Middle Income Homes Leading the Way for Solar Power

The idea that only rich people can afford solar panels has ended. According to a report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s (LBNL), middle income households account for approximately 59% of homes that went solar in 2021.

Going solar has shifted from higher income earning households to middle and lower income homeowners. This is in part due to solar becoming more affordable and ever increasing utility costs.

The same trends are seen in households that have solar energy systems with battery storage. Battery storage is generally adopted by higher income households due to the additional cost. As utility prices increase and the cost of battery storage becomes more affordable, the shift will take place to middle and lower income homes having solar energy systems and battery storage.

Pew Research Center defines middle-income households as making two-thirds to double America's median income, or $42,000 to $127,000 for a two-person household. According to the Berkeley report, the largest group, or 33% of solar adopters, had income between $50,000 and $100,000. The next group, 24% earned from $100,000 to $150,000. Followed by 15% earning less than $50,000. Collectively, the highest earning households, making more than $150,000 per year, accounted for 26% of solar adopters.

No matter your income, there has never been a better time to go solar. The  30% solar tax credit has been extended for another 10 years. 

To learn more, visit our  Calculate How Much Solar page. Once you know what solar array size you need, browse the many for free quotes that work for your project and budget.

When you are ready to get started, order the Design and Consultation Service to handle all the details.