Is Your Home Ready for Solar?
Going solar is one of the best financial decisions a homeowner can make — but a little preparation goes a long way. Use this checklist before you talk to any installer.
1. Roof Condition
- How old is your roof? Panels last 25–30 years; if your roof needs replacing in the next 5 years, do it first.
- Is the roof structurally sound? Installers will inspect, but obvious sagging or damage is a red flag.
- What material? Asphalt shingle and metal roofs are easiest. Tile and slate add cost.
2. Shading & Orientation
- South-facing roofs produce the most energy in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Nearby trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings that cast shade will reduce output.
- Ask your installer for a shading analysis (most use tools like Aurora or Solargraf).
3. Your Electric Bill
- Pull 12 months of bills to find your annual kWh usage.
- A system sized to offset 80–100% of usage is typical.
- Higher bills = faster payback.
4. Questions to Ask Every Installer
- Are you NABCEP-certified?
- What equipment brands do you use, and what are the warranties?
- Do you handle permitting and utility interconnection?
- What is the estimated payback period for my specific home?
5. Incentives to Know
- Federal ITC: 30% tax credit on the full system cost through 2032.
- State rebates: Vary by state — ask your installer or check DSIRE.org.
- Net metering: Confirm your utility offers it and at what rate.