The benefits of solar tend to outweigh the disadvantages if you have a sturdy roof and you spend at least $75 per month on electricity. Next, consider the size of your roof, how much sun you get and your location to determine if your house is a good candidate for solar. The size of your roof: One solar panel is about 5.5 feet tall by 3.5 feet wide, so the area of available space on your roof might determine how much of your energy needs can be met by solar panels. For example, if you use 30 kWh of power daily, you would need around 20 to 30 solar panels to generate the required power. How much sun you get: Solar panels produce more power when they get direct sunlight and aren’t shaded by trees or taller buildings. They are most efficient if they're mounted toward the maximum exposure of the sun (that’s south-facing if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).
Solar energy companies calculate “peak sun hours” specific to your home. The more peak sun hours in your area, the more electricity you can produce. You can calculate your peak sun hours by placing an insulation meter in direct sunlight — the meter measures the potential solar power supply and current light intensity in your area.
Most homes in the United States average three to five peak sun hours, with less in the winter and more in the summer. Where you live:Some states are better than others for going solar. For example, California’s solar industry has boomed in recent years because of the state’s huge investment in renewable energy. Your climate also affects how much energy you need; for example, you use more power if you live in an area where you continuously run air conditioning. Keep in mind that if your home is surrounded by shade from tall buildings, large trees or other obstructions, this interferes with the amount of sunlight your panels receive and makes them less effective.