With renewable energy here to stay, many people are wondering if now is the right time to make changes to their electricity provider. The switch to solar offers a lot of appeal at first glance. Before you make any hasty decisions, let’s take a look at a few things you should know before you buy solar.

Is my home positioned well for solar panels?

In an ideal world, your home would be sitting in the direction that optimized for time in the sun. Since most homes weren’t built with intentions for solar panels, rarely is this the case. However, it still good to assess the type of sun exposure you’ll have. Do you have trees that cast shade on portions of your roof? Does the largest section of the roof sit in shade the majority of the day?

Is my roof in proper condition to hold panels?

Solar panels need a strong foundation. Roof conditions play a key role in assessing the expenses of your switch to solar. Any installer will first inspect the roof to make sure there aren’t structural issues. If there are underlying problems, the upfront cost of your solar switch will go potentially go up a few thousand dollars.

Do I have my electric bills over the previous year or more?

A major factor in determining your switch to solar is your current rate and usage. Your electric bill should have both of these. A longer list, of at least a year, can give you an accurate idea of the kilowatt-hours (kwh) you use in a year. With an idea of the money and power it takes to power your home, you can then better understand if you can produce enough energy yourself to power your home, and also if it saves you any money.

Does the area I live in support the switch to solar?

Many states, counties, and even local governments are offering incentives for the switch to solar. This includes paying you for overage you produce back to the grid, known as net metering. There are also tax advantages as well. In certain situations, you can write off a portion of the cost of the equipment. Sometimes, there are restrictions on what you can do because of public image. See if you can get a better understanding of how your local authorities view solar and what are the advantages and disadvantages of making the switch in your zip code.

Are you consider a battery?

A consideration you’ll have is whether or not to install a battery. Solar only produces power while there is sun shining. Once it goes down, so does your production. Installing a battery can offer a place to store power for later, but it does come at an additional cost. The power stored will also be diminished as it shifts from AC to DC and back to AC again. The power you want to have access to will determine the size of your battery, but remember to take into consideration these reductions in power generated.

Will I finance or pay outright for a solar setup?

Though we can’t predict the future, we can get a good sense of whether or not we intend to live in our house for the next few years. If you intend to finance these panels, it would be an expense the new homeowner might not want to take over if you decide to sell. Upfront costs might seem high but come with no interest, which is where a good portion of the cost comes from.

Ultimately, you want to compare electricity plans (using a service like iSelect) of solar providers, and do some cost evaluations to determine what is a good rate and the best plan for your home. Solar can be a great option for your family, but it needs to make sense.