Making the switch to solar power for your home is a big decision. There’s plenty of research to be done when considering what kind of solar panels are best for your home, the company to buy them from, and who to have complete the installation. To help get the gears turning for you, our team at DMV Equity, Inc. has come up with some factors that you could keep in mind when buying Westchester solar panels.

Does your roof need repairs?

An important piece to the puzzle that needs to be considered before you ever buy solar panels is the state of your roof. Solar panels weigh about 40 pounds each, so if you have 10 panels installed on your roof for a small job, you’ll have an extra 400 pounds sitting on your roof. There doesn’t have to be a significant amount of damage to your roof for this to cause a major problem. This is especially true as a snowpack on your roof will add considerably more weight to this and you could end up with major problems in the future.

Have your roof inspected before you get too deep into the process of buying solar panels so you can have any necessary repairs completed before you schedule an installation. This can save you thousands of dollars into the future as small cracks or leaks in your roof can turn into larger problems like severe water damage, mold, or even a collapse.

Which way do the slopes of your roof face?

The direction your house and your roof slopes face will play a significant role in how your solar panels are installed. Conventional thinking suggests that solar panels face south as the sun will always shine from the southern part of the sky toward those of us in the northern hemisphere. This will maximize the amount of sun that your panels receive throughout the year. If you don’t want solar panels mounted on the roof at the front of your south-facing home, you might need to consider some kind of mount for the back of your house rather than mounting straight to your roof.

You might also have a roof that slopes only toward the front and back of your west- or east-facing home. This can be problematic as your panels will only be exposed to the sun for half the day as there will be a shadow cast either in the morning or later in the evening, depending on which side you mount the solar panels. This can still work, but you’ll need to account for this when buying your panels.

What kind of warranty comes with these solar panels?

Buying solar panels and having them mounted on your home isn’t cheap. Solar panel manufacturers know this so they’re often going to have you covered with significant warranties. Solar power technology has come a long way since its inception and has gotten to be incredibly reliable and efficient. However, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. We never plan on buying a lemon but sometimes it just happens. The same can be said for faulty solar panels. Should something go wrong, you want to make sure that you’re covered with a good warranty. Ask the company through which you’re buying solar panels about the warranty your panels come with.

Reach out to book an appointment

If you’d like to learn more about what it takes to make the switch to solar power for your home, get in touch with our team at DMV Equity, Inc. today. We can help you design the perfect arrangement of Westchester solar panels for your home to maximize electrical output and efficiency. Contact us to book an appointment for a consultation.