There are 3 main factors that determine whether your home is a good candidate for solar energy:

  • Does it get a good amount of direct sunlight (not overly obstructed by shade)?
  • What is the orientation of the roof (technically “Azimuth” but means North, South, East, West)?
  • Roof condition, shape, and size.

Direct Sunlight

In order for solar panels to function optimally, they require direct sunlight. If your house’s roof receives ample direct sunlight throughout the day, you are an ideal candidate for solar energy. However, even if your roof is shaded or obstructed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that solar is out of reach. There are solutions to overcome the challenges posed by shade.

  • Enhancing Performance with Power Optimizers or Micro Inverters Power optimizers or micro inverters can greatly enhance the performance of a solar system. This technology allows each panel to operate independently, maximizing electricity production when exposed to sunlight. When one panel is shaded, its output may decrease, but the other panels in the system remain unaffected. This approach proves particularly effective in mitigating the impact of tall trees in a neighboring yard.
  • A Simple Solution: Tree Trimming Sometimes, a simple tree trimming can make all the difference. At Sun Energy Today, we have established partnerships with licensed tree services, and we regularly assist homeowners and business owners in coordinating the necessary tree work to enable them to adopt solar energy. The cost of the tree work is also taken into consideration as part of our service.

Orientation Of Your Roof

In order to maximize the efficiency of solar energy systems, it is ideal for solar panels to be oriented towards the south. South-facing roofs receive the most direct sunlight, resulting in optimal energy generation. However, even if your roof faces east or west, you can still generate a significant amount of electricity. These orientations typically receive enough sunlight to meet your home’s energy needs. The savings you can enjoy from utilizing solar energy would still be substantial, making it a worthwhile investment.

Roof Condition, Shape, and Size

Once a solar system is installed, it can operate efficiently for over 30 years. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your roof is in good condition before proceeding with solar installation. If your roof is deteriorating or nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be necessary to replace it prior to adding solar panels. However, there’s good news if you find yourself in this situation! By including the roof replacement as part of your solar project, the savings generated can help offset the overall cost. It’s like getting a new roof along with your solar system!

Roof shapes can vary significantly across different house styles. In most places, the ideal roof shape for solar installation is a straightforward rectangle-shaped “gable” roof. This type of roof provides ample space to accommodate as many panels as required without any space constraints. However, solar can still work effectively with other roof shapes, including those with dormers or valleys. It may just require a bit more configuration and careful placement of the panels to meet the energy demands of your home.

At Sun Energy Today, we take pride in maximizing every opportunity for our customers. If another solar company has informed you that your house is not suitable for solar, we encourage you to let us take a look. We have a track record of finding solutions in many situations where other companies couldn’t.