When we lived in Southern California, someone knocked on our door every other day trying to sell us solar panels. The industry has developed some strange incentives around the sale / lease of the panels, but that doesn’t diminish that solar power is an exciting renewable energy option. Is it right for your family?

We did the math to determine whether it was right for us and came up with a few things to consider:

1. Energy Needs: Calculate your household energy consumption to determine how much solar power you’ll need.

2. Roof Suitability: Assess your roof’s size, orientation, and shading. A south-facing roof with little shading is ideal.

3. Costs and Incentives: While the initial cost is significant, government tax credits and incentives can offset the expense.

4. Long-term Savings: Solar panels can reduce or eliminate your electricity bills, making them a worthwhile investment.

5. Maintenance: Solar panels are low-maintenance but require occasional cleaning and inspection.

Now that we are in PA, solar is less effective than it was in CA and so we haven’t made the leap to rooftop panels at the new address. But we continue to look for smaller opportunities, eg outdoor lighting. Every little bit counts.