There was a time when the main consideration for turning to solar energy was whether or not you stood the chance to enjoy enough energy savings to recoup the cost for the system in the period of time that fit with your investment goals. Since prices for solar energy have come down dramatically in recent years, and utility costs have been rising, it is quite likely that you’ll find it a financially beneficial option for your home. The decision then comes down to whether the preparation needed to install solar energy makes sense in your situation. Here are the steps to consider before proceeding with solar energy installation:
- Step #1- Consider the age and condition of your home’s roofing materials. Ideally, you want there to be as many years remaining on the roof as how long the solar energy system will last. This avoids the cost to remove it to do roof replacement. Keep in mind that your roof will last a bit longer in the area covered by the solar panels, however, so be sure to factor that in. If you have an aging roof, you’ll want to get it replaced before you proceed with the solar energy installation.
- Step #2- Be sure that the electrical system of your home is in good shape and has the capacity to handle solar energy. If you have a newer home, this won’t usually be a concern, but with an older home, you may need electrical upgrades prior to the installation of the solar energy system.
- Step #3- Consider if you’ll need to do some changes to your property, such as tree removal, so that the solar panels can receive enough sunlight to produce the amount of power that you anticipate needing.
A qualified installer of solar energy systems can assist you with determining if your home’s roofing, electrical system, and sun potential is sufficient to proceed. If you already know there is an issue with one or more of these, be sure to factor in the related costs to be sure you can get this done within your budget. Roofing and electrical upgrades are always a good thing to do anyway to protect your home and family, as well as the value of your home.
