There are many factors that influence the performance of a Solar/PV system, and like all major purchases, you will want to do some research to ensure that you get the best system at the best price. The following is a checklist that will help you cover all the bases and, ultimately, help you determine if going solar makes sense.

■  Research how much energy (kWh) you consume each year. Log on to your retail provider’s website or pull out the hard copies of your electric bills for the past year. This is crucial step in preparing to size a system for your home.

■  If your energy use is higher than it should be (to check, go to www.energystar.gov) or is trending upward, consider the following low cost energy conservation measures to improve the efficiency of your home. The more efficient your home, the less solar you will need.

A.  Adding radiant barrier or insulation to your attic. More info click here.

B.  Check for air leakage around windows and doors. Replace worn caulk,weather-stripping and door sweeps.

C.  Maintain your HVAC system! Replace your filter at regular intervals and have the charge checked at least once a year by a qualified technician

D.  Check for air leakage where your ducts leave the plenum or around the grills and diffusers and have an HVAC professional seal at these points.

■  Check to see if your home is suitable for solar by looking at the following areas.

A.  Check the orientation of your house by going to Google Earth and typing in your address. This will help you see how each roof surface of your home is oriented. The direction your roof is facing in terms of north, south, east or west is called the azimuth.

B.  Locate the sections of your roof that face south. This is the optimal orientation, but all roof space facing east (greater than 90 degrees) to west (less than 270 degrees) can be considered.

C.  Note the number and kind of impediments on your roof. Vent stacks, turbines, chimneys etc. are all obstacles that can hinder the installation and performance of a system.

D.  Look at your roof and note shading patterns at various times of the day. Winter is a good time to check for this since the sun is low in the sky and shadows are at their most extreme. Shading can kill an array.

D.  Note the slope of your roof. An optimal slope is one that is within a few degrees of your latitude. Most residential roofs are somewhere at an angle between 20 and 40%...all acceptable.

D.  Note the composition and condition of your roof. Some surfaces require more expensive hardware and labor to attach panels to the roof. In this area composition/asphalt shingles are common and present a good surface for solar. Standing metal seam roofs are also desirable.

Knowing the above information will help you set realistic goals and will help the company you decide to hire confirm and meet your expectations.