This article provides information about steps for planning to power home with solar energy including investigating home's efficiency, assessing options for going solar and understanding available financing and incentives etc.Follow the steps to power your home with solar energy, including investigating your home's energy efficiency, assessing your options for going solar and estimating electricity needs. Obtain bids from contractors and understand available financing and incentives. Work with installer and utility company to install system.Before starting process of powering home with solar energy, investigate energy use and consider potential upgrades such as a home energy audit or efficient appliances/electronics/lighting.Determine amount of power generated by a solar system at site depends on sun's reach & size of system using mapping services or tools; work directly w/installer for accurate assessment & recommendations. Consider nearby shade trees, roof age, HOA restrictions before deciding best way to use solar electricity at home.Renting or owning is no longer only option if you want to go solar; many programs enable homeowners to benefit from it even without purchasing rooftop systems like leasing or PPA arrangements etc. Check local installers & utilities for programs in area.