Solar panels can be a great investment for your home. Not only are you helping reduce your carbon footprint, but you are essentially getting free electricity from an infinite resource: sunlight.

However, not all homes are a good fit for solar panels; there are certain requirements that your house must meet before you can be sure that getting solar panels is a good investment for your home. So if you’re thinking of getting solar panels, here are the signs that your house is a good fit for them:

Sunlight

Solar panels can work well in most climates, and you don’t have to live in an area with constant sunlight for solar panels to work. However, they are most effective if your house gets lots of direct sunlight during most days. It is also important to note that solar panels still work in cold locations and when the weather is cloudy, rainy, or foggy. But if you live in an area that is very snowy, solar panels may not work well for you since thick layers of snow can block sunlight.

Roof

You may live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, but if there are a lot of obstacles around your house that will block the sun’s rays, then your house may not be a good candidate for solar panels.

To determine if your roof can get adequate amounts of sunlight, consider its orientation and size. Does your roof’s orientation allow it to get lots of direct sunlight when the sun is at its highest? On the other hand, is your roof big enough to accommodate the number of panels you need? Call a solar power company in your area to come and evaluate your roof’s potential. Depending on your electricity usage per month, they will tell you how many panels you need to fully support your power needs.

Furthermore, you will also need to consider your roof health. If your roof is old, it may not be able to support solar panels securely and for a very long time. This is especially true if your roof needs a lot of repair work, in which case, installing solar panels right now is not a good time. Consider getting a new roof, ideally one that is made from long-lasting material like tile, before installing solar panels.

But if your roof is relatively new, installing solar panels shouldn’t be a problem. However, keep in mind that solar panels can last for 40 years and may outlive your roof. If that happens, you will need a professional to take off the solar panels and put them back on when the new roof is built.

Financing

Even if you can pay the full cost of solar panels out of pocket, you should still consider financing options and incentives that can help you fund your project. Here are several options that you might qualify for:

Solar loans. This type of loan is similar to other home improvement loans, wherein you borrow money and pay it back in installments plus interest.

Leasing. Leasing from a solar provider is a great option if your main goal is to save electricity and reduce your carbon footprint. By leasing a solar panel system from a provider, you can save money from the initial cost and won’t have to maintain or repair the system in case problems arise.

Government subsidies. Federal and local subsidies are available to properties that invest in solar panel systems, which can help reduce the cost of installation. You may also receive tax credits by having solar panels on your property, depending on the area you live in.

If these financing options are available in the area you live in, then it’s a clear sign that your house is a good fit for solar panels.

As you can see, installing solar panels may or may not be a good investment for your home. If you’re still not sure, consult with a solar panel provider in your area today.