Rooftop solar panels can be a great investment, but they have to work for your home. Here’s how to know that they do.
Now might be the time to get solar panels on your roof. After the Inflation Reduction Act boosted the solar investment tax credit to 30 percent, going solar may be easier for some. On the other hand, recent inflation might make it harder. Either way, you’ll want to make sure you do your homework before buying solar panels for your rooftop.
Each house is different in latitude, pitch and the direction it faces. Each might also have different barriers blocking the sun like trees or buildings. They also may need repair, an important box to check before adding solar panels for 25 years or longer. It’s pretty easy to find lists of things to consider before buying solar panels.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the house-specific things you need to consider before deciding on solar panels. It should give you a clearer idea of whether your house is a good fit. If you’re looking for more home energy advice, take a look at how to save money and energy in a few smaller ways by adjusting your thermostat, turning off your lights, and using your ceiling fan this winter.
Talk to a solar installer
To get the full story of how your roof may or may not work with solar, you might want to check into getting an assessment with a solar installer in your area. These professionals can look at certain features of your home to tell you how solar will work with your roof. You can do independent research to find them, but an easy way to access them is through home goods stores, like Home Depot’s solar panel installation page.
The solar installer might look at the angle of your roof to see if it’s facing a direction that will get enough sunlight. If you’re open to trimming trees to increase the light, the solar installer may be able to help you figure out how to trim them to best help solar panels work. They might determine other factors like the material your roof is made out of, the size of your roof or the age of your roof. The installer may tell you about any changes you have to make to your roof first, for instance if your roof is on the older side and might not bear the weight of the paneling. In that case, you’d likely need a new roof.
Call a roofer
To cover all of your bases, you might also want to consult with a local roofer who is knowledgeable about solar equipment. These professionals might be able to tell you more about how the structure of your roof itself is doing, and you might need them to update your roof before you put on the panels themselves. Sunshine Contracting recommends getting a roofing assessment if your roof is more than five years old. Since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, you want a roof that will have a similar lifespan.
Remember to check with these professionals about whether the assessments cost anything. Many assessments or quotes for projects are free, but be sure to ask.
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