Solar is a great option if you’re looking to cut down your bills using a cleaner energy source. Solar panels cost an average of $19,000, but over time, they can save you money. However, not all homes have the perfect conditions for installing solar panels. While almost all homes across the country can profit from going solar, some will undoubtedly benefit more than others.
This is why we’ve applied the Goldilocks concept to homes: the perfect conditions for having solar installed. This way, if you’re considering going solar, you can take a look and see if your home matches up in some aspects (if not all).
Below we set out the criteria we apply to determine whether a home is a Goldilocks solar home, examples of street addresses that match, and the reasons that would stop a home from being so.
Goldilocks Solar Home Criteria: What Makes a Home Perfect For Solar?
1. Solar exposure
One of the key aspects is the home’s exposure to the sun. Preferably, 40% or more of your roof should face south to maximize the panels' sun exposure if you live in the U.S. Roof pitch should be between 30 and 45 degrees to produce the most solar energy. Also, the roof should have little to no shading from trees, neighboring buildings, or other obstacles during peak sunlight hours (10 am - 4 pm). Ideal roof direction and pitch can vary with your exact geographic location.
2. Roof condition and size
The roof should be in good condition, less than 10 years old, and able to support solar panels for the next 25 years without needing major repairs or replacements.
A typical home will need about 335 square feet of usable roof space for the installation of solar panels, enough to support a system that could meet a significant portion of the home’s energy needs.
3. Electrical system
The home should have an up-to-date electrical system (200-amp service or higher) that can handle the increased load from solar panels and potentially an electric vehicle charging station. Homes that already have pre-installed wiring for future solar systems or EV chargers are even better suited.
If you’re also looking to install battery storage, like a Tesla Powerwall, you’ll need room in the garage, basement, or utility area to install the system.
4. Energy efficiency features
Energy-efficient homes use less energy, so you can rely on smaller systems meaning installation will cost less. Therefore, the home should be well-insulated (R-values appropriate for the region) to reduce overall energy consumption and improve the effectiveness of solar once installed. Energy-efficient windows are a top priority. Double-glazed or better, low-emissivity windows that reduce heat loss/gain and make the home more energy-efficient.
Homes with a smart thermostat or similar energy-saving technologies installed should be considered solar-ready as they demonstrate forward-thinking in energy use.
5. Local policy and regulations
The property should be located in a neighborhood or area with minimal restrictions on solar panel installation (such as HOA approval or local ordinances). It should also be in an area that allows for net metering, which allows solar homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid. The more incentives available to homeowners, the better the investment.
6. Economic viability
The property should be in a region with above-average electricity rates, making solar energy a cost-effective investment for potential buyers. Areas with high utility costs provide a stronger economic incentive for solar installation, allowing homeowners to see quicker returns on their investment through reduced monthly bills. For example, states like California, Massachusetts, and New York tend to have high electricity prices, enhancing the financial appeal of solar installations.
7. Electric vehicle (EV) charging potential
Similarly to battery storage, the home should have a garage or driveway with the potential for installing an electric vehicle charging station, enhancing the benefits of solar energy for future owners with EVs. Ideally, the home would have pre-installed electrical conduits for EV chargers or sufficient electrical capacity to support future installations.
Goldilocks Solar Home Locations
California
Elm Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Known for sunny conditions, many homes here have south-facing roofs with minimal shading, ideal for solar. Due to well-maintained properties in this area, homes, and particularly roofs, are generally in good condition. This also means that they have newer windows and are well-insulated. Homes here are serviced by LADWP and therefore have simpler net-metering rules than in other areas of California.
Ocean Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Another option in California is Ocean Avenue in Venice. Homes here are also serviced by LADWP and often feature large rooftops with good sun exposure, making them great candidates for solar panel installations. Being an affluent neighborhood, homes likely have updated electrical systems.
Texas
Cedar Elm Trail, Austin, TX 78737
Austin is renowned for its sunny climate and homes with large, solar-ready rooftops, especially in newer developments. Homes also likely therefore meet modern standards for electrical systems. Communities here are generally pro-solar.
Greenlawn Parkway, Austin, TX 78757
This area features homes with large, unshaded rooftops, and modern electrical systems, and is situated in a region with supportive solar policies, making it ideal for future solar installations.
Arizona
North Pima Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
With wide, south-facing rooftops, homes in this area are well-suited for solar setups. Homes here are also typically well-insulated to deal with Arizona’s climate. The homes have a lot of space, making them ideal for EV charger installation.
East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Homes here enjoy unobstructed sunlight, making them perfect for future solar installations. This is also a solar-friendly area resulting in few restrictions on those wanting to install solar panels. While Arizona doesn't have full retail net metering, the net billing programs can provide good savings and high electric usage from air conditioners can make for good savings.
Colorado
Mapleton Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304
Boulder’s homes, particularly on streets such as Mapleton Avenue, are ideal for solar due to high sun exposure, combined with sustainable energy-conscious developments. Homeowners will need to be wary of tall trees to ensure they don’t shade their roofs.
Dunbar Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Fort Collins Utilities offers net metering, allowing homeowners to receive credits on their utility bills for excess energy produced by their solar systems. South-facing roofs will be ideal in this area for solar.
North Carolina
Winget Road, Charlotte, NC 28278
This area includes large homes with spacious rooftops, ideal for solar panel installations. The area has favorable zoning conditions and most homes meet conditions for EV charger installation.
Silvercliff Drive, Mount Holly, NC 28120
This street features homes with large, unshaded rooftops, making them suitable for solar installations. There is also the likelihood that homes here are large enough for battery storage and EV chargers.
Florida
Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33431
With consistent sunlight and large roofs, Boca Raton homes are perfect for solar installations, with ample sunlight hours throughout the year.
South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Another area of Florida is West Palm Beach. Homes in this sunny area are known for their expansive roofs with minimal shading, ideal for solar readiness.
Massachusetts
Follen Road, Lexington, MA 02421
While not the sunniest area of the country, Massachusetts's high electricity rates make solar a wise investment. The state also has good solar policies in place. The spacious homes on this street mean perfect roof conditions for installing solar panels.
Oak Hill Street, Newton, MA 02459
The residential areas in Newton are similar to those in Lexington. Homes here are generally ready for solar and save homeowners money in the long term
What Stops a Home Being Perfect for Solar?
If your home has one or more of the above features, you can consider your home potentially ready for solar. However, the opposite of this criteria would hinder solar benefits:
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Homes with roofs in poor condition or needing immediate replacement.
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Roofs that are heavily shaded throughout the day or face directions are not suitable for effective solar energy generation.
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Homes with outdated electrical systems that would require significant upgrades to support solar.
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Properties in areas where local regulations or homeowners’ associations heavily impact potential return on investment.
Should I Install Solar Even Though My Home Isn’t A “Goldilocks Solar Home”?
Yes. While we have laid out the criteria and example locations of what makes a home ‘just right’ for solar energy, do not let this deter you from considering installing solar. Trees can be trimmed, energy-efficient features can be installed, and roof panels are not the only option.
Adam Graham is a construction industry analyst at Fixr.com. He has experience writing about home construction, interior design, and real estate. He communicates with experts and journalists to make sure we provide the most up-to-date and fact-checked information. He has been featured in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, and written for various outlets including the National Association of Realtors, and Insurance News Net Magazine.