Here’s How to Know if Your Home Works for Solar Panels

This story is part of Home TipsCNET’s collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

Perhaps now is the time to install solar panels on your roof. After this Anti-inflation law increased the Tax credit for solar investments to 30 percentGoing solar may be easier for some. On the other hand, recent inflation could complicate it. Either way, you should make sure you do your homework beforehand Buy solar panels for your roof.

Each house differs in latitude, slope and orientation. Each may also have different barriers blocking the sun, such as trees or buildings. They may also need repairing, an important box to check before adding Solar panels for 25 years or more. It’s pretty easy to find lists Things to consider before buying solar panels.

In this article, we take a look at the house-specific things you need to consider before choosing solar panels. It should give you a clearer idea of ​​whether your house is a good fit. If you’re looking for more energy advice for your home, check out smaller ways to save money and energy Adjusting your thermostat, turn off your lightsand with your ceiling fan this winter.

Continue reading: Solar Panel Buying Guide: Everything you need to know

Talk to a solar installer

To get the full story on how your roof may or may not work with solar energy, you might want to get an assessment from a solar installer in your area. These professionals can look at specific features of your home to tell you how solar is working with your roof. You can do independent research to find them, but an easy way to access them is through home goods stores, such as: Home Depot solar panel installation page.

The solar installer could look at that angle of your roof to see if it’s pointing in a direction that gets enough sunlight. If you are willing to prune trees to increase light, the solar installer may be able to help you figure out how to prune them so the solar panels work best. You can determine other factors such as the material of your roof, the size of your roof, or the age of your roof. The installer may first advise you of any modifications you need to make to your roof, for example if your roof is on the older side and may not support the weight of the paneling. If so, you probably need a new roof.

Continue reading: Best Solar Companies 2022

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Call a roofer

To cover all your bases, you should also consult a local roofer who is knowledgeable about solar systems. These professionals may be able to tell you more about how your roof’s structure itself performs, and you may need them to update your roof before installing the panels yourself. Sunshine Contracting recommends obtaining a roof survey if your roof is more than five years old. Since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, you want a roof with a similar lifespan.

Remember to check with these professionals if the assessments cost anything. Many appraisals or estimates for projects are free, but be sure to ask.

Use online solar compatibility checkers

You can also use free online tools to check how compatible your roof is with solar panels. An example is Google Project Sunroof. This tool is particularly useful as it uses Google Earth to analyze the size and shape of your roof and look at shady spots. The tool even analyzes local weather patterns to estimate how much solar energy you would be getting. His analysis shows how much you could save on your electricity bill and how many solar panels you should recommend. The tool even helps with comparisons Loans, leasing and other financing options.

All you have to do is enter your address and Google Earth will display an image of your roof. You will receive an estimate of how many hours of usable sunlight you have per year, how many square meters are available for modules and the estimated energy savings over the next 20 years based on local energy costs, solar costs and incentives.

Another option is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts calculator. Again, just with your address, you can get an estimate of the power output you can expect from a system on your roof. PVWatts gives you a more detailed estimate broken down by month. It is still only an estimate and should not be taken as entirely accurate.

Tips for assessing your own solar compatibility

It can also be worth knowing the basics of solar panel requirements to see if mounting solar panels on your roof makes any sense right now. A few scenarios where you might Not Solar to consider include:

• Are you planning to move in the near future? While solar panels can add value to your home, if you haven’t paid the rent, you may need to get the new buyer to take over the lease.
• If you have a wooded lot and a shaded roof, you’ll need to decide if you’re okay with tree felling or pruning.
• Solar installers and online solar compatibility tools can help with cost estimates. Make sure your budget can absorb the additional costs now and in the future when you lease.
• Consider the material of your roof. Solar panels are compatible with most materials, but Sunshine Contracting states that wood and slate roofs don’t pair well with solar energy. These materials tend to be more brittle, making installation more difficult and potentially more expensive. Wooden roofs can even pose a fire hazard. In that case, you might consider buying a new roofing material that works better with solar energy, such as B. Asphalt shingles.
• Also consider how the seasons in your area affect your solar panels. They must be prepared for the winter and cleared of snow and debris. You would have to make sure this is a task that you or a handyman could physically handle.

Remembering to request a professional assessment or using an online solar compatibility tool can help you resolve some of the potential issues mentioned above.

Some final thoughts

If you decide that solar power isn’t right for your budget or home at this time, that doesn’t mean you have to give up solar power entirely. For example, you can still find smaller solar panels for camping, RVs, and travel. Here are some links to help you get started with small solar systems:

If you are currently unable to integrate solar energy into your life, you can also look for other ways to save on your heating or electricity bills: