4 Things to Consider When Adding Solar To Your Home

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
September 17, 2015
2 min read

If you want to add solar to your home, there are many things to consider. Solar can be a great way to help reduce your energy costs, in addition to helping reduce your environmental footprint. Many homeowners also find that solar increases the value of their home as well.

Here are four important things to consider when adding solar to your home:

1. Tax Incentives Take The Edge Off - Right now, lucrative federal tax incentives can offset nearly one-third of the purchase price of a solar system through a 30% tax credit. This credit is scheduled to decrease from 30% to 10% at the end of 2016. The state of Arizona also offers a flat $1,000 incentive as well. If you’ve been considering solar act now before these deals expire.

2. It's Not Always About Facing South – Statistically, a south-facing roof generally captures maximum sunlight. But you must also consider personal energy usage when considering where to aim your panels. For example, a family that draws the most energy in the afternoon may want to face their panels west to maximize solar energy generation at that time of day. A good solar integrator will always start by examining your energy history to design a system specifically for your family. 

3. Future Energy Needs - It is important to consider any changes to your energy needs before installing your solar energy system and planning to buy an electric car. If so, your energy requirements will certainly go up. If you have children moving out, on the other hand, then your energy needs will likely decrease. Our solar experts can help determine your home's energy needs now and down the road.

4. Panels and Your Roof - Many homeowners worry that solar panels will damage their roofs. However, in many instances, solar panels extend the life of your roof. Laying solar panels over your roof shingles can help protect your roof and offer extra shade, which is important when dealing with Arizona’s blistering sun. Learn more about our installation process and how we make sure your solar panels won’t harm your roof.


You can download our free solar evaluation guide to learn more about what to consider when adding solar to your home. We invite you to download the guide, and if you’re interested, request a custom solar quote from one of our solar experts today.

About the Author

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

After working in technology marketing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley for more than 20 years, Kyle opted to follow his heart and focus his talents in solar energy.

As the head of Marketing at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Kyle works hard to demystify the ever-changing solar landscape in Arizona and across the country. He especially enjoys helping people separate fact from fiction by presenting solar transparently and accurately, rather than relying on hype or deceptive marketing tactics that are far too common with some solar companies.

When not touting the benefits of solar, encouraging his friends to opt for paper over plastic, or growing his own vegetables, Kyle is generally found hiking with his pointer Bravo or preparing a home-cooked meal for friends.

“If you truly understand how solar works it’s easy to see through the gimmicks. The opportunity for savings is very real when you have the correct information”