Roof Solar Panel Installation Is Safe If Done The Right Way
Installing solar panels on your roof can help reduce your electric bills while also letting you switch to greener energy. But before making that move, homeowners may wonder is it safe to install solar panels on my roof? Will they need to make holes in my roof? Could the panels be too heavy for my roof to handle, causing expensive damage? The good news is, most modern roofs can handle solar panels and, if your roof is in good shape, installation will be fairly easy. Still, there are things to consider. Knowing more about roof solar panel installation can help you make the right decision.
Things To Know About Solar Panels
There are different types of solar panels and they vary based on functions, price, installation requirements and so. For this article, we will concentrate on the most common solar panels used in the household.
One thing that is an absolute must for you to know is what you are going to use the solar panels for: generate the whole electricity, generate some electricity or heat the water. Based on your need, the solar installer will advise you the most suitable option.
One thing to keep in mind the more functionalities you want, the more complicated the installation hence it becomes more expensive.
Very often than not, solar installers can get your panel up and running for less than $4000. You wont immediately notice the difference in your bill but you will definitely when some time passes. Plus, you cant put price on decreasing your carbon footprint, right?
Why Is It Better To Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels
At this point, we have established that replacing a roof can be quite expensive. However, it is a better option. Its a one time expense which will save you in the future.
The insulation of your house depends on your roof. So, if you need to turn up the AC in the summers or increase the heat during the winters more often, then it means your roof isnt able to insulate properly.
Moreover, a new roof will raise the value of your home. Dont worry about spending too much money on it because if you choose to sell, the money will return to you.
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Do Solar Panels Cool Your Roof
Whether youve already invested in a solar panel system, or youre looking to make the purchase, you may be wondering, Do solar panels cool your roof?
While discussions around solar panels discuss their efficiency, value for money, and feasibility for households and businesses are vital, it is also important to consider whether and how solar panels keep buildings cool.
Before we get further into it, it is essential to recognise that solar panels should not replace insulation material when constructing a building or roof. However, there are some benefits to having solar panels on your roof when it comes to keeping your building cool.
Did You Shop Around
Before signing any agreement with a contractor, make sure that youve done your research. Picking the first contractor you come across might seem like a quick and easy way to start saving money sooner rather than later. However, this isnt necessarily true! If you are serious about installing solar panels on your roof, shop around and get different quotes from different contractors. Do some research on these companies to make sure that they are reputable and their customers are satisfied.
After you speak with a few contractors, you will be glad you did. You can compare quotes, customer reviews, and other information to make the best, informed decision.
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Choose The Right Solar Installation Company
Some solar installers treat the roof mounting as an after-thought and do not have the experience to understand the requirements to of each roof type. Is your roof metal? Asphalt or wood shingles? Tile or slate? Be sure to ask your installer if they have experience with your roof type. Also, ask for examples of other projects theyve completed, and request references from home or building owners with similar installations as yours.
With proper planning, design and installation, your solar panel system and your roof should last for many years to come.
Finally, be sure you hire an authorized installer that follows the proper procedures while installing your system. Also make sure your installer guarantees the installation, and support any issues that may arise in the future that are directly related to the solar panel installation.
Proper Installation Is Necessary
As previously stated, proper installation will prevent any damage caused to your roof by solar panels. Therefore, make sure the company youre working with for the installation is reputable, has all its licenses, certifications and insurance policies and has experience in conducting this kind of work. This isnt a DIY type of jobyoure going to want trained professionals handling the installation process to ensure its completed properly.
During the installation process, workers drill a series of holes in the roof to secure the racking that then holds the panels. Lag bolts are placed through the holes to secure the panels in place. These bolts are designed to withstand long-term exposure to even the most extreme types of weather conditions. The use of these holes and bolts is unavoidablejust about every type of solar installation will use them, with their size and depth dependent on the materials used to make the roof.
Another concern many homeowners tend to have is the weight of all the solar panels on top of their roof. This is something you shouldnt need to concern yourself with. Your roof is designed to hold significantly more weight than you might expect, and even with a couple dozen solar panels up there, theres still plenty of capacity for it to hold up. If youre worried about the extra weight of snow combined with those solar panels, theres also no need to fear, because the angle at which the panels are installed means the snow will slide off.
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What Type Of Roof Do You Have
There are some types of roofing materials that are not ideal for solar panel installation. For example, asphalt, metal, and tile shingles work great with solar panel installation without damaging the shingles or roof. On the other hand, slate, wood, and clay tiles are not ideal roofs for solar panels.
Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof
If youre driving in a neighborhood and see solar panels on a house roof, chances are you may wonder about it. They still look new and surprising to many people because, as of 2019, only 6% of homeowners reported that they have a source of solar energy on their roofs.
Upon seeing a house with solar panels, you may wonder how they work and if solar panels can damage your roof. If you are among the growing number of homeowners looking to transition to solar power, there are many things you should look into ahead of time.
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Are Solar Panels Bad For Your Roof
Solar installations have seen a steady rise over the last ten years and it doesnt look like sales and installation will slow anytime soon. Chances are that if you dont already have solar power at your own home or office, you most likely know someone who does.
Many homeowners will ask if solar panels are bad for your roof, usually in regards to holes or water leaks, or if solar panels will protect your roof.If you are thinking about solar power and worried about how it will affect your roof, you will be happy to know that rather than damage your roof, solar panels can offer a small layer of protection and may even help your roof increase the value of your home or business.
What To Know Before Buying Solar Panels
Condition of the roof – Its important to have your roof inspected for the condition and structural integrity of your roof so youre not faced with expensive roof repairs. If you have an old or damaged roof, we recommend replacing the whole roof and adding solar panels.
Roofing material and slope – Solar panels are mounted in different ways depending on the roofing material you have on your home. Determining your roofs shape and slope will help place the solar panels, which should be facing south or west.
Weight – Depending on the condition of your roof, most are strong enough to withstand the added weight of solar panels. Solar panels shouldnt add more than 4 pounds per square foot to the roof load, but we still recommend that your roof be inspected beforehand just in case.
Weather – How severe weather conditions affect your solar-paneled roof is an important thing to consider. If you live in a drier climate, youll be happy to know that solar panels absorb harmful radiant heat which could normally damage your roof. If you live in a climate with more moisture, solar panels can act as a shield where water runs off. Proper flashing and other materials help protect from leaks as well.
Permits – Before installing solar panels, youll need to make sure that you obtain the proper building permits and meet all the necessary local building codes.
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How Long Will My Solar System Last
Solar systems are made up of solar photovoltaic modules. Many solar companies are offering solar PV modules with warranties of 25 years. This is indicative of the trust they have in the durability of their panels.
Oftentimes, systems last past the warranty period and last 30-40 years or even longer.
If you are 30 years old and install panels now they can still be making all your electricity after you retire!
Legacy Solar Cooperative of Wisconsin is committed to assisting the growth of solar electricity in Wisconsin. Membership is open to individuals, non-profits, and commercial organizations.
Standard Roofing Material Is Much Hotter Than Solar Tech
Traditional roofing materials are going to absorb close to 90% of solar radiation.
That means your roof alone is capturing a tremendous amount of heat and energy from the sun, making everything warmer than it would have been otherwise.
Dont forget, solar panels have reflective properties which traditional roof materials do not.
You might not be reducing household temperatures by more than 10% 15% by installing solar panels up top, but that might make all the difference!
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Do Solar Panels Protect Your Roof
For homeowners, safety, security and costs are the main factors that are weighed when making a decision to purchase and install new equipment or devices.
Installing solar panels on your rooftop can lead to significant savings on energy costs, while allowing a smooth transition to renewable energy consumption.
However, before making the final choice, property owners often wonder whether it is safe to install solar panels on rooftops.
Will holes be drilled into my roof?
Are large solar panels too big and heavy for my roof, possibly leading to major damage in the roof structure?
The simple answer is that an ordinary household roof can sustain the weight and distribution of solar panels.
As long as your roof is in good condition, the configuration should be straightforward. Before making the final decision and proceeding with the installation, you should carefully plan the solar systems and the type and space available for the roof installation.
There are a few common stereotypes, misconceptions and myths surrounding solar panels, and the lack of information or the wrong information often leads to poor decision-making.
This article will highlight the common and actual facts that are related to solar system roof installations to help you make informed and proper decisions regarding solar installations and fixing, specifically on roof structures.
Several factors come into play regarding the roof structure that need to be weighed before setting up solar panels on your roof.
What Roof Slope Orientation Is Best For Solar Panels
Another factor that has an impact on solar panel power production is the direction or orientation of the roof slope where the solar panels are installed.
In the Northern Hemisphere , the general guidance is for solar panels to face south because south-facing sides of roofs get the most sunlight during the day.
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Choose A Solar Company That Does Both
It doesnt have to be a nightmare to find a roofing company or a solar contractor. At Solar Bear Orlando, we offer both solar installations and roof repairs/replacements so you can get everything done by one contractor that you trust.
Combining a roof replacement with a solar installation allows our team to be as efficient as possible, and we are happy to pass those savings back to you, our customer!
Your search for a trustworthy solar and roofing contractor is over! Call our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a roof and solar installation quote today !
Do Solar Panels Damage My Roof
So, do solar panels damage your roof when installed? For most homeowners, as long as your solar panels are properly installed, they shouldnt do damage to the exterior or the infrastructure of your roof. If you are working with a qualified licensed professional and your roof is in good condition, your solar panels wont affect the integrity of your roof.
When solar panels are installed, installers will drill holes into the roof to anchor and mount the panels securely. These large holes are for lag bolts, which are strong enough to keep solar panels in place and are made to withstand the elements for a long time.
While it may strike a bit of fear into your heart to know that a contractor is drilling holes in the outer layer of your home, this is all part of the process of mounting solar panels so that they are entirely secured to your roof and wont cause damage.
Once the panels have been attached, the lag bolts are covered with flashing to protect your roof. Flashing is a thin roll of moisture-resistant metal or plastic that helps close off this hole and seals out moisture, wind and the elements. It directs water away from the location so you dont have to worry about solar panels letting moisture seep into your roof.
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Do They Offer Solar Panel Warranties
In addition to choosing a reputable solar roofing team, youll want to make sure they include both manufacturer and workmanship warranties on your new solar roof.
Depending on the manufacturer they use for the solar panels, you could get a great, long-standing warranty or something that wont uphold your panels for their lifespan. A good contractor will always include a workmanship warranty that covers any issues due to poor installation or faulty workmanship.
Are You Prepared To Maintain Your New Solar Panels
Luckily, solar panels require very little maintenance throughout their lifespan. Most panels have been built to withstand hail, winds, and severe rainstorms. And for the most part, rainwater will clean the panels for you, so you dont have to.
However, if you notice a lot of debris or dirt up on your roof and solar panels, its important to clean them or get them cleaned at least twice a year. This can be done using a hose or hiring a professional.
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Replacing Roof With Solar Panels: Money Matters
Imagine for a minute that youve already installed solar panels without changing your roof, and suddenly after some time, your roof starts sagging.
Not only will you have to pay an additional price for removing and then reinstalling the panels, but you might even risk damaging your solar panels in the whole process.
Plus, while the panels are off, you wont be generating any electricity. This means your electricity bill will also go up during this period.
So, while replacing roof with solar panels may seem quite costly initially, but in the long run, its saving you from a lot of trouble. There are plenty of different solar panel funding options, which will make your decision a bit easier.
You can find an option that makes the most sense for you.
We also suggest you sit down and do a cost analysis before you call in the solar/roof installation team. This will help you get a better idea of how much it will cost and how beneficial it will be for you in the long run.
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The Best Type Of Roofs For Homes With Solar Panels
Over the past few years, there has been a steady increase in the popularity of solar energy. And though solar panels were once used only for commercial buildings, nowadays, any homeowner can switch to solar energy. In fact, according to research, 46% of US homeowners are looking to give solar energy a try.
However, the biggest question that homeowners ask before going solar is whether their roof is fit for solar panels. Luckily, we are here to take an in-depth look at the most popular roofing materials and see if they are suitable for solar installations.
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How To Check The Condition Of Your Roof
Hold on a second. Dont climb up that ladder just yet. There are few things you can check without bringing the ladder out from your garage. First, inspect from inside the attic and ceiling walls for any leaks or stains.
If your electricity bill has recently gone up, chances it may have been caused by excessive ventilation.
Some of the common ways roofs get damaged are:
- Broken or Loose Tiles
- Damage to the Structure
- Worn Down Materials
Do look around to see if you can find any of these damages on your roof. If you spot one, a roof inspection by a professional might be a good option.
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