7 Factors to Consider Before Having Solar Panels Installed

Solar panels are rising faster than the sun! By 2030, more than one in seven American homes will have solar panels on their roof.

You should consider getting solar panels installed, yet you shouldn’t rush your decision. You should examine a few factors and then decide if panels are economically viable.

What roofs are best for solar panels? How can you make money off of your panels? Who should you turn to for installation and repairs?

Answer these questions and you can make a quick decision about solar panels. Here are seven factors you should consider.

Considering getting solar panels installed? Here are 7 factors you should consider to help you decide if panels are economically viable.

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1. Your Roof

If your roof cannot support a solar power system, you should not install solar panels. Ask a home inspector to do an evaluation of your roof before you call a clean energy company.

You should also think about the shape and style of your roof. Your roof should face toward the sun, and it should support the weight of solar panels. If you have brittle shingles, you should not install panels.

2. Your Access to Sunlight

You should live in a sunny area that has consistent sunlight throughout the year. Take a look at your average weather forecast and see how much sunlight you get. If your lawn has better access to sunlight than your roof, consider putting your panels on your lawn.

3. Financial Incentives

Your state may give you a tax credit for using or creating renewable energy. Talk to a financial advisor and see what you qualify for. You may also be able to sell energy to the grid, which will let you make money from your panels.

4. Your Energy Usage

If you use a lot of energy, you should consider switching to renewable energy sources. This will reduce your carbon footprint. If you don’t, you can still make use of solar panels, namely by selling your energy to the grid.

5. Types of Solar Panels

You can buy a few different kinds of solar panels. Monocrystalline panels are very expensive, but they have maximum efficiency. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper, but they convert less sunlight into energy, so they are not good for homes that need a lot of electricity.

6. Batteries

You can sell your excess energy to the grid, or you can put it inside batteries. Batteries allow you to use your electricity when your panels are not producing power. You may need to pay a few hundred dollars for your batteries, but you may save more money at night by not buying electricity.

7. Solar Panel Companies

You may have one residential solar provider in your area or several. Take a look at the providers in and around your neighborhood and compare their rates to each other.

By 2030, more than one in seven American homes will have solar panels on their roof.

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The Factors You Should Consider Before Getting Solar Panels Installed

Getting solar panels installed is a major decision. Your roof should have the right materials to support your panels, and it should have clear access to sunlight. You should qualify for financial incentives that let you make money off your panels.

The more expensive your panels are, the better quality they will be. You should also think about storing power for nighttime usage and what companies you can hire for installation.

Most people determine that panels are a good investment. But they work best when you’re an expert on them. Read more solar panel guides by following our coverage.