Will Solar Work For My House?
Solar energy has become an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and save money on their energy bills. But is solar energy right for you?
Before investing in solar panels, consider these factors to determine whether your home is suitable for solar energy.
1. Your Roof’s Orientation and Angle
One of the most important factors to consider when determining whether your house is suitable for solar energy is the orientation and angle of your roof. To capture the most sunlight possible, your roof should face south, east, or west. The ideal roof pitch for solar panels is between 20 and 40 degrees. This allows the panels to capture the most sun throughout the day.
If your roof doesn’t have the correct orientation or angle, it may not be suitable for solar panels.
2. The Amount of Shade Covering Your Roof
Another factor to consider is the amount of shade on your roof. Trees, buildings, and other structures that cast shadows on your roof can reduce the amount of solar energy your panels can capture. If your roof is heavily shaded, it may not be suitable for solar panels.
3. Your Roof’s Current Condition
Before installing solar panels, it’s essential to ensure that your roof is in good condition. Solar panels can be pretty heavy. So you’ll need to make sure your roof is strong enough to support the weight of the panels.
If your roof is old or in poor condition, it may not be suitable for solar panels. Or you may want to consider replacing your roof before you get solar panels. Many of our customers replace their roofs and get solar panels installed at the same time.
4. Your Current Energy Consumption
To determine the size of the solar panel system you will need, you’ll need to assess your energy consumption. The more electricity you use, the larger the solar panel system you’ll need to offset your energy usage. Solar energy may be a good option for your home if you use a lot of electricity.
5. Your Household Budget
Solar panel systems can be expensive, so it’s essential to determine how much you are willing to invest in a solar energy system. You’ll need to consider the upfront costs of purchasing and installing the panels and the long-term cost savings you can expect to achieve through reduced energy bills. If you’re not willing or able to make a significant upfront investment, solar energy may not be the right choice for your home.
Get A Solar Evaluation
If you’re serious about going solar, the next step is to have professionals assess your home’s solar potential. At American Sentry Solar, we’ll consider factors like your roof’s orientation, angle, and the amount of sunlight it receives, as well as your energy consumption and budget. Our free solar analysis is the best way to determine whether solar energy is viable for your home.
