Customer research · Threads · September 2026
What's stopping people from going solar
A public Threads post asked what's keeping people from getting solar. We read every reply. People like solar. What stops them is the price, their site, and the way it's sold.
Sentiment
Share of the 386 on-topic replies
Most replies name a barrier, not an objection to solar. Existing owners are the most enthusiastic voices in the thread.
Objections, ranked
Share of replies naming each reason. Many name more than one, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Show as a table
| Objection | Replies | Share | What people say |
|---|
The loudest signal: sales pressure
Trust ranks 8th by count but got the most agreement of any reply.
"If you want to get even a rough idea of what it will cost, you have to deal with people who are fairly pushy about sales, even when you're just trying to get ballpark information… I instantly distrust them and the hustle."
Top reply · 141 likes
In their words
Representative replies, lightly trimmed
"There are no prices on the websites so I know I can't afford it."Cost
"Most companies aren't interested in selling solar, they're in the finance business."Distrust
"Solar panels take 8–12 years to pay for themselves. Statistically, I won't live in my house long enough."Payback
"Three solar companies came to look and all three told us we needed a new roof first."Roof
"I'd love solar, but I'm not cutting my mossy PNW trees to get sun."Shade
"The financing for the panels does not, in fact, roll over to the next homeowner."Resale
"We backed out because this administration gutted the tax credits for it."Policy
"12kW of solar and 2 batteries. Best investment in my life. Our full-year true-up for the house and 2 EVs will be under $400."Owner
What to do about it
Recommendations drawn from the replies
- Show a price without a salesperson.A self-serve estimate with real price ranges on the website answers the most-liked complaint and the "no prices listed" one.
- Sell the financing, clearly.Cost is mostly about cash on hand. Lead with a monthly payment below the current bill, and say plainly what happens if the owner sells.
- Bundle roof and solar.Many are waiting for a roof replacement. One quote, one crew, one loan removes the "roof first" delay.
- Offer a free, honest shade check.Replies credited installers who said "your site won't pay." Honesty here earns referrals.
- Have an answer for renters and shaded homes.Plug-in balcony kits, ground mounts, and community solar came up again and again.
- Publish real payback math.Include batteries, panel replacement, maintenance, and resale. Skeptics distrust vague "pays for itself" claims.
- Address insurance and hail where they matter.Florida and hail-belt homeowners worry about coverage and roof claims.