Going solar has numerous benefits including reducing your carbon footprint, lowering your electricity bills, increasing your property value, and gaining energy independence. By harnessing the power of the sun, you're choosing a clean, renewable source of energy that's beneficial for the environment and can provide savings in the long run.

Solar energy can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills from day one. In addition, solar installations can increase your home’s resale value and make it more attractive to buyers. You may also benefit from various government incentives, tax credits, and rebates designed to lower the initial costs of going solar.

You can find out how much you pay for electricity by looking at your monthly utility bill. The bill should detail your total electricity usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the rate you're charged per kWh. Reviewing several months' bills can give you a good estimate of your average usage and costs.

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. If your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess power is sent back to the grid, and you receive a credit on your utility bill. It effectively allows you to store energy in the grid, reducing your future electric bills or even earning you money.

Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, but they can still produce power on cloudy days or in indirect light, albeit at lower levels. However, they do not generate electricity at night. Battery storage systems can store excess power produced during the day for use at night, ensuring a continuous energy supply.

Solar energy systems can increase your home’s value and attractiveness on the market. If you move, you can either transfer the solar lease or PPA agreement to the new homeowner or buy out the system so that it's included as part of the home sale. Most buyers appreciate homes with solar energy for their lower electric bills and positive environmental impact.

Whether you need to replace your roof before installing solar panels depends on several factors:

- Roof Condition: If your roof is old or in poor condition, it might be wise to replace it before installation. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years or more, so installing them on a roof that will need to be replaced soon could result in additional costs down the line, as the panels will need to be removed and then reinstalled.
- Roof Warranty: Check the remaining duration of your roof's warranty. If your roof is near the end of its warranty period, consider replacing it before adding solar panels.
- Roof Material and Structure: Some roof materials, like slate or wood shingles, may not be ideal for solar panel installation due to their fragility. Additionally, if your roof cannot support the weight of solar panels, structural enhancements or a replacement might be necessary.
- Energy Efficiency: A new, more energy-efficient roof can improve your home's overall energy performance, enhancing the benefits of going solar.
- Inspection: Have a professional inspect your roof. A qualified solar installer or roofing contractor can assess whether your roof is suitable for solar panels or if it needs replacement or repairs first.

If you decide to replace your roof, consider timing the installation of the new roof and solar panels closely together to minimize installation costs and ensure the roof is as solar-ready as possible.