Our solar panels were installed August 16. The system is producing well—but without utility approval, we can’t export energy yet. Here’s what happened on day one, and why the final step is just as important as the install.

When replacing a window or door, sealing it properly is crucial to prevent water and air leaks. A good installation should follow the order of operations—framing, sheathing, membrane, sealant, flashing, insulation, and siding—thinking like a falling raindrop the whole way through.

After years of thinking solar didn’t make financial sense, I finally pulled the trigger. Here’s why New York’s policy shift made me act, and what I paid for a system I hope powers my home for decades.

New York is mandating all-electric homes and phasing out gas boilers by 2030. With utilities going carbon neutral and rates projected to double, 2025 may be the last chance to go solar while incentives last and before the grid gets overwhelmed.