Every major investment comes with dozens of considerations, and installing solar panels is no different. Before you take the plunge into one of the most environmentally friendly home upgrades (that will also save you thousands on energy bills), check out this list of things to consider before installing solar panels.
Roof Material
Since most solar panels are installed on the roof of a home, it’s essential to think about your roofing material. While installers can work with practically every type of roof, a few materials may raise your installation price.
Ceramic tiles, for instance, come with a trickier installation process than composite shingles. Additionally, if you have a flat roof, your installer will need special stands to set the panels at the perfect angle.
How Long Will You Stay in Your Home?
While a solar panel investment is all but guaranteed to be profitable, it takes some time to reach that point. Most American households make their money back within 8 years, so if you’re planning to move before then, you may want to rethink your investment. On the other hand, if you’ll be in your house for the next 20 years, solar panels are a no-brainer, as they’re often warrantied for 25 to 30 years!
Location
There are a few factors that can increase or decrease the production of your solar panels. If your home is surrounded by tall buildings or trees, that can limit the amount of energy produced by the panels. Additionally, you’ll see the best production if your roof direction is angled south—this direction gets the most sunlight exposure.
When To Switch
Once you’re confident that solar panels are right for you, you need to decide when to have them installed. There are a few different schools of thought on the best time to switch to solar power, but you may score the best deals on installation outside of the summertime.
Now that you know these things to consider before installing solar panels, make the switch and confidently become less reliant on the power grid!
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