Solar energy is quite populary in the U.S., over 4 million homes already have solar, and that number is still going up. Globally, solar power capacity has grown by over 20% every year, with energy costs rising, more homeowners are turning to solar energy to save up on their bills.
While focusing on saving money on electricity bills, most people tend to forget about something important and that is your roof really suitable for solar systems to be installed?
If your roof isn’t strong enough, you might end up with a system that underperforms or worse, needs expensive fixes. Nobody wants to invest in solar only to realize later it wasn’t the right move.
So, what should you look at before going solar? We’re going to break down the 7 key factors that residential roof affect solar panels , like roof space, sunlight, climate, roof strength, cost, and installation options, so you can decide if solar is perfect for your home or not. Alright then, without any further wait, let’s kick start this topic.
Is my home suitable for solar?
Before you think about going for solar energy, check whether your home can actually handle it. Sun exposure is key and if you’ve got a roof that’s mostly in the shade, thanks to trees or nearby buildings, solar might not be the best move.
Also the condition of your roof matters too, if it’s older and due for a replacement soon, it’s better to handle that first. And if the roof isn’t an option, you can also go for ground mounts, they are a solid alternative too.
How much roof space do you have?
First thing to check is how much roof space you have because not all roofs are built the same when it comes to solar.
If you’ve got a big, clear south-facing roof, you’re in luck because that’s the most perfect placing for solar panels. But if your roof is chopped up with dormers, vents, or skylights, that only cuts down your usable space.
A typical solar panel is about 5.5 feet by 3.5 feet, so you’ll need around 200-400 square feet for a decent system, depending on how much power you want.
If your roof is small, lacks space, or doesn’t get much sunlight, ground mounts might be the better option. But if you’ve got the space and your roof is soaking up the sun for free, you might as well put it to work.
How much sunlight can your roof receive?
If your roof spends most of the day hiding in the shade of a big oak tree or a huge building, you’re going to have a hard time getting decent power output. The ideal setup is a roof with solid exposure to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
South-facing roofs are the gold standard in the Northern Hemisphere, but east and west facing ones can still work. If you have flat roofs, you still have options like you can just tilt the panels. But if there are trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings, it can seriously impact the production, so it’s worth checking before beginning with the process.
How is your local climate?
Another thing that you have to check if you are considering solar for your home is your local weather. It’s like one day, it’s warm and relaxing but then the next, wind’s making a mess out of your hair. Climate’s like that it’s unpredictable and it shapes how we live, what we wear, even how much we pay for heating or cooling.
The place where I live gets really hot in summers, and the winters here are not too brutal, but sometimes it makes you grateful for a great heater. We don’t get much rain either. What I mean is, you need to understand the pattern of your weather to see if you should go for solar or not.
Can your roof support the solar panels weight?
Before throwing solar panels up there, it’s worth figuring out if your roof can handle the extra weight. A typical panel weighs about 40 pounds. It doesn’t sound like much but when you’re installing a whole system, that weight adds real up fast so it’s worth figuring out if your roof can handle it or not.
Most modern roofs are good to go. If yours is older, though or showing obvious signs of its age, you might want to check. If there’s sagging, cracked shingles, or water damage, in your home then it’s best to avoid installing the solar panels for now. Fixing the roof first is important as it can save from lots of problems and expensive repairs later on.
How much does a solar roof will cost?
People always ask, “Is solar really that expensive?” And the answer is, it depends. A solar roof isn’t like picking up a new TV. The cost can vary based on your roof size, panel type, and where you live. If you want a rough idea then it can cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 before incentives.
Yeah, that’s a big range, but with tax credits and rebates, many homeowners cut that number down by 30% or more. You can also try financing options too, there are some folks who even end up paying less per month than their old electricity bill.
Over time, those panels don’t just pay for themselves, they also put money back in your pocket which is exactly what we want.
Which installation model do you want to choose?
Now comes what type of installation model you want to choose, going fully off-grid or do you want to stay connected to the utility company. Each of these options has its own set of benefits and trade-offs.
If you’re off-grid, you’re fully independent, no need to worry over monthly power bills, and no reliance on the grid. But that means your system has to generate and store enough electricity to get you through cloudy days and long winters. Batteries are a must, and that can add to the cost too which you have to think ahead.
Most people go for a grid-tied setup because it’s cheaper, easier, and you can still generate your own power while pulling from the grid when needed. If your system produces extra energy, net metering lets you send it back to the utility for credits.
There’s also a hybrid model, a solar plus battery storage while staying grid-connected. This gives you backup power in case of outages without needing a massive battery bank.
So, depending on what your priorities are, whether it’s saving money, energy independence, or a mix of both, just know that your choice depends on what fits your lifestyle best.
Conclusion
Some people go solar to save money while others want backup power. And some just like the idea of using the sun instead of the grid. Whatever the reason is, the numbers keep going up and in 2023 alone, over 700,000 U.S. homes added solar which is a lot of panels.
But is it for everyone? Not really. If your roof is shaded most of the day, it’s going to be a difficult choice for you. If your state doesn’t have good incentives, the math might not work and if you don’t plan on staying in your house long-term, you might not see the full payoff.
