7 Things to Consider Before Buying Solar Shingles for Your Roof

Things to Consider Before Buying Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are slowly becoming trendy in America. With GAF bringing solar shingles in matte, green, golden, and even red colors, it won’t be long before you see your neighbors switching to solar roofing. If you are considering it too, here are the top 7 things that need to be on your checklist before inking a contract with any solar manufacturer.

Does Your Roof Support Solar Shingles?

Of course, that is the first thing to consider. If your house is overshadowed by a tall building or the houses in the vicinity then going solar is not for you. Because you need a good ‘solar window’ to ensure a good power output throughout the day. Why spend thousands of bucks on solar installation if they cannot ensure you a good ROI?

But just having a suitably lit house does not help; you need a rooftop that is structurally sound, too. If your rooftop is structurally damaged, then it is probably not going to support solar shingles installation. You need to get it into the right condition before you opt for any type of solar installation.

Have You Done Everything Else to Improve Power Efficiency?

It makes sense to reduce your power usage as much as possible before investing in all those solar panels. Because the amount of solar energy you need to produce depends on your electricity consumption. So, before you begin drawing up plans, conduct an energy audit and search for efficiency upgrades. You may never need to go solar – who knows?

Is Going Solar in Your Budget?

Naturally, this is the next thing you want to ask yourself. A solar shingle installation comes at a higher cost than a solar panel and is seemingly not your first choice. Ensure you have done your research and know exactly how much burden your wallet can take. Make sure to ask the contractor whether they offer some discounts to help you stay on budget.

Solar Shingles or Solar Panels – What is Right for You?

Another important thing to consider is the type of solar power installation. With solar shingles and solar panels being the two choices, deciding between the two comes down to aesthetics and user specifications. Solar shingles are more appropriate for new house constructions whose owners prioritize aesthetics and beauty. Solar panels are for pre-constructed houses where cutting down electricity on a low budget is the prime concern. But if you are stuck between whether to buy solar shingles or solar panels then this article on the pros and cons of solar shingles can help. (Please add the internal link to the article about are solar shingles better than solar panels?)

Have You Found Solar Shingles Installation Company – Is it Trust Worthy?

Make sure you have done your background research when inviting (virtually) any company into your house. It is here that having references and credentials becomes crucial. Because you do not want to invite a person to do a job he has never done before. Hence, make sure to look for certification from the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Solar shingles installation is relatively new and costly. Therefore, don’t be reluctant to compare several quotations before signing a contract.

Whether to Buy or Get Your Solar Shingles in Flexible Installments?

Each household will need to conduct its own cost-benefit analysis in this regard. Buying your own solar shingles will cost more upfront, but yields greater profits. Getting them on interest-free pricing plans is also another option choice you can take. Whatever it may be, each option comes with a trade-off that only you get to decide for yourself.

What Should You Expect in Your Contract?

The contract you sign before buying solar shingles should contain all the information on ownership, finance, and expected performance. You should also find out who is collecting data on your household’s energy output and usage, as these systems may include web-enabled gadgets.

There are also a few questions to should ask right away. Does the contractor offer a warranty and for how long? Will it take care of the maintenance costs, no matter how little? Will the company be around for the entire service life i.e. 20+ years for solar shingles?

The Next Steps: What to Look For?

While this checklist is not an exhaustive one, it still gives you a fair overview of what to consider before buying a solar shingle for your roof. The next steps are to find a contractor or quite possibly, a manufacturer. But dealing with that can be quite daunting and therefore, it is best to leave it to a reputed service provider like Renoage!

Have You Considered to Go Solar? – Renoage has the Right Resources For You!

We know homeowners are already short on budget – of course, there are tons of things to buy for your new home. But do not worry, Renoage puts its customers first: Sign up for free and get a $500 rebate right away!