(Courtesy Photos: Namaste Solar)
A solar advisor will be able to personalize a proposal to your home specifications.
To save with the sun, there’s three top questions that homeowners need to ask about solar energy:
- Is my roof a good fit for solar?
- How much does solar cost?
- Will I save money?
While the best answers will be tailored to the individual home and the homeowner, solar advisors from Namaste Solar offered the following considerations that are the most important when you’re considering going solar. And for those who are ready to dig in, Namaste Solar’s buyer’s guide answers even more questions that are likely on your mind. You can find it at namastesolar.com/guide. If you’re ready to learn more, non-commissioned advisors from Namaste Solar are available to answer any questions without the pressured sales pitch.
Is My Roof a Good Fit for Solar?
The six key factors to consider when determining if your roof will be a good fit for solar are age, material, pitch, size, shade and orientation. A professional solar advisor can calculate how these elements come together and show you the net result for your home.
Age: If you think you might need to replace your roof in the next two or three years, consider installing solar after the new roof is in place. Nonetheless, a new roof is not a requirement for the installation of solar panels, and the cost to de-install and then re-install a solar panel system down the road is reasonable.
Material: Installation and mounting requirements will vary based on your roof’s materials. Traditional composite shingles are the most common roof surface, but a highly qualified solar installer can work with a variety of roof types.
Pitch: The design and mounting equipment used on your roof will vary based on the angle of your roof. A solar advisor will take this into account when preparing your solar proposal.
Size: The size of your recommended solar panel array will depend both on your energy needs and the space the amount of open roof space to place a solar panel system. Whether you have one large roof space or a multi-faceted roof will affect the design of the system.
Shade: While you don’t need full sun to make solar viable, the more exposed your roof is to sunlight throughout the day, the better. Take a look at trees, roof features, or buildings that may shade your roof. Experienced solar installers will use modeling software to conduct a shade analysis of your home.
Orientation: Lastly, a south-facing roof is most ideal because it will allow the solar panels to collect the most sunlight throughout the day. An east-facing roof catches the morning sunshine and will provide plenty of production. A west-facing roof maximizes energy production during peak energy hours.
If your roof doesn’t check off all six factors, keep in mind that a roof doesn’t have to be perfect to be a great candidate for solar. A solar advisor will be able to personalize a proposal to your home specifications.
How Much Does Solar Cost?
(Courtesy Photos: Namaste Solar)
A solar advisor will be able to personalize a proposal to your home specifications.
On average, home solar installations cost from $20,000 to $50,000 on average depending on how much electricity you use, your future electrification goals, and other factors. Local incentives and utility rebates can reduce this cost depending where you live. $0-down financing options make solar more accessible for some homeowners. The most heavily weighted factor in determining the cost of a solar panel system is the size of the system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). A properly sized system will maximize your savings and return
on investment.
Will I Save Money?
The answer is a resounding “yes.” As soon as your home’s solar panels are installed and your system is on, you have an electricity-generating power plant on your roof. The electricity you generate will offset some or all of your electricity bill.
Should you later decide to sell your home, you’ll see an increase in the value of your property if you have a solar system in place. According to Zillow, buyers are willing to pay 4% more for the ability to generate their own clean electricity and benefit from long-term utility savings.
How to Learn What’s Best for Your Home
During an initial consultation with a seasoned solar installer, an advisor will discuss your goals and ask about your electric usage. This information will allow them to put together the best design for your needs.
The next step is for an advisor to virtually inspect your roof using high resolution satellite imagery and 3D modeling software. The advisor will walk you through your proposal to make sure everything makes sense and is planned as desired.
When you work with Namaste Solar, you work with an experienced, local company who’s non-commissioned, no-pressure approach makes the process educational, not salesy.
To get in touch with the Namaste Solar team, visit namastesolar.com/transparent or call 720.386.2174.
