Moving into the Future: Top 5 Things to Consider for Solar on Existing Homes

1. Will Your Roof Benefit from Solar?

How your roof is laid out greatly impacts the capable efficiency of any solar installation. A Southern facing roof receives increased exposure and allows more energy from a smaller system. Having a roof pitch between thirty and forty degrees utilizes the power of the absorbed solar rays better than a low pitch roof. Finally, make sure there is minimal shade on your roof. Hiding your panels behind a tree’s shadow is a simple way to diminish their effectiveness.

2. Will Your Roof Need to be Replaced?

Solar Panels have roughly a twenty-to-forty-year lifespan so you will want to make sure your roof is in good condition before you go about installing them. The only thing more annoying than re-roofing a house, is re-roofing a house you just put solar panels on. Whether you put panels on a relatively new roof, or roll the jobs together by installing a Tesla Solar Roof, you protect yourself from more construction down the line.

3. How Much is Your Electric Bill?

A solar panel installation pays for itself through saving money on your electric bill. While a lower electric bill is oftentimes the goal, with solar it will slow your return on investment rate. Often, a monthly electric bill that averages around one-hundred dollars per month is a good minimum to justify solar.

A Span panel can be a game-changer for homeowners looking to optimize their solar installation. Unlike traditional electrical panels, a Span panel offers smart energy management, allowing you to monitor and control individual circuits directly from your smartphone. This means you can prioritize essential circuits during a power outage, maximize the efficiency of your solar system, and even integrate seamlessly with battery storage solutions.

4. How Long Will You Live in Your Home?

A solar installation is a property specific investment which you will want to capitalize on. While resale value increases as soon as the job is done, the lower electric bill is a main component of your investment return. If you see yourself moving soon, you will miss out on many of the savings a solar array can give you.

5. Are You Financially Ready for Solar?

Adding solar power to your house is a project which pays for itself and eventually nets you a profit, but before any of that comes the initial installation. Be sure that you are in a position to safely make the investment. What this cost is depends on the installed system-size as well as what local incentives your area offers.

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In conclusion, adding solar to your existing home is a great way to move towards the future without having to start from scratch. While it is an addition that thrusts your home into the future, it is an investment both you, and your house, must be ready for.  

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