3 Easy Ways to Know If Your Property is Ready For Solar Panel Installations

Solar panels are the best solution for energy conservation in the future because they have environmental benefits and provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels. The costs are also relatively low, making them the most cost-effective resources for consumers. However, getting ready to install one for your property can be a huge problem. Here are three easy ways to know if your property is ready for solar panel installations.

A New Roof

Solar panels lay their foundations and stability on your roof. An aging roof that has protected your property for 15 years will face challenges when supporting your new solar array’s weight and foundation. Therefore, we highly recommend removing and replacing your roof before installing your solar panel system.

Decent Amount of Roof Sunlight

If your roof receives decent sunlight that requires you to have good attic and wall insulation, solar panels will surely generate enough energy to last throughout 24 hours. Plus, solar panel installations will take shorter times because installation teams won’t need to do much to have solar panels face the sun.

Enough To Invest In the Technology

Having enough cash is crucial in converting your home into a solar energy powerhouse. Solar panels are much more affordable today because of the market’s competitivity, but it doesn’t mean it’s still a financial walk-in-the-park.

SunPower has a great checklist that you should consider if you’re planning to install solar panels in your homes.

If you’re thinking about going solar, you’re probably wondering: Is solar cost effective? Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Will solar energy generate enough electricity to power my home? Who makes the best solar panels?

But first, it’s important to explore if solar panels for your home make sense. Here are some key questions we ask anyone interested in buying or leasing a solar energy system to make sure their home is best suited for making power with solar panels.

1. How much is your energy bill?

Knowing how much you pay for energy is the first step in evaluating whether your house is a good candidate for solar. The main question is, will it save you money? In some areas, electricity is very inexpensive. For most homeowners, the electricity bill is a dreaded monthly expense. The general rule is that solar makes the most financial sense for someone with a monthly electricity bill of at least $75. Why? Because going solar replaces utility energy with solar energy, and we want our customers to see a return on that investment by paying less for that energy. 

A utility bill of $75 is the threshold at which residential solar customers will see solar savings. There are several ways to go solar, depending on a customer’s needs and goals. SunPower offers zero-down lease, loan and cash purchase options — each with different benefits. (See How to Buy Solar Panels for Your Home for more.) Ask your local solar expert about local and federal incentives and electricity policies where you live. 

The overall idea is to pay less than you currently pay, lock in your electricity rate and save money by generating your own clean energy onsite. 

2. What kind of roof do you have?

Solar panels work best with strong, durable roofing materials, such as composite or asphalt shingle, concrete tile or standing seam metal. For roofing materials such as wood shake and slate tile, or for roofs made of clay with mortar or composite metal/stone coated steel, you can still go solar but you’d want to choose a solar professional who has experience installing solar panels on those types of roofs. Also, the type of mounting hardware your solar installer plans to use is important. (Continue reading here)

You can always use Roper Roofing & Solar’s quality-oriented and friendly solar panel installation team in Golden, CO, if you have yet to find a reliable roofing company to help with all your needs. Contact us now to learn more.