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Solar can be a worthwhile investment, but that does not mean it is the right decision for every property or homeowner. Ownership, moving plans, sunlight exposure, utility policies, and roof conditions can all affect whether a system makes financial and practical sense.
In this video, Big Dog Solar covers five situations in which it may be smart to pause before installing solar.
Installing solar requires authorization from the property owner. If you rent your home and are not listed as an owner, you generally cannot approve permanent changes to the roof or electrical system yourself.
Renters interested in solar should speak with their landlord or property manager. Depending on the location, community solar or another energy program may provide an alternative that does not require panels to be installed on the rental property.
If you expect to move within the next few years, consider whether you will remain in the home long enough to realize the financial benefits of solar. You should also understand how an owned, financed, or leased system could affect a future sale.
Moving soon does not automatically make solar a poor decision. The answer depends on the system’s cost, projected energy savings, ownership structure, local housing market, and any remaining financing obligations.
A property-specific evaluation from Big Dog Solar’s Boise solar team or Pocatello solar team can help homeowners compare these factors.
Solar panels need adequate sunlight to produce electricity effectively. Trees, neighboring buildings, roof features, mountains, and the roof’s orientation can all affect solar exposure.
Some shade does not necessarily disqualify a home. Its effect depends on when the shade occurs, how much of the proposed solar array it covers, and whether the system can be designed around it. A professional site evaluation can determine whether a residential solar system is likely to produce enough energy to support the homeowner’s goals.
Utility policies determine how homeowners are credited for excess electricity sent to the grid. These programs may be called net metering, net billing, export credits, or solar buyback programs.
The amount paid for exported electricity may be different from the retail price of electricity purchased from the utility. Program rules and rates can also change. Before installing solar, homeowners should understand their utility’s current policy and how much of the solar energy they are likely to use directly.
In areas with less favorable export rates, using more solar power inside the home or adding solar with battery backup may change the system design. However, a battery should be evaluated based on its cost, capacity, backup goals, and expected use—not simply added to every project.
Solar panels need a stable foundation. Before installation, the roof should be evaluated for its age, condition, available space, structural capacity, and remaining useful life.
If the roof will need to be replaced soon, it may make sense to complete that work before installing the solar system. Installing panels on a roof that is already near the end of its life could create additional labor and expense when the roof is replaced later.
The right question is not simply, “Is solar good?” It is, “Does solar make sense for this property, utility plan, budget, and timeline?”
Big Dog Solar evaluates the home, available sunlight, roof, utility policies, energy use, and ownership goals before recommending a system. Homeowners can continue researching through the Solar School and solar educational video gallery.
If you are unsure whether your property is ready, request a personalized solar quote. The evaluation can help you determine whether it is time to move forward, make improvements first, or put your solar plans on hold.
Today, we are serving up a bit of a plot twist. We are about to give you five reasons why you may need to put your solar plans on hold.
First, do you own the property? We are not talking about being the master of your domain in a Game of Thrones sense. If you do not own your property, installing solar panels is a little like trying to put a swimming pool in a rental. It may be a great idea, but it is not entirely your decision.
Unless you are listed as an owner of the property or have the owner’s permission, it can be difficult to have solar installed.
Second, are you planning to move soon? If you expect to move within the next three years, you may want to pause and carefully evaluate your solar plans. It may be better to invest in your next home, where you will have more time to enjoy the potential benefits of the system.
Third, consider the property’s exposure to sunlight. If your home is heavily shaded, the amount of electricity produced by the solar panels may decrease significantly. If the property resembles the heart of an enchanted forest, the panels may struggle to receive enough sunlight.
Fourth, does your local utility company offer a favorable solar buyback or export-credit program? Many utilities offer programs for solar customers, but the terms are not always the same. Make sure you understand how your utility will credit the excess solar electricity your system sends to the grid.
Finally, consider the structural integrity and condition of your home. Solar panels require a stable, permanent foundation. Make sure the roof and structure can support the additional weight and other requirements of a solar installation.
Taking the time to evaluate these factors can help you make a smarter and more informed decision about going solar.
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