Have you ever wondered how solar-friendly your home is? That’s where the Sun Number comes in—a quick and easy way to see if your home is ready to soak up the sun’s energy and potentially save you money with solar panels. Let’s dive into what it is and how it can help you make an informed decision.
The Sun Number is like a solar-readiness score for your home, ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more solar-friendly your property is. It takes into account factors like:
Roof suitability: Is your roof angled and positioned to catch enough sunlight?
Sun exposure: How much direct sunlight does your home receive throughout the day?
Shading: Are there trees or buildings blocking the sun?
Local climate: How sunny is your area on average?
Good news—you don’t have to be an expert to find out your home’s score! Many online tools, like Zillow’s Sun Number estimator, allow you to look it up by simply entering your address.
For example, if you live in a sunny state like California or Arizona, your Sun Number might be on the higher side. But even if you’re in a cloudy area, don’t worry. A lower Sun Number doesn’t necessarily mean solar isn’t for you—it just means you might need to tweak your setup, like installing panels in the sunniest part of your yard.
Your Sun Number can save you time and effort by giving you a snapshot of your home’s solar potential before you dive into solar installation research. It can also help you:
Plan your solar investment: A high score means you’re likely to save more on electricity bills.
Understand your ROI: The better your score, the faster you’ll see a return on investment.
Contribute to sustainability: Every home that goes solar is a step toward reducing carbon emissions.
If your score isn’t perfect, don’t give up on solar just yet. Solar technology has come a long way, and there are solutions for homes with lower sun exposure, like high-efficiency panels or ground-mounted systems. Plus, many installers offer personalized assessments to see what works best for your property.
Checking your Sun Number is an easy, no-pressure way to explore the potential of going solar. Think of it as the first step in your journey to energy independence and sustainability. So, what’s your Sun Number? Take a moment to find out—you might be closer to harnessing the power of the sun than you think!