Every year, more and more Americans are making the transition to renewable energy. But how do you know if you can make the switch?
Unfortunately, not all homes are suited for solar. Whether your property could benefit from the transition depends on how much sun your roof gets, local climate, and other factors.
Still, it’s clearer than ever that switching to solar is the future. In fact, the solar power used in the US offsets over 70 million tons of carbon dioxide every year. And it’s not just good for the environment – it can also save you some money!
If you’re wondering ‘Is my home eligible for solar?’, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s find out!
The type of home you live in
In most cases, it’s easier to install solar systems on a single-family detached house, especially if you’re the primary occupant. If you live in a condo and aren’t the owner, it will be trickier to switch to solar; however, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. One of the best options to consider is community solar, which means electricity is shared by more than one property.
The condition of your roof
To install solar panels, you’ll need a sturdy and stable roof that is in optimal condition. In most cases, solar panels last 25 years or more, so it’s important that your roof still has plenty of years ahead of it. Sometimes, you might be required to do a roof replacement before switching to solar.
Your home’s energy efficiency
Before you decide to go solar, it’s a good idea to do an energy audit for your home. This will help identify ways to reduce energy use, which in turn can reduce the size of the solar panel system you need.
Remember that solar technologies are still quite expensive (even though their prices have been reducing over the years). The batteries alone can cost you thousands of dollars. That’s why it’s best to save on whatever you can.
Your electricity bills
To understand, ‘Is my home eligible for solar?’ it’s critical to look at your current electricity bills. The more electricity you use and the higher your bills are, the more you’ll be able to save by switching to solar. Likewise, it’s much more viable if your utility company offers full net metering. This means that you’ll be able to accumulate full credit for all the electricity you’ve generated and sent to the grid.
The shade around your house
To generate electricity, you obviously need sunlight; that’s why roofs with trees nearby are not the best candidates for solar panels. After all, if there’s too much shade around your home, sunlight won’t be able to hit the roof.
The same goes for other structures and nearby buildings that might block sunlight from reaching your panels.
The direction and angle of your roof
To get the most out of your solar system, it’s best to have a roof with a 30 to 45-degree tilt. If your roof is steeper than that, it will produce less electricity. Conversely, installing panels on flat roofs usually requires more space, and you might have to add racks to achieve the optimal tilt. The good news is that most homes in the US have a 30 to 45-degree angle roof.
Another important factor to consider is the orientation of your roof. Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs; however, east and west exposures can still be fine, if there’s not too much shading.
Remember that it’s always possible to mount your panels in a place other than your roof (like your garage or the ground).
Solar incentives
Did you know that the US government and many states offer financial incentives for switching to solar? That’s right! One of the best options is the Federal Investment Tax Credit, which allows you to receive over 30% of your solar system costs back as a tax credit.
Final thoughts: Is my home eligible for solar?
One of the greatest strengths of solar energy is that it can be used anywhere. However, that doesn’t mean it always makes sense to go solar. Sometimes, there are better value ways to reduce your carbon footprint and upgrade your home.
To decide whether your home is suitable for solar, it’s best to ask for expert advice. At American Home Contractors, we specialize in tailoring solar systems to fit every home’s unique needs. If you’re curious to learn more about our services, reach out to our team here.
Fact Checked by Lita Legzdina on 06/13/2025