Is Solar Right for My Home?
In recent years, the adoption of solar energy has seen a significant uptick as homeowners look for sustainable and cost-effective ways to power their homes. As a solar installer, one of the most common questions we encounter is, “Is my house right for solar?” In this blog post, we aim to answer that question and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about harnessing the power of the sun.
Assessing Your Home’s Solar Potential
1. Location is key:
The geographical location of your home plays a crucial role in determining its solar potential. Ideally, homes in regions like Colorado with abundant sunlight throughout the year are best suited for solar installations. However, this doesn’t mean that homes in areas with less sunlight can’t benefit from solar. Even in less sunny climates like Oregon, advancements in solar technology have made it possible to generate significant amounts of energy.
2. Roof Orientation and Tilt:
The orientation and tilt of your roof also impact solar efficiency. We look for South, West, and East roof aspects to determine if a house will work for solar. The typical slanted roof is ideal. If the pitch is too high though, it might not be the best fit due to structural engineering reasons. If the roof is flat, we will often use a ballast system to mount the solar panels at a slight angle. This not only optimizes the solar panels for maximum production, but it also helps snow melt off quicker reduces the overall load to your roof.
3. Shade Analysis:
Observe any potential shading on your roof throughout the day. Trees, nearby buildings, or other structures casting shadows on your roof can reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Our clients that live in tree-dense areas will often remove or trim trees back in order to optimize their solar systems. If your home is completely surrounded with tall trees, and you notice that there’s shade typically covering your roof, solar probably isn’t going to be the best fit unless you’re willing to part with a tree or two.
Roof Condition and Structural Integrity
We have a 25 year warranties that cover everything we touch, so it’s crucial to assess the condition of your roof. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be wise to replace it before installing solar panels. We typically like to see about 8 years left in areas like Oregon that don’t get much hail. For our Colorado customers, roof lifespan is less of an issue because the average roof is replaced every 5-7 years under insurance claims due to hail.
Additionally, solar panels add weight to your roof, so it’s vital to ensure that your roof can support the additional load. The average house built in the last 60-70 years is typically structurally sound to install on. If your home is older though, sometimes we have to reinforce the roof in order to make sure it can handle the added weight.
The first thing we’ll do once you decide to go solar is send someone out to look at the roof. Our teams will assess the structural integrity of a roof during a site survey once a client decides to make the switch to solar power. If there’s anything we find, our team of engineering experts will create a repair plan. Learn more about our process.
Financial Considerations
1. Budget and Incentives:
Evaluate your budget for solar installation. While the initial investment may seem significant, various government incentives, tax credits, and rebates are available to make solar more affordable. Our solar experts can help inform you on how to take advantage of the financial benefits in your area.
2. Energy Consumption:
You have to use enough electricity for the investment to make sense. If your electric bill is over about $40 per month, it’s worth investigating. Our energy experts can help you find out exactly how much electricity you use, and determine the system size you need based on that information. This will help you understand the potential return on investment and ensure that your system meets your energy needs.
Choosing the Right Solar Installer
1. Experience and Reputation:
Selecting a reputable and experienced solar installer is crucial. As one of the leading solar installers in Northern Colorado and Oregon, we have several years of experience and are accredited by all of the local jurisdictions we operate in.
2. Customized Solutions:
As a reliable solar installer, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your home and provide a customized solution tailored to your specific needs. Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and seek a company that prioritizes personalized solutions.
3. Vertical Integration
It’s incredibly important to choose a company that does their own installations. Often, companies will broker for other installers. At the end of the day, a solar project is a construction project. If any issues arise, it’s important to know who you’re working with.
Here at Klick Solar, we only do our own installations. So when you choose to work with Klick, you get us all the way through the project vs being passed off to a 3rd party installer you don’t know anything about.
4. Warranties and Financing Rates
Every company works with different financing and interest rates. When you’re comparing options, don’t overlook those two details. If a company has a low cost that makes the project appealing upfront, but leaves you hanging out to dry when you need help down the road, or charges you an arm and a leg in interest, you’ll end up spending much more in the long run on a cheaper product.
Determining whether your house is right for solar involves a multi-faceted evaluation of your location, roof condition, and financial considerations. While not every home may be perfectly suited for solar, advancements in technology and the growing accessibility of solar installations make it a viable option for many homeowners.
If you’re still unsure about whether your house is suitable for solar, consult with one of our solar professionals today by clicking here. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about harnessing the power of the sun for your home. Remember, investing in solar not only benefits the environment but can also lead to long-term savings on your energy bills.
