Many homeowners are gravitating to solar to ease the burden of high electricity bills, but some are disappointed to learn that they’re not solar-ready. Many assume that solar is a viable option for everyone, but there are certain criteria you must meet. Read on to see if you check the five boxes below before you proceed with a solar installation.
Financial Considerations
Have you assessed your financial situation to ensure you qualify? Homeowners typically need a credit score of at least 650, a household income of at least $45,000, and must also own the home. In addition, your typical electricity bill should be a factor in determining if solar is a smart financial option. If your utility bill is already minimal, then the monthly cost of financing solar panels might exceed what you pay for your electricity. Use Smart Green Solar’s Solar Calculator to help determine solar savings.
Adequate Sunlight
Is your home basking in sunlight most of the day or covered by shade-bearing trees? This is a key consideration in determining if your home is viable for solar. The amount of direct and scattered sunlight hitting your rooftop is critical, as the energy potential for your system depends directly on sunlight reaching your roof. If you’re lacking in sunlight, consider trimming branches that hang over your roof and removing any unhealthy trees that are creating shade, and also posing a risk to your roof and home. If you have questions or are uncertain, Smart Green Solar can assess and provide branch and tree removal services if needed.
Roof Condition
How old is your roof, and is it still in good condition? If your roof is nearing the end of its projected lifespan, it’s best to either replace the roof prior to installing solar or delay the process until you have a new roof. If you need to replace your roof within just a few years of installing solar, you could be looking at a fairly large expense to have the panels removed and reinstalled. If you have several years left on your roof, make sure it’s in good condition with no signs of cupping, lifting, or other damage. Consulting a roofing expert is always a good idea prior to solar installation. If you select a full-service solar company like Smart Green Solar, you can have a new roof installed along with your solar–saving you time, money and hassle.
Sufficient Space
How big is your home, and how much roof space do you have? You need enough square footage on your roof to accommodate enough solar panels to generate the energy your home needs. You need a minimum of 400-600 square feet since each solar panel takes up approximately 18 square feet.
Solar Research
Have you carefully evaluated solar companies to determine the best local provider? There are many solar companies to choose from, but buyer beware is the rule of thumb in solar. The industry, like many others, has its fair share of companies that over-promise and under-deliver. When considering a solar partner, look for a company that is local, provides an energy production guarantee, offers a full-service experience, and will service your panels post-installation if any issues arise.
If you’ve covered the five criteria and confirmed that you and your home are solar-ready, we invite you to book a consultation to have any remaining questions answered and learn more about the solar process.
Take a moment to utilize our Solar Savings Calculator to obtain a custom solar savings estimate for your home. We also invite you to learn more about Smart Green Solar, our core values, and our unique approach–which has led to us becoming a leading full-service provider in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
