Moving to a solar energy system sounds like a solid idea. It’s good for the world, and it helps you save money. However, not every homeowner can quickly adopt clean energy solutions. Some factors may prevent you from installing solar panels on your property. If you’re planning to go solar, just check whether you tick any of these boxes.
1. You don’t own your home
Solar panels are generally installed on the roof of a property. If you don’t own the roof, you’ll find it hard to install solar panels.
People living in apartments, having lease agreements, paying rents, or living with other families will be up against an uphill battle to install solar. And more often than not, the battle is just not worth it.
2. Your roof isn’t in ideal condition
Even if you do own your house, you need to make sure your roof is up to the task. Solar panel installation is generally a hassle-free process but it’s not recommended to install on damaged or old roofs.
Here are 4 times when your roof isn’t cut out for the task:
- Solar panels, once installed, are hard to remove. So if your roof suddenly needs to be repaired, it might just turn out to be a financially bad idea.
- Solar panels last over 25 years. That’s a long time to keep the roof as it is.
- If your roof is in good condition but is covered in shades then the panels won’t get enough sun to process energy. Cutting down trees to make way for the sun is counterintuitive to the sustainability drive.
- The number of solar panels you install depends on your electricity usage. If your roof is too small, the panels may not fit, thereby not providing enough energy to power your house.
So if you have doubts about your roof’s capability, fix the issues beforehand or consider holding off investing in solar.
3. You live in a mobile home and don’t own the lot
The roof is the ideal location to install solar panels, but it’s not the only option. If you have a big enough backyard, you can use ground-mounted solar panels to power your house. If you have sheds, gazebos, or patio covers, you can use solar carports as well. However, big backyards or shed structures are hard to find if you live in the city or the suburbs.
What if you live in a mobile home? The truth is, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to install solar panels on a shared lot or without damaging your caravan.
4. You don’t get enough Southern roof exposure
It’s scientifically proven that solar panels are most effective when they face south.
The United States is located north of the Equator, in the Northern Hemisphere. If your panels face south, they’ll be exposed to the sun for a greater part of the day, producing more energy. It’s also a great angle if you live in a state where 1:1 net metering is available. If you don’t want to transfer the surplus energy back to the grid for a profit, you can even store the energy in solar batteries.
If your house doesn’t get southern roof exposure, you’ll not be able to generate energy efficiently.
5. You’re not eligible for tax incentives
A major reason why so many homeowners are getting solar panels is because of the tax incentives attached to them.
Since its introduction in 2006 by the federal government, investment tax credit (ITC) has pushed solar adoption to great heights. The tax credit currently sits at 26% and is soon to be going down. [Learn more: Updated Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)]
On top of ITC, several state and local tax incentives are offered to people for purchasing solar panels. If you’re not eligible for any of the tax credits, you’re unlikely to find it a financially viable option.
6. You pay less than $99 per month throughout the year
Lastly, you shouldn’t get solar if you simply don’t use enough electricity to justify the initial investment. If your house is small, consists of energy-efficient appliances, or if you get competitive rates from your local utility, then you can consider getting solar somewhere in the future.
So here are some reasons why you shouldn’t get solar. But, if these factors don’t concern you, then solar is going to be one of the best investments you’ll ever make as a homeowner. The upfront cost can be offset very quickly as solar panels tend to start to pay for themselves in just 5-7 years. On top of that, you’ll be able to future-proof your house with clean energy.
To know more about whether you qualify for solar and how to install panels, get in touch with AvvioSolar today.
