One of the most costly expenses for homeowners is their monthly energy bill. This is especially true for those who live in very hot or very cold climates. Thus, it’s no surprise why so many homeowners have already transitioned to solar power to meet their energy demands. However, before you fully transition, here are a few things to think about when considering your solar options.
City/HOA Rules
Before you begin installing solar panels onto your roof, it is critical that you do some research so that you know what you can and cannot do in terms of your city as well as your HOA (if applicable.) The unfortunate reality is that some HOAs may not want people to have solar panels, as they create a distinction between homes.
Financing
One of the most common misconceptions regarding solar panels is that you’re going to have to purchase them outright. The fact that solar panels are priced anywhere between $25,000 to $50,000 could scare a lot of people off. Fortunately, more and more companies are offering financing options to their customers. This means that after 15 to 20 years, your solar panels will be paid off, and you will have free, or very inexpensive, energy from thereon.
Condition of Roof
While every home’s roof is different, keeping the state of your roof in mind while shopping is imperative. For example, is your roof strong enough to support multiple solar panels? How about damages to the roof? Is your roof in need of repairs? If so, that is an issue that needs to be taken care of before panels are installed.
Get Recommendations
There’s no doubt about it, the solar panel industry is booming, and more and more companies are entering the space. However, that does not mean that all of them have your best interests in mind, which is why it is critical that you ask for recommendations from local contractors and friends/family. Then, use that information to narrow your options further before picking a company to retrofit your roof with solar panels.
