• Solar Panels Installation in MA, NH, RI, ME From New England Clean Energy
Call Toll Free: 877-886-8867

Home   >   Solar Panels   >   Solar FAQs   >   Roof FAQs

Roof FAQs

Q: How can I tell if I have the best roof for a solar panel installation?

A: For the best results, the solar panels should be mounted on a southerly direction on your roof or in your yard. By “southerly” we mean facing somewhere between southeast and southwest. The solar panels should have little to no shade on them during the hours of 9 AM to 3 PM throughout the year. During our visit to your home, we will conduct a “shade reading” to determine the amount of shade present at your location for the entire year.

Q: How much space do I need on my roof to install a solar panel installation?

A: A typical residential solar electric system can be installed in about 100 to 500 square feet of roof space.

aqua_eidof_800x600Q: Does the angle of my roof matter?

A: Yes. A slope of 10-45 degrees is fine; other roofs can work too. (Roof slope is also referred to as “pitch” which is defined using different terminology.)

Q: If my roof isn’t good for solar panel installation, do I have any other options?

A: If you have open land, we can install a ground-mounted system (also called pole-mounted). We’re pretty sure we install more residential ground-mounted systems than any other installer in the area; 10% of our installations are ground-mounted. They are a great option if you have the space, as the panels can be directed perfectly south for maximum solar production.

Q: How do I know what size system I need for solar?

A: Our design team will figure that out for you. But as a general guideline—a typical residential solar electric system is around 8,000 watts and will produce about 9,600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year.

7 solar FaqsDownload our 7 FAQs

You asked, we answered—from solar costs and ROI to roofs and the installation process. Receive answers and guidance to your biggest solar questions in our free PDF. Get your copy today.

Download Free PDF

 

GoldenForBoxQuote-final cropped_500x341_lightened“Great local company that does high quality work and truly works hard at customer satisfaction. After the installation was completed I had concerns about the aesthetics since it was a front roof installation. Jonathan listened carefully and then he and his crew developed a plan to resolve the problem to my satisfaction. I am quite pleased with the results and their professionalism.”

—Joel Golden of Needham, MA