If you’re considering the installation of solar panels and transitioning to solar energy, you probably have many questions. Let’s begin with the fundamental question: Is your home a suitable candidate for solar panels?

Your home is an excellent candidate for solar panels if:

1. You are a single-family homeowner with an average monthly electric bill exceeding $100.
2. You have a spacious roof with excellent sun exposure.
3. Your local utility charges you 12 cents or more for each unit of electricity.

By investing in solar panels, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the solar system.

Assessing Your Home for Solar Panels

1. Is Your Home Suitable for Solar Panels? Most solar panel deals are designed for homeowners, not renters, and solar panels generally work best for single-family homeowners. However, if you own a condominium or townhouse, and your association and town permit solar panel installation, you can also benefit from solar energy.

2. Does Your Roof Have Sufficient Solar Exposure? Google SunRoof can assist you with this assessment. Open a new browser tab and visit https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/, then enter your home address in the search box. Google will quickly show you your home and the best roofs for solar panels. Bright yellow roofs facing south are ideal, while orange roofs facing east or west are also good options. North-facing darker roofs receive less solar exposure. If your home has clear solar access like the one shown above, it’s a good candidate for solar panels. A solar professional will provide the final assessment, but a visual inspection on Google Maps’ satellite view can give you a good initial idea.

3. How Much Roof Area Do You Need for Solar Panels? The required roof area depends on your electricity usage. As a rough estimate, you’ll need about 400 square feet of roof area with direct full exposure sunlight for every 5,000 kWh of usage. So, if your annual usage is approximately 12,000 kWh, you’ll likely need about 900 square feet of roof space.

4. Is Your Roof a Good Candidate for Solar Panels? Solar panels can be installed on most standard roof types in the US and Canada. Most pitched roofs with asphalt or composite shingles are great for solar. Other roof types like tiles, standing seam metal, or flat roofs may require different mounting hardware, but solar can still be installed on them.

5. Will You Have to Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels? The best solar panels are warrantied for 25 years and have a useful life of 35 to 40 years. It’s advisable to install a new roof before adding solar panels if your roof is over 20 years old. Modern shingled roofs often have 30-year warranties. If your roof is less than 20 years old and in good condition, it might last an additional 5 to 7 years with solar panels’ added protection. Many solar companies can assist with roof assessments and replacements if necessary.

Will Solar Save You Money?

Solar savings come from reduced electricity costs, tax credits, and state incentives. To calculate your electricity savings:

1. Determine your monthly electricity expenses by examining your energy bills.
2. Calculate the average monthly electricity cost (add 12 months of charges and divide by 12).
3. Solar panels make financial sense if your average monthly electric bill is $100 or more.

Going solar is a significant investment that pays off when your electricity bill exceeds $100 per month. While free solar is a myth, solar is an excellent financial investment if you spend $1,200 or more annually on electricity.

Exploring Solar Options

Once you’ve determined your home’s suitability for solar and potential savings, it’s time to explore different ways to go solar:

1. Purchase your home solar system upfront.
2. Finance the solar panels.
3. Rent the solar system (Solar Lease or Solar PPA).

The goal is to pay less for electricity by generating your clean energy from solar panels. Additionally, consider various types of solar panels, inverters, and balance-of-system components when making your decision. For personalized guidance, feel free to contact us at mike@mysolarhome.us.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with your solar evaluation, you can also call Jon at 609-908-3700.

Remember, the final assessment should be left to a solar professional, but conducting preliminary research can help you make informed decisions about transitioning to solar energy.