The Northern Lights solar blog
Plain-English writing on residential solar in Virginia and Maryland. What we have learned on actual roofs, actual contracts, and actual utility bills.
What Dominion rate changes mean for solar math
How to think about rate cases when you are weighing solar against staying on standard Dominion service.
Read more MarylandReading a Maryland Solar PPA contract, line by line
We walk through every section of a typical Maryland Solar PPA so you know what to look for before signing anything.
Read more FinancingCash vs loan vs lease: a plain-English comparison
Three ways to pay for solar, ranked on up-front cost, total lifetime cost, and who handles maintenance.
Read more ShoppingSix red flags in door-to-door solar pitches
Language and tactics to watch for before you sign anything with a salesperson at your doorstep.
Read more VirginiaFairfax County permitting, what to actually expect
One of the more rigorous residential permitting processes in Virginia, and why that is a feature.
Read more MarylandSolar on a Baltimore rowhome: what actually works
Flat roofs, ballasted racking, small systems, and real constraints for Baltimore rowhome solar.
Read more HomeownersWhat happens to your solar when you move
Owned, leased, or on a PPA. How each transfer works at sale, and what to do before listing.
Read more MythsThe twelve most common solar myths
Debunking the most persistent solar myths we hear every week in Virginia and Maryland.
Read morePopular topics
Solar Reality Check
Why we built Northern Lights, what we commit to, and what we refuse to promise.
Read → FinancingLease vs PPA
The two most common zero-down paths, compared side by side.
Read → VirginiaIs solar worth it in VA?
Honest answer for Virginia homeowners, including when solar is not a fit.
Read → MarylandIs solar worth it in MD?
Honest answer for Maryland homeowners, BGE/Pepco/Potomac Edison/Delmarva.
Read → MythsSolar myths debunked
Twelve of the most persistent solar myths, answered straight.
Read → RatesWhy rates keep rising
What drives utility rate increases, and what homeowners can actually do about them.
Read →