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If you are looking for ways to reduce monthly utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home, then it might be time to consider solar panel installation. Is solar right for your home? Here in Texas, we get plenty of sun throughout the year, which is why solar is such a popular choice for homeowners in the area.
But every home is unique, which is why there is never a one-size-fits-all solution for each project. The real answer to this question depends on the quality of your roof, where your home is located, and how long you are planning to stay in your home.
In this article, we are sharing a few things that homeowners should consider before reaching out to solar installers in Plano or the surrounding areas.
Is Solar Worth It in Texas? Financial Considerations Every Homeowner Needs
Many homeowners feel like solar is worth the investment because of the weather patterns and sunlight in Northern Texas. So, if you are planning to stay in the home for a while, then these savings can really add up over time.
But there are other factors that might affect your decision. For example, if the roof condition is in poor shape, then it might be necessary to replace the roof before you can install solar panels. This larger scope of work can really add up, which is why it’s essential that you have clarity about your budget before making these important decisions.
Finally, it’s a good idea to look at your current electricity bills and how much money you might save with solar installation. Our team can evaluate your individual circumstances and offer recommendations that will maximize your savings over time.
Signs Your Home Is a Good Candidate for Solar Installation
Here are a few signs that you might be able to benefit from solar installation:
- Your roof is positioned to have plenty of unobstructed sun exposure throughout the day
- The roof is new enough or in good enough condition to support solar panels for their full lifespan (25+ years)
- Monthly electricity bills are increasing and you don’t know why the costs are going up
- Your future plan will keep you in the home for a long time
Keep in mind that the savings really start to add up the longer you are in the home. If you are planning to move in just a few years, then it’s probably not worth the cost to install solar panels. But if you know that you are planning to stay a while, then it’s likely that the math will start to work out when you compare the cost of installation with the estimated long-term savings.
Signs That Solar Might Not Be the Right Answer for Your Home
The benefits of solar panels are undeniable, and it would be great for all homeowners to take advantage of these cost savings. But there are certain conditions that can get in the way of the full benefits. If you have any of these things, then solar panels might not be the right solution for your home:
- There is a lot of shade cover over the roof, either because of nearby trees or buildings that are blocking the roof from sun exposure.
- The roof is poorly oriented, so you won’t get enough sun exposure on the solar panels throughout the day.
- You have an old roof that is nearing replacement. We never recommend solar panel installation on old roofs. It’s better to replace the roof first and then install the solar panels.
- Your timeline in the home is going to be short-term. If you are planning to move in the next few years, then it’s hard to break even during this payback period.
Should I Replace My Roof Before Solar Panels?
The risk of complications increases drastically if you have a roof that is already showing its age. Adding weight to the roof with solar panels can speed up the aging process, eventually resulting in the need to repair or replace the roof, which can be complicated if you already have solar panels installed.
The biggest drawback to having an older roof is that if you need a roof replacement, it’s necessary to remove and reinstall the solar panels. While this scope of work is possible, it will increase your overall costs significantly. Keep in mind that these additional costs are avoidable by planning the ideal timing for your solar panel installation.
Our professional team always recommends a roofing-first approach. Ideally, you should already have a relatively new roof on your home. But if your existing roof is old and worn, then we can provide recommendations to replace the roof and install solar panels at the same time. It can save money overall to treat these two scopes of work as the same project, especially since our crews are already on site and can finish both the roof replacement and solar installation together.
FAQs
How do I know if my Plano home is a good fit for solar?
The best solution is to schedule a roof inspection with our team. We’ll make sure that your roof is in good condition and that you get optimal sun exposure with the placement of solar panels.
Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?
Yes, if you have an older roof, then it’s better to replace the roof before installing solar panels (to avoid removing the entire solar system when the roof replacement is scheduled). Our crew can replace the roof and install solar panels immediately.
Does solar increase home value in Plano?
If the solar system is paid in full, then it can have a positive impact on home value. But if you have a leased solar panel system, then it can complicate the sale.
One Company for Both Roof Replacement and Solar Installation in Plano
At Infinite Roofing, our company offers both roof replacement and solar panel installation in Plano and all of the surrounding communities. If you need any exterior services for your home, we invite you to reach out for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your goals.
We offer customized solutions and a reputation that you can trust. There’s no need to involve multiple contractors because we are able to handle everything that you need. Contact us to learn about all available home services, including roofing, solar installation, windows, gutters, and more.