How to Check If Your Roof Is Good for Solar (Without Calling an Installer)
Check your roof for solar readiness in 60 seconds. Covers shade, age, orientation, structure, and incentives. Get instant satellite analysis for $19 at SolrScan.
How to Check If Your Roof Is Good for Solar
You are thinking about solar. Good. But before you call an installer, you need to know if your roof can actually support it.
Most homeowners skip this step. They get a free quote, sign a contract, and then find out their roof has problems. By then, it is too late.
Here is how to check your roof yourself in under 60 seconds.
1. Check for Shade
Solar panels need direct sunlight. Not "mostly sunny." Direct.
Trees that look fine in summer can block 50% of your panels in winter. Installers do not always catch this. A satellite-powered shade analysis catches it instantly.
What to do: Run your address through SolrScan. It shows seasonal shade patterns for $19.
2. Check Roof Age
Solar panels last 25-30 years. Your roof might not.
If your roof is more than 10 years old, you will likely need to replace it during the life of your panels. That means removing the solar system, replacing the roof, and reinstalling everything. Double the cost.
What to do: Check your roof age with your local building department or use SolrScan to estimate it from satellite imagery.
3. Check Roof Orientation
South-facing roofs produce the most energy. East and west-facing roofs produce about 80%. North-facing roofs are usually not worth it.
This is not a dealbreaker. It just changes your expected savings.
What to do: SolrScan shows your roof orientation and estimated production.
4. Check for Structural Issues
Cracked tiles, missing shingles, or sagging areas are red flags. Solar panels add weight. A weak roof can fail.
What to do: Look at your roof from the ground. If you see damage, get a professional inspection before considering solar.
5. Check Local Incentives
Federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility incentives change your ROI dramatically. Some states offer $10,000+ in rebates. Others offer nothing.
What to do: SolrScan includes a breakdown of available incentives for your address.
The Bottom Line
Do not call an installer until you know your roof qualifies. A $19 satellite report from SolrScan tells you everything you need to know before you spend a dime.
No sales call. No pressure. Just data.
SolrScan uses satellite imagery to analyze your roof for solar suitability. Instant results. No account needed.
SolrScan estimates are based on satellite imagery and public data. Consult a licensed installer for a site-specific assessment.