the average timeline nationwide is about two to three months. In areas with slower permitting or high demand, it can stretch to four to six months. The physical installation of the panels typically can be done in less than three days with final inspection and connection to the grid taking up to two weeks.
Many people decide to go with a trusted professional for the purchase and installation of their solar panels. Choosing a solar dealer is a big decision—but it doesn't have to be a stressful one.
Most people have a good experience finding a provider through a regular internet search for providers in their area, but like other fast-growing industries, the solar energy trend has opened the door to a small number of consumer solar scams.
You can request a list of Credit Human approved dealers in your area by contacting us online or visiting your closest Financial Health Center. You don’t have to be a member of our credit union to inquire, and all dealers have a strong market reputation, commitment to sustainability and proven workmanship and customer service.
We won’t refer a specific dealer to any member, but we do guarantee that every dealer in our program has met our rigorous partnership criteria. This means you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re working with professionals who share our values and meet our standards.
We believe financing should be simple, supportive and tailored to you. That’s why we’ve built a system that puts people first. Because when you succeed, we succeed. We don’t hide behind automated systems or endless phone menus. When you call us, you’ll speak with a real person—someone who’s knowledgeable, responsive and ready to help.
Once you’ve done your research and feel confident about moving forward, contact us. Our team is here to guide you through the financing process, answer your questions and make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Before you go, learn more about our commitment to sustainability and 5 home improvements to save money.
1Synapse Energy Economics. (n.d.). New England solar savings. https://www.synapse-energy.com/new-england-solar-savings