These are exciting times when adopting renewable energy through solar panel systems.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016. For the first time, the power industry added more solar power system generation capacity than any other energy source.

By the end of 2017, the U.S. had installed nearly 50 gigawatts of total capacity—enough to power 9.5 million homes. Despite all this progress, many residential consumers are still unsure if a solar panel system makes sense for their homes.

To help sort through any uncertainty, Sunrun has developed a checklist of issues and questions to consider when contemplating the switch to solar energy systems.

1. Size up your roof for solar panels

The direction, age, and pitch of your roof are all important details when considering whether or not to install solar panels.

Having a south or west-facing roof is optimal for rooftop solar panels, although it’s still possible to produce plenty of energy with solar panels on west or east-facing roofs. A roof with a pitch of 30 degrees and no obstructions (like skylights and chimneys) is also ideal.

Another essential puzzle piece is determining if your roof is in a shadow. In other words, are there any buildings or trees getting in between the sun and your roof?

One more key question to answer is whether your roof is big enough for solar panels. A good place to figure this out is Google’s Project Sunroof, which relies on images from Google Earth. This handy site not only tells you the size of your roof but also recommends the ideal solar installation size for your home.

2. Consider the climate before installing solar panels

One of the biggest misconceptions about solar power is the belief that you need to live in a warm, sunny climate, such as Florida or California.

Surprisingly, solar panel output actually improves in colder temperatures. Here’s why, the energy production efficiency of solar panels declines as temperatures climb between 87 and 91 degrees (temperatures that are frequently reached during summer daytime hours in many temperate parts of the United States). 

This means that photovoltaic solar panel production works most efficiently in colder temperatures.

If snow is a concern, it is true that panels covered in snow have a tough time producing energy, but that is a short-lived concern. The angle of panels combined with a sunlight-absorbing dark color means that snow quickly melts or slides right off. 

Sunrun’s estimated production of energy from your solar array takes into account your regional weather predictions, such as annual snow cover and cloudy days, so you’ll have no surprises.  

The key takeaway here is that living in a cold place that does not receive a ton of sunlight should prevent you from joining the solar movement.

Understanding how much energy costs in your area can also help determine the financial benefits of solar panels.

3. Look into regulations

Do you live in a neighborhood governed by a homeowner’s association? That HOA may have regulations surrounding solar panel installation.

It is likely that there are local requirements for permits as well, whether that’s from the city or county building department. Though Sunrun will handle all permitting, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations pertaining to your home and neighborhood.

4. Find out about your local electricity rates

One of the primary benefits of going solar is to shield yourself from increasing energy bills.

While installing solar panels is a good decision no matter where you live, the specific savings that will be realized often depend on your local utility rates. It’s important to understand how solar panels work in different climates to maximize your savings.

5. Explore solar energy system incentives

The transition to solar is made even easier thanks to a variety of incentives and rebates typically available to homeowners. The incentives are often provided by federal, state and local entities.

On the federal level, for instance, is the federal solar tax credit, which gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax. 

Currently, the residential federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 26% of the final solar panels cost for the systems you install on your home. This benefit exists through December 31, 2022.

In 2023, the residential tax credit will step down to 22%. In 2024, the tax credit for residential solar ends.

State and local rebates are often available as well, helping to make solar panels worth the investment by reducing upfront costs. Solar panels save money and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Sunrun makes it easy

At Sunrun, we make going solar simple. We answer all of your questions upfront, and once you decide to go solar, we do all of the heavy lifting. Sunrun will handle everything from scheduling to permitting, so you can rest easy knowing you have chosen the right solar company.

Plus, with solar loans available, you can finance your system with little to no money down and still benefit from tax credits and rebates. Additionally, you can earn credits from your local utility company for the excess energy your system generates, further offsetting your electricity bills.

Solar panels are worth it. By going solar, you’re also contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, making a positive impact on the environment. Solar systems are an investment in a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Go solar with Sunrun today!