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Stop guessing when you should go solar. In this video, Mitch Workman breaks down why “the best time to go solar” isn’t always summer—and why waiting could cost you months of savings and key incentives. If you live in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Western Montana, or Northern California and want to know whether NOW is the right season to start, this is for you.
Key Takeaways Summer sun ≠ best start date – you need panels running before peak sunshine. Shorter winter/spring timelines mean your system is live before demand spikes. Federal & state incentives often reset or shrink—lock them in early. Solar still produces in winter; snow reflection + cool temps can boost efficiency.
The real “best time” is the first month solar pencils out on your bill.
Chapters: 0:00 When’s the “best” time?
0:18 The real bottleneck: permits & PTO
0:46 Why winter/fall installs can be faster
1:12 Be active by spring/summer for peak output
1:33 Incentives & timing (verify current programs)
1:55 Not sure? Take the Solar Score
About Big Dog Solar Big Dog Solar Energy, installs and services residential, commercial, and agricultural solar + battery systems across the Mountain West. Since 2008, our in-house team (sales, design, install, and service) has completed thousands of projects, with local crews operating out of regional hubs for faster timelines and long-term support. We help homeowners cut electric bills, add outage backup, and finance smartly—no fluff, just clear numbers and options. Connect With Us
Incentives (Verify Current Rules): Learn more about changes to solar incentives
Mitch: When is the best time to go solar? I’m Mitch with Big Dog Solar—we’ve installed over 13,000 systems.
People assume summer is the time to start, but you want your system installed before peak-sun months so it’s producing when summer hits. The bottleneck isn’t the roof work—it’s the permits, inspections, and utility PTO.
Why winter/fall can help: crews are often less slammed, so getting on the schedule can be faster—and your system is live when spring/summer arrives. Depending on timing, you might also align better with financial benefits.
Bottom line: the best time was yesterday; the next best time is now. Waiting for a “perfect” season can cost months of production—or even certain incentives. Not sure if now’s right? Try our Solar Score to see if your home, timing, and utility plan check out today.
We love our community! Come with us to see how some local STEM students do with their very own solar oven projects!
There's a lot of power in positivity and love. We thought it might be time to start spreading the love and providing power in other ways.
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Ever wondered what actually happens during a solar install? In this full behind-the-scenes breakdown, Mitch from Big Dog Solar takes you step-by-step through a real installation — no fluff, just the real process from start to finish.
