Get matched with top solar panel pros in Pine Hill, AL

Solar panels can pay for themselves in five to 15 years, depending on the cost of your system, how much energy it generates, whether you qualify for incentives or power buybacks, and the price of energy in your area. Solar panels pay for themselves over time as they lower electricity bills, so it will take time to recoup your initial investment. However, the longer you have your system, the more money you can save and earn.

Ideally, you want to place them facing true south. This is different from what a compass shows, which is called the magnetic south. You can find true south by using an online calculator as long as you know the longitude and latitude of your property. Solar panel placement is key to maximizing the energy you generate, so this is an important step.

Learn about common solar blockers in your area to determine how often you should wash solar panels and the best cleaning method:

• Soot: If you have a fireplace, soot can disperse and accumulate on the solar panels.

• Debris, dirt, and leaves: These natural elements require light cleaning. Being close to trees or living in a desert area can cause more of these to accumulate.

• Pollen: Areas with a high pollen count require more frequent solar panel cleaning, and sticky plant material requires a deeper cleaning.

• Bird droppings: Bird droppings are binding and more difficult to remove. Keep this in mind if you live near a lot of surrounding trees. 

In almost every case, solar panels need to be removed to replace roof shingles. In some cases, such as solar installations where the panels are on raised platforms above the roof surface, installers may be able to install new shingles without removing the solar installation. However, to get a quality roofing installation, panels need to come off. Most roofing contractors won’t remove or reinstall solar panels as part of a roofing project, so you’ll need to contact your solar provider.