If you’ve been researching the best time of year to install home solar panels, you’ve probably heard that spring and fall are ideal. That’s because mild weather can make the installation process smoother.
In Northern California, however, the weather is fairly mild almost all year round (although severe weather, such as high winds or heavy rain, can temporarily impact our ability to install rooftop systems).
That means you don’t have to wait for the best time of year to install solar panels. The “best” time is actually right now.
Here’s why.
Why Install Solar Panels Now Instead of Waiting
1. The Sooner You Go Solar the More You Save
The longer you wait to go solar, the more money you hand over to PG&E.
California already has some of the highest electricity costs in the country, and rates are only going up. By installing solar panels now, you lock in lower energy costs and protect yourself against increases.
2. Valuable California Solar Incentives Are Expiring Soon
California’s solar property tax exclusion is set to expire at the end of 2026. That means you only have one year left to install solar panels without risking a property tax increase.
When you consider how much value solar panels can add to your home, missing out on this incentive could mean paying several hundred dollars extra every year in property taxes.
3. Solar Panel Efficiency Isn’t Improving Rapidly
If you’re waiting for solar panel efficiency to improve before you install them, you’re going to miss out on tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
Solar panels are already extremely efficient—most have an efficiency rating of about 20% and researchers have even developed models that get close to 50% efficiency.
Manufacturers are still making improvements all the time, but they’re minor. These slight efficiency boosts have a big impact when you’re installing thousands of panels in a solar farm, but the difference is negligible when it comes to a standard residential installation.
4. Solar Panels Won’t Get Significantly Cheaper
We often hear from customers that they’re waiting to go solar because they’ve heard that solar panels will get cheaper over time.
It’s a fair concern. Solar panels have gotten a lot more affordable over the years, with installation costs dropping by 42% over the past decade in California.
But there’s no reason to believe costs will drop significantly over the next few years. If they do, it won’t be enough to offset the savings you lost by not going solar sooner.
Plus, there’s always a chance costs will go in the other direction. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that the average residential solar installation cost in the US actually rose from $3.28 in 2024 to $3.36 in 2025.
When It Makes Sense to Wait
In most cases, waiting to go solar won’t get you anything except more money sent to your utility
That said, there are some very valid reasons to wait:
- You’re preparing financially – Solar is an investment. If you’re not ready to make that investment, it’s smart to wait.
- You need a new roof – If your roof needs to be replaced, it makes sense to install a new one before you go solar. Otherwise, you’re going to have to pay to have the panels removed and reinstalled when you replace the roof. We coordinate roof replacements with local roofers and can help you bundle financing for your roof and solar installation so you can manage both under one monthly payment.
- You’re planning to move soon – If you know you’ll be selling your home in the next year or two, you may want to wait and install solar on your next property. (That said, homes with solar often sell for more, so talk to a real estate agent before deciding.)
So, Should You Install Solar Now or Wait?
At the end of the day, going solar is a very personal decision. You have to think about your roof’s condition, how long you plan to stay in your home, and your budget to decide whether it’s the right investment for you.
But if you know you want to go solar, it doesn’t make sense to wait for lower prices or more efficient panels. Electricity costs are rising, and every day you delay is another day of buying electricity from PG&E.
Six Rivers Solar can help you make the best decision for your home. We’ve been installing solar panels on houses in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties for years, and we know how to maximize your savings.
