Everything You Need to Know About Putting Solar on Your Roof
Turning the roof of your home into a mini solar power plant can feel like a daunting project. But done right, it can save you money while making you feel proud about using clean energy.
Finding reliable product and service reviews by objective experts or fellow homeowners, however, can be about as difficult as looking for sanity in American politics. Solar is an emerging source of electricity, and the marketplace has yet to accumulate the wealth of wisdom that you can find when shopping for big-ticket items like a car or a new kitchen.
There is good information out there. The trick is how to find it. Here’s a primer to help you get started.
Where to Begin?
Going solar involves making several key decisions along the way. The major issues to consider include the type of equipment, financing options, and contractors you want to work with.
But before you begin Googling or making calls, take a look of your roof to make note of its orientation and whether it’s under the shade of trees or other structures during parts of the day, says Larry Sherwood, CEO of Interstate Renewable Energy Council, a nonprofit that works on solar policies and consumer education. This information will be useful as you discuss equipment and solar energy system…
