Free Self-Assessment
Is My Home a Good Candidate for Solar?
Answer 7 questions about your roof, electricity use, and situation. You'll get an honest assessment of whether solar makes sense — including when the answer is not yet.
Which direction does your main roof face?
Roof orientation is the single most important physical factor. South-facing roofs produce the most electricity in Minnesota; north-facing roofs do not produce enough to justify the investment.
How much shading does your roof get?
Shading is the factor most homeowners underestimate. Even partial shading during peak hours — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — can meaningfully reduce output. A site assessment will include a detailed shading analysis.
How old is your roof?
Solar panels are a 25-year asset. The roof needs to last at least as long — or be replaced before installation. Removing and reinstalling panels later costs $1,500 to $3,000 and delays production.
What is your typical monthly electricity bill?
The financial case for solar scales with electricity usage. Higher consumption means a larger system, more annual savings, and a faster payback period. The Minnesota average is about $110 to $130 per month.
Do you own your home, and how long do you plan to stay?
Solar is a homeowner product with a payback period of 10 to 14 years for most Minnesota purchases. The longer you stay, the more of the financial benefit you capture directly. Solar does add home value, but Minnesota's resale market is less established than high-adoption states.
Do you have a homeowners association (HOA)?
Minnesota law prevents HOAs from banning solar outright, but they can regulate panel placement and aesthetics — which may limit which roof planes are available and reduce viable system size.
What size is your electrical panel?
A solar system connects to your main electrical panel. Older 100-amp panels may need an upgrade before installation, adding $1,500 to $3,000 to the project. The amp rating is printed on your main breaker.
Strong solar candidate
Your home checks the key boxes: favorable roof orientation, adequate sun exposure, no major disqualifiers. The financial case for solar is solid here.
What your answers show
What to do next
The next step is a site assessment from a qualified installer — they'll confirm your roof's production potential with actual shading analysis and propose a system sized to your usage. Go into that conversation prepared with the right questions: what equipment they're proposing and why, how they handle Xcel interconnection, and what the warranty covers.
Read the questions to ask an installer before your first call. It takes 10 minutes and makes a real difference in the quality of the quotes you receive.
Likely a good candidate — with some considerations
Your answers suggest solar could work well for your home, but a few factors deserve attention before you commit. None are necessarily disqualifying, but they affect the financial picture.
Factors to address
What to do next
Get a site assessment — but go in with your specific considerations on the table. Ask the installer directly how each factor affects the system design, production estimates, and payback timeline. A good installer addresses these proactively; one who dismisses them is telling you something.
The questions to ask an installer page covers exactly what to ask — including the specific questions around shading, roof condition, and financing that matter for your situation.
Not ready yet — but the timing may change
One or more factors in your situation make solar a poor financial decision right now. That doesn't mean never — it means the timing isn't right. Here's what's in the way.
What to address first
What to do instead
Use this time to get educated on the financial picture so you're prepared when the timing is right. The Is Solar Worth It page covers the full ROI math, including what changes the payback timeline. The incentives page covers what programs are currently available and when they step down.
When you're ready, come back and retake the assessment. The specifics may change — a new roof, a different ownership situation, or trees that get trimmed can shift the answer.
Solar is not a good fit right now
Multiple factors make solar a poor financial decision for your home in its current situation. Here's an honest breakdown of what's in the way.
What the assessment shows
What to do instead
The Is Solar Worth It page covers exactly when solar doesn't pencil out — and what would need to change for it to make sense.
Circumstances change. A reroof, a new utility rate structure, or a change in your timeline can shift the math. Come back and retake the assessment when something material changes.
Get a free onsite evaluation
Takes 2 minutes. Anders reviews your answers and connects you with verified solar installers in your area for a no-obligation site assessment.