You’re read all about it in the news and you’ve decided it’s time to install solar onto your home. While you might have already talked to experts and friends who have gone through the process, are you sure you’ve thought about every aspect? Let’s go over just a few key pieces of information you need to consider before moving forward.

How old is your roof? Remember that since your solar array goes directly onto your roof, whenever it comes time to replace the roof means that you’ll have to get your solar temporarily removed as well. Experts recommend that if your roof is older than 7 years to wait until you re-roof.

What direction does your house face? The orientation of the sun and how much exposure your panels will get are huge factors relating to how much money you’ll save. In general, all southern facing roofs work best, as does a flat roof.

Does your HOA allow for solar? Whether you live in a condo or a gated community, make sure that you have the okay to install a solar array onto your roof. Remember, often times these groups like to have strict regulations regarding the appearance of your home, so it’s best to check with them before making the investment.

Don’t get your hopes up! Depending on your average electricity usage it might take longer than you think for your solar system to pay for itself. For most homes that use less than $100 per month of electricity, you won’t be seeing numbers in the green for a while.

Remember to think about the decision to install solar carefully before you do. It’s a big commitment but such a worthwhile one!