There are various incentives and rebates available for solar products at the federal, state, local, and utility levels. The most common one is the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar system from your federal income taxes in 2020 and 20212. The ITC will drop to 22% in 2023 and expire in 2024 for residential customers. Other incentives and rebates may include cash rebates3, performance-based incentives4, net metering5, property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and loan programs. You can check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to find out what incentives are available in your area.

he installation process of solar products varies depending on the type and complexity of the product. However, the general steps are as follows:
· First, you need to obtain a permit from your local authority and utility company to install solar products on your property.
· Second, you need to hire a qualified and licensed installer who can design and install your solar system according to the codes and standards.
· Third, you need to schedule an inspection from your local authority and utility company to verify that your solar system is installed correctly and safely.
· Fourth, you need to connect your solar system to the grid or battery storage system (if applicable) and start generating electricity from the sun.

Solar products require little maintenance as they have no moving parts and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, you should still perform some basic maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your solar system. These tasks include:
· Cleaning your solar panels regularly to remove dust, dirt, bird droppings, or snow that may reduce their efficiency.
· Checking your solar panels, inverters, batteries, and wiring for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
· Monitoring your solar system’s performance and output using a meter or an online portal.
· Contacting your installer or manufacturer if you notice any problems or issues with your solar system.

Solar products have a long lifespan and can last for 25 years or more. However, the actual lifespan of your solar system depends on the quality and durability of the components, the installation and maintenance practices, and the environmental factors. Solar panels usually degrade at a rate of 0.5% to 1% per year, which means they can still produce 80% to 90% of their original output after 25 years. Inverters and batteries may have a shorter lifespan and may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years.

Solar products have positive environmental impacts as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, water consumption, and land use compared to conventional energy sources. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of solar systems are between 18 and 45 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour (gCO2e/kWh), which is much lower than the emissions of coal (980 gCO2e/kWh), natural gas (450 gCO2e/kWh), or nuclear (66 gCO2e/kWh). Solar products also have minimal impacts on wildlife and habitats, as they can be installed on rooftops, parking lots, or brownfields.