Solar Install Readiness Checklist

Are You Ready to Get Solar Quotes?
Five-minute readiness check. Walk through it before you book installer site visits and you’ll skip the surprises that derail solar projects: HOA bylaws, panel upgrades, roof age, utility interconnection rules, financing pre-approval. Each item is “yes / no / not sure” — not-sure counts as not-ready.
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Roof and structure
Is your roof less than 15 years old?If older, most installers will require a roof replacement before solar. A combined roof + solar project can add $5,000 to $15,000.
Is the roof shape and orientation favorable?South or south-west facing roofs at 15-40 degree pitch perform best. East-west splits also work; flat or steeply north-facing slopes don’t.
Is shading on the roof minimal during 10am-3pm?Tree shade, chimney shade, or neighbouring building shade during peak sun hours significantly reduces production. Trim trees if it’s an issue you can fix.
Electrical
Is your main service panel less than 25 years old and 200A or higher?Older 100A or 150A panels often need an upgrade ($2,000 to $5,000) before solar can be added. Inspect your panel for the rating.
Do you have available breaker space in the main panel?Solar typically needs 1-2 double-pole breaker slots. If your panel is full, an installer may need to install a sub-panel or upgrade the main.
HOA, permits, and utility
Have you checked your HOA covenants for solar restrictions?Most US states have “solar access” laws that limit HOA solar bans, but HOAs can still require specific aesthetic approvals (mounting style, panel color). Check before you commit.
Do you know your local AHJ permitting timeline?Some cities approve solar permits in 1-2 weeks; others take 8-12 weeks. Faster is better. The installer will handle paperwork but the timeline drives total project length.
Is your utility’s net metering policy still favorable?Some utilities (like California’s NEM 3.0) heavily reduced export compensation. Without good net metering, payback periods stretch significantly.
Financial
Have you decided how you’ll pay (cash / loan / lease / PPA)?Different paths route to different installers and different paperwork. Cash and loan buyers own the system; lease and PPA do not. The math changed in 2026 — residential federal tax credit ended.
If financing: have you checked your credit score and rate eligibility?Solar loans through GoodLeap, Mosaic, Sunlight typically require 680+ FICO for the best rates. A HELOC may get a lower rate but requires home equity.
Have you accounted for state and local incentives that might still apply?The federal residential 25D credit ended Dec 31, 2025. State credits, utility rebates, and property tax exemptions vary widely. Look up your state’s incentives before signing.
Logistics
Do you plan to be in this house for 5+ more years?Solar payback typically takes 8-15 years. Selling earlier means recovering value through home appraisal premium, which works but adds friction.
Is the homeowner the one signing? (vs renter or family member)Most solar contracts and tax incentives require the legal homeowner to sign. Lease and PPA companies require credit check on the named owner.
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Checklist last updated 2026-05-09 Reflects post-25D 2026 solar market
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