22 Jun Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

If you are considering going solar, you are probably wondering if your house is well suited for solar panels. The better your solar system performs, the faster it will pay for itself in savings and the greater the environmental benefits. Luckily, most homes have decent potential, especially given recent advances in solar energy technology and falling equipment costs.

The best way to know if your house is a strong candidate is to speak with one of the Sundog Solar experts. If your home is overly shaded, we can often recommend installing panels in another location as a garage, barn, or ground-mounted system. 

How much sun does my roof get?

Does your property have tall trees or rooflines that shade your solar exposure? The midday sun is the most important. Thus a little early morning or late afternoon shade won’t dramatically decrease your solar electricity output. 

What is the orientation of your roof?

Solar panels are typically mounted facing south whenever possible in Maine. Thus, an ideal roof is either flat or has the ridge running from east to west. Alternately, solar panels can also be mounted facing east or west. If you don’t know the orientation of your roof, viewing satellite images can be helpful.

Is your roof in good condition?

The Sundog Solar team installs systems that can last 30 years. Consider if your roof is reaching the end of its life and will need to be replaced soon. Although replacing the roof first increases your upfront costs, it will save money and hassle in the long run of removing and reinstalling your solar panels.

How much space do you have on your roof for solar panels?

If you don’t have enough space to install panels, the solar system generating capacity will be lower. This can happen when dormers or shade are limiting the placement of the array. When space and budget allow, Sundog Solar recommends installing enough solar panels to produce 100% of the home’s power. Solar systems that provide a higher percentage typically have a higher return on investment than systems that produce a smaller percentage of the total household electricity. 

The Sundog Solar team usually installs at least ten solar panels on each home. If there isn’t adequate space on the roof for the panels, we can explore other sunny locations, like the yard or garage roof.

Do you own your house?

It is generally easiest to install solar panels on a home you own. If you rent, it is essential to get permission from the owner of the house. Solar systems on rental properties can qualify for excellent tax incentives, so let them know about these opportunities.

What are the next steps in going solar?

If you want to learn more about your home’s solar potential, contact the Sundog Solar team for a free phone consultation or site survey at 207.548.1100 or via our online form.