How to Tell If Your Home Is a Good Candidate for Solar in 5 Minutes

Wondering if solar is worth looking into? While only a professional assessment can give you a definitive answer, this quick checklist can help you determine whether your home is likely to be a strong candidate.

☐  My roof gets plenty of sunlight.
A roof with minimal shade from trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings will generally produce the most energy. Don’t worry if you have a little shade. Modern microinverters help reduce its impact.

☐  My roof has at least 10 years of life remaining.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it often makes sense to replace it before installing solar panels.

☐  My roof has enough open space.
Most residential systems require room for approximately 15 to 30 panels. Large skylights, vents, and complex roof layouts can reduce the available installation area.

☐  My home has moderate to high electricity usage.
The more electricity you use, the more value solar can typically provide. If you’re planning to add an EV charger, heat pump, or air conditioning, those future needs should also be considered.

☐  My roof faces south, east, or west.
South-facing roofs generally produce the most electricity, but east- and west-facing roofs perform very well throughout Oregon.

☐  My roof is asphalt or metal.
Asphalt composition and metal roofs are typically the simplest to install solar on. Tile roofs may require additional engineering, while cedar shake roofs generally are not suitable for solar installations.

No checklist can replace a customized solar design, but this is a great way to gauge whether it’s worth taking the next step. A professional assessment can evaluate your roof, shading, electrical system, and projected energy production to determine exactly what solar could do for your home.