- Before you compare prices, there are three things that can completely change whether it makes sense for your home
- Solar works best with enough unshaded space, good condition, and a layout that can fit the panels
- If your roof needs repairs soon, handle that first so you don’t pay to remove and reinstall panels later
HOOK
Thinking about solar? Before you compare prices, there are three things that can completely change whether it makes sense for your home. [B-roll: homeowner reviewing solar quotes and looking at roof]
→ Energy Revolution System — free, takes about 60 seconds.
KEY POINT 1
First, check your roof. Solar works best with enough unshaded space, good condition, and a layout that can fit the panels. If your roof needs repairs soon, handle that first so you don’t pay to remove and reinstall panels later.
We go deeper on this in what to look at first — worth a read before you decide anything.
KEY POINT 2
Second, look at your electric bill history, not just one month. Solar savings depend on how much power you use over the year, when you use it, and what your utility charges per kilowatt-hour.
→ See what you could be approved for — free, takes about 60 seconds.
A full year of bills gives a much better picture than a single high summer bill.
Sources & further reading
This article is for general information only and is not professional financial, legal, or medical advice.
Tom Bishop — Home & Safety Editor
Tom covers home security, improvement, and energy topics, comparing options on cost, reliability, and real-world performance so homeowners can decide with confidence.
Updated August 2026