Is Solar Power Right For You?

Many homeowners are considering making the switch from their standard electricity services to solar power. Investing in the equipment necessary to get started is a major commitment though. You need to be sure that this environmentally-friendly way of producing energy is going to be right for your home before you do. How do you know if solar power is right for you?

For more information on whether your home can benefit from solar power, this short guide will give you some food for thought!

How Much Sun Do You Get?

The first thing you should consider when it comes to getting solar panels is how much sun you get. South-facing roofs tend to do best with receiving the most sunlight, but it is still possible to install solar panels successfully on a roof that faces a different direction. Be sure to spend some time outside to see just how much sun your roof actually gets throughout the course of a normal day.

You also want to ensure that you have nothing standing in the way of your home and the sun. A property surrounded by tall trees or other items that cast long shadows may impede your home’s ability to produce solar energy.

Consider Your Roofing Conditions

Solar panels are an investment that typically last for more than forty years. Because they are going to be a long-term fixture on your home, you need to make sure that the surface they will be adhered to is in good condition. If your roof needs repair or replacement, you should take care of this major expense before moving forward with solar power.

Check with Your Homeowner’s Association

Investing in solar panels helps reduce your carbon footprint on the earth and slashes your monthly electricity bills. However, you may have some restrictions that you don’t yet know about. If you live in a neighbourhood with a HOA, there may be regulations in place that you will have to adhere to if you want to install panels on your home. Be sure to check with them before installing new panels to keep your home within their guidelines.

Evaluate Your Energy Bill

Energy costs are not the same around the world. If you live in an area with high electricity rates and you use a fair amount of electricity to power your home monthly, you may want to look into solar panels. A good rule of thumb is that solar panels can save you money if you are spending $75 or more per month on your electric bill. For those who spend less than this amount, you can still reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels but you may not see as much cost savings.