“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… Where do I sign up?” The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details. Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, Calhoun County Electric Cooperative can help.

Here are six questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.

1. What are my goals? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through our free energy audit program, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
2. Is my roof suitable for solar? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted. 
3. How long will I own the home? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
4. Who will install the rooftop solar? It may seem obvious but not all contractors are capable of providing proof and documentation that they are licenced and properly permitted to perform the work. Comb through the company, their credentials, contractor status with the Better Business Bureau, and make sure you’ve done your homework before signing a contract. 
5. Who will maintain the solar panels? Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
6. Does the contract seem reasonable and fair? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of their contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project time frame sound reasonable? Are you able to negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs? If you answer no to any of these questions or the contractor is trying to sell you on the idea that you’ll, “never see a power bill,” then this is a warning sign or red flag that you may not be getting what you think you’re getting. In other words, it’s too good to be true.

For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save on electric bills––but there are many factors to consider before diving in and installing a system. Calhoun County Electric Cooperative wants all member-owners to feel comfortable talking to us about their energy needs. Like all other power supplied to your home, solar power is no different in that it must be connected to the electric grid. Calhoun County Electric Cooperative can help you get this connected, but an interconnection agreement is required. By taking the time to talk to us, we can explain our solar rates, fees, and any other questions you might have about installing solar panels.

As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact Calhoun County ECA if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation. We’re your local energy partner and can serve as a helpful resource throughout the process.