Not every roof is right for solar — but yours might be
If your roof is a good fit, every year you wait is a year of savings you don’t get back. Here’s the checklist I use during every free roof assessment in Rochester, Chili, Hilton, Spencerport, Brockport, and Macedon.
1. Adequate sun levels
Your roof needs enough unshaded sunlight to cover what you use. I look at the pitch, the direction it faces (south and west are ideal), and the tree line around you. If old-growth trees shade it heavily, solar may not reach the 100% coverage we aim for — and I’ll tell you that honestly.
2. A structurally sound roof
Your roof has to pass inspection before anything goes on it. We install premium, low-profile, jet-black panels made in the USA, and every system comes with a 25-year warranty — so we make sure the roof underneath will last too. Your written warranty spells out exactly what’s covered, including production and weather.
3. The soft credit check
The zero-upfront lease program has credit requirements. We use a soft credit check, so seeing whether you qualify won’t affect your score. With the lease you pay nothing to install and make a monthly solar payment instead, with the escalator (if any) in writing.
The order of operations
If your home checks all three boxes, here’s how it goes:
- Call Steve
- Plain language proposal
- Soft credit check (credit requirements apply)
- Free roof and electrical assessment
- Go over final design
- Install and inspect
Find out if your roof qualifies
In the greater Rochester area? Claim your free roof assessment and let’s see if your roof can start paying you back.
Common questions
- Which direction should my roof face for solar in Rochester?
- South and west exposures work best, as long as trees and buildings don’t shade them heavily.
- Will checking if I qualify hurt my credit score?
- No. We use a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your score. Credit requirements apply to the lease program.
- Is the roof assessment free?
- Yes. The roof and electrical assessment is free, and there’s no pressure.
About Steve
Steve is a local solar consultant in Rochester, NY. He works with homeowners across the Greater Rochester area.
This is not tax or legal advice. Always ask a tax professional about your specific situation.