5 Things To Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar Panels
As the years go by, solar energy is becoming more and more popular and attainable to the everyday homeowner. But because this form of energy is still considered new and is now more widely accessible, not everyone has all the information necessary. To help you ensure that you’re making the right decision for you and your home, here are five things to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.
Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?
Finding out whether your roof is a suitable candidate for solar panels is critical, as it’s the first step to determining whether solar panels are right for you. There are plenty of solar subcontractors that work separately from the installation company that can tell you whether or not your roof is a good fit for solar. They’ll look at the age of the roof, where the roof is facing, the material of the roof, the angle of the roof, and whether any surrounding objects would block the panels.
Will Solar Panels Help You Save Money in the Long Run?
Let’s face it—solar panels will cost you a decent chunk of money to buy and install, so you want to make sure that you’ll make that money back in the long run. This depends on how many solar panels you need, how much your current electricity bills cost in comparison to how much the average bill will be with solar panels, and how much the system costs. If your bill isn’t reduced by at least 60 to 75%, the cost to buy and install likely isn’t worth it in the long term.
Can You Trust the Installation Company?
Some solar companies may not last the long haul, and the last thing you want is for your installer’s company to go under in a year or two. It’s best to look into a company’s credentials and see if they have the know-how to properly install solar panels. If you’re unsure whether you can trust a company, speak to multiple installers and compare their prices, experience, and warranty offers.
Should You Lease or Buy Your Solar Panels?
When you lease your solar panels, you may be saving money in the short term by allowing you to access cheaper electricity with little money down. However, the benefits are limited as the company owns the system, and when the lease is up, they can take the system away. Buying the system costs more, but you can keep the system up and running for decades to come.
Do You Plan on Selling Your Property?
How long you plan on living on your property will significantly impact whether or not solar panels are for you. If you don’t plan on living on your property for much longer, you won’t be able to get as much of your money back on savings. However, solar panels do increase the overall value of your home, so you may make that money back on the resale. Just be aware that potential buyers may ask you for an official report on the system’s efficiency and condition.
If you consider these five things before you decide to install solar panels, you should be able to tell and make a more informed decision as to whether going solar is right for you. If you’re still unsure, Solar Restore is a solar company based in Phoenix, Arizona, and we’re dedicated to educating clients and helping them stay informed.