Everything Homeowner’s Need to Know Before Going Solar

While the initial solar installation requires significant time and money, there are several financial and environmental reasons to go solar. If you are thinking of going solar, working with an experienced solar company in Sonoma County can help minimize costs and maximize returns.

Here are five questions to think about before making the shift to solar energy.

1 – HOW MUCH SUNLIGHT DOES YOUR PROPERTY GET?

Solar panels work best when they are in direct sunlight; however, panels produce electricity even in lower light conditions. Depending on your home’s location, the ability to save money on solar can vary. While a roof-mounted solar system is a more affordable option for many residential customers, some rooftops may not be suitable for solar due to space, age, direction, and tree cover. Before installing solar panels, look at spots where the sun hits throughout the day, and if any trees are shading your roof, that will decrease energy output and be potentially damaging.

2 – WHAT CONDITION IS YOUR ROOF IN?

In addition to your roof’s size, shape, and slope, it is important to consider if your roof needs repairs or a replacement. Our solar panels are built with reliability and longevity in mind, leading to solar arrays that function with little maintenance for decades. However, if you end up needing a new roof before a new residential solar system, the panels will have to be removed and reinstalled during its lifespan, increasing the cost of maintenance. 

The ideal roof for home solar installations are:

• Less than ten years old
• Able to handle increased weight from solar panels
• Made from asphalt shingles, standing-seam metals- or tiles
• Facing between southeast and southwest for maximum sunlight. 
• Free of shade and damage

Westcoast Solar Energy conducts site surveys to evaluate the roof’s space, quality, strength, and life before providing a quote or installing a new project. In addition, having a professional solar company to work with can help alleviate any concerns and answer any questions about solar energy savings.

3 – HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY DO YOU USE IN A MONTH?

The solar installation and number of solar panels your home requires depends on how many kilowatt-hours are used each month. By comparing energy use with estimates for solar performance, solar costs, and existing utility bills, an experienced solar company can design a system that will generate enough power to decrease or entirely remove dependence on the electrical grid. It may also be cost-effective to include home solar batteries in the solar array.

4 – WHAT FEDERAL AND STATE INCENTIVES ARE AVAILABLE?

While each state has its own rules and incentives for solar installations, the federal government provinces an ITC (tax credit) on new solar installations, the ITC currently provides 26% tax credit on systems installed until 2022 before decreasing to 22% in 2023 and expiring in 2024. 

California also provides a net metering program where solar customers can sell their unused energy back onto the grid for bill credit from the local utility company. 

For more information on solar incentives offered by California, contact us today.

5 – ARE YOU READY TO GO SOLAR?

When you’re ready to make the switch to clean energy, work with a local qualified solar contractor that will take a look at your home, roof, utility bills, and monthly power requirements and design a system that is right for you. Call (707) 664-6450 to request a quote today.