With the 30% federal solar tax credit and other incentives in effect, more homeowners are considering solar power as a viable option to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. However, one common concern among them is whether their properties are good for solar panel installation. And by “good” we mean that the amount of sunlight and the typical monthly cost of your electricity balance out so that your solar array is paid off in 5-7 years, and you are making all or most of your energy through the solar panels installed.
From the size, position and condition of your roof, to the amount of sunlight exposure, to your chosen financing option, many factors determine the economic suitability of a solar panel system. The team at Green House Solar will discuss the ideal conditions for a residential solar installation and explore in detail, alternative options for those with “less-than-ideal” circumstances that can still make your investment a winning proposition.
What Type of Roof Do You Have and What Shape is it in?
The structure of your roof plays a crucial role in determining whether your home is suitable for a solar panel installation. Ideally, roofs made of materials such as asphalt shingle or standing seam metal are best suited for solar panels. However, even if your roof is flat with a rolled rubber or silicone membrane, installation is still possible with the right expertise. If your home falls into this category, It’s essential to choose an installer like Green House that is experienced in managing projects involving these roof types.
On top of roof type, the condition of your roof is equally important. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s advisable to replace it before installing solar panels. This ensures seamless integration and avoids the complexities of replacing the roof after all the panels are installed. Given that solar panels usually have a lifespan of around 40 years, they won’t typically need to be tampered with once they’re installed.
How Much Direct Sunlight Does Your Roof Get?
For solar panels to operate effectively, they require significant exposure to sunlight. Our team can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your roof’s orientation, considering that panels ideally should face south, and assess how much shade gathers there. While modern solar panels are designed to perform well even in low-light conditions, excessive shade can hinder their efficiency. If you have a lot of high trees on your property, we can look into solutions such as repositioning panels or trimming/removing trees to maximize sunlight exposure.
There’s Another Option if Your Roof Isn’t Ideal for Solar Panels…
In cases where a rooftop installation is a no-go, but you have some clear property, ground-mounted solar panels offer an excellent alternative solution. These panels are installed either by pole mount or standard mount, providing homeowners with the opportunity to harness solar energy even if their roof conditions are suboptimal. Ground-mounted systems utilize solar photovoltaic panels attached to frames or poles, with options for single-axis or dual-axis systems to track the sun’s movement for optimal sunlight capture. However, it’s important to note that both systems require set-back and other regulations that are specific to each municipality.
Let Green House Evaluate Your NJ Property for Solar Panels
At Green House Solar, our team gives you an honest assessment of your suitability for solar. Whether you reside in Morris County or somewhere else in NJ, our fully-certified experts are committed to designing, installing, and maintaining your home solar system to maximize energy efficiency. On top of this, we’ll walk you through all of your solar financing options and incentives to ensure you get the best value and quickest return on your investment in Solar
To learn more about our residential solar installations in NJ, please give us a call or visit our website today at: https://greenhouse.solar/
