Utility bills are never fun, but they’re a part of homeownership that everyone has to deal with. Energy costs are on the rise in many parts of the country, and that has some homeowners considering other options besides the hometown electric or gas company. As solar panels become more sophisticated — and less obtrusive — many homeowners are giving serious thought to going solar. It’s a good way to lower utility bills while at the same time doing something beneficial for the planet.

Sounds great, right? Where do you sign up?

Hold on for just a minute. While solar power does have its benefits, you must go into it with the right information. Shamrock Roofing, one of Overland Park’s most trusted residential roofing contractors, recommends asking these six questions before making the decision to go solar.

Things to Know Before Going Solar

1. Is my house a good fit for solar panels?

Solar technology has advanced a great deal over the years, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the right solution for your home. You need to consider a couple factors to make sure that you’re in a good position to benefit from technology. If so, you need to make sure you get the right system for your home.

Questions to consider include the following:

How much sunlight does your home receive daily?
How does that vary during the year?
What direction does the roof face?

2. Is my roof in good enough condition for solar panels?

Before you decide to go solar, you need to make sure your roof is in good enough condition to handle the additional weight of panels. Residential roofing contractors can inspect your roof, recommend repairs or reroofing, and help you create a plan to move forward.

3. Is my electric bill high enough to justify going solar?

Solar panel installation can be pricey. If your utility bill isn’t exceptionally high, there may not be any point in installing it. As a guideline, your electric bill should ideally be over $75 per month for installation to make financial sense.

4. What type of solar panels should I buy?

Solar panel technology has diversified a lot. You’re no longer limited to one specific type. You can choose from ground-based panels or roof-based systems. You can also choose panels from a variety of manufacturers, including LG, Tesla, and Samsung. Aesthetics also come into play. What color panels would look best on your house? Or would shingles be a better choice?

Most roofers in Overland Park can help you sort through these questions to make the right choice for your home.

5. How much will I save by going solar?

The amount of money you’ll save depends on several things. It’s possible your system won’t save you much money, at least at first. If you lease your panels or finance them, you’ll only save a little bit each month. If you pay for them outright, you’ll save 100% of your monthly electric bill immediately.

6. How long do solar panels last?

Solar panel longevity varies from one manufacturer to another. Still, most say their solar panels will continue to provide profitable energy for at least 25 years. Eventually the panels will degrade over time due to dust, pollen, scratches from branches and other debris, or hail. Check with the manufacturer for more information. And be sure to ask about any warranties they offer while you’re at it.

Call Shamrock Roofing and Construction with Questions

As leading roofers in Overland Park, Shamrock Roofing has worked with many clients who are considering going solar. We offer a free roof inspection that provides a comprehensive assessment of the condition of your current roof. This gives you some of the information you need to get started with your decision-making process.

6 Questions to Ask Before Going Solar