Is Solar Power a Good Fit for You?
Given the widespread adoption of solar energy, you may have a mental image of what makes a home suitable for solar panels: a southern-facing roof in good condition that receives minimal shading during the day.
Those are just a few variables that determine if solar energy is right for you. If you’re wondering if solar panels are right for you and your home, here are five questions to help you decide. Remember that even if you can’t install solar panels on your roof, you may still be able to reap the benefits of solar energy by joining a solar community project.
How Much Do You Spend on Energy?
The amount you currently spend on electricity is essential in determining how much money you can save by switching to solar energy. The greater your electricity consumption and cost, the more money you can save by switching to solar energy.
Switching to solar power can be a huge money saver if you live in a state with high electricity rates. Solar still makes financial sense if you use very little electricity yearly or live in an area with meager electricity rates.
However, you’ll see the most significant savings if your monthly electricity bill is more than $100 or $150.
What Kind Of House Do You Live In, And Do You Own It?
Whether you own or rent your home is another primary consideration when deciding if solar is right for you. Putting solar panels on your house is a major hassle if you don’t own the property they’re attached to.
For the same reason, taking advantage of on-site solar may be challenging if you live in a multi-family property, such as an apartment or condo building, whether you rent or own.
How Solar-Friendly Is Your Roof?
A few key factors determine whether your roof is suitable for solar: age, material, space, shading, tilt, and orientation.
How Old is Your Roof?
If your roof is near the end of its useful life, replace it before installing solar panels because solar panel systems last for three decades (or include the roof replacement in your installation). If your roof is in fine shape already, that’s fantastic! Your roof will last longer if you install solar panels on it.
What Material Do You Use For Your Roof?
Solar panels can be placed and installed on almost any roofing material, though some are more amenable.
Slate and wood are two of the trickiest roofing materials because of their fragility. Installers with the unique tools and expertise required to work on such roofs can be hard to come by.
What's The Size Of Your Roof?
Do you have a large expanse of your roof that is free of obstructions like chimneys and vents? Or does your roof have an unusual design with dormers, skylights, and vents?
While large, open roof areas are ideal for installing the maximum number of solar panels, even those with limited space may maximize energy production by using a smaller number of high-efficiency panels.
Does Your Roof Get A Lot Of Sunlight?
Solar panels won’t work if your roof is shaded all day by nearby trees or buildings, even if it’s the largest in the world. Prune or remove trees that cast shade on your home during the day if you want to install solar panels. A solar panel system can still be beneficial even if your home experiences partial shading during the day.
Which Way Does Your Roof Point?
The amount of energy your solar panels’ harvest depends on the direction your roof faces. The best orientation for solar panels is due south, where they will get the most sunlight (in the Northern Hemisphere).
However, panels facing east or west often receive more than enough sunlight to make solar a worthwhile investment, so a south-facing orientation is optional.
Do You Qualify For Solar Rebates?
The initial cost estimate of installing solar panels can be reduced, and the payback time for solar systems can be shortened by taking advantage of the financial incentives offered by many states, utilities, and even cities. You should consider going solar if you live somewhere, offering financial incentives.
The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is solar’s most beneficial financial incentive. It’s important to note that only those with a sufficient tax liability can take advantage of the ITC, which can reduce the cost of solar energy by up to 20%. So, unfortunately, retirees will only be able to make the most of the ITC.
What Is The Cost Of Solar Energy In Your Area?
Most homeowners choose solar because of the savings it will bring them financially. The payback period, or the time it takes to recoup the initial installation cost, is directly proportional to the total amount spent on solar panels.
Due to factors such as labor, permitting costs, equipment availability, and more, solar energy can be more expensive in some parts of the country than in others. However, it’s critical to keep in mind that you can install solar with no initial cost thanks to the wide variety of financing options currently on the market.
Note: Does virtual net metering exist in your state?
When you join a solar community project, you can reap the benefits of solar without actually installing any panels. If your state supports virtual net metering, you can reap the benefits of solar installations elsewhere, even if your location isn’t ideal.
Conclusion
Whether or not solar power is a good fit for you depends on several factors, such as your location, energy needs, budget, and personal values. While solar power has many benefits, including environmental sustainability and long-term cost savings, some may have better options.
It’s crucial to evaluate the pros and cons carefully and consult a professional before deciding whether to switch to solar power. Ultimately, the decision to go solar should be based on a thorough assessment of your circumstances and goals.
At Sun Services USA, we take care of each stage of the process, from the initial site survey through the engineering design, utility applications, and installation! Even if there are no significant developments, we will continue checking in with you once a week to ensure you are kept in the loop. Please feel free to communicate with our staff with questions or if you require assistance.