Do Solar Panels Cause Roof Problems
As long as solar panels are correctly installed, though, there shouldnt be any damage to the infrastructure or exterior of your roof. Make sure that you only hire licensed, qualified professionals to do the job. Plus, your roof must be in good condition first.
Lets look at how they are installed to understand better where some of the anxiety comes from.
Is My Roof Ready For Solar
Before installing anything, its a good idea to call a roofer anyway to inspect it and see if there is any preexisting damage. Go through your documents about your house and find out how many years youve got left on your roofs warranty. You want a roof in good condition before installing panels, so if you notice any kind of mold, rot, or leak beforehand, you need to get it fixed. If you need to replace the roof within the next five years, put in the new roof and solar panel system at the same time.
Remember, solar is an ROI positive investment not a burdensome cost. The Lawrence National Laboratory and the Department of Energy have shown that homes with solar sell faster and for significantly more money!
Do you have solar panels on your roof? Have you ever run into an issue with roof leaks due to your panels? Sound off in the comments!
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Are There Warranties On The Solar Panels Youre Installing
Most major solar panel manufacturers do include warranties on their solar panels. When youre speaking to a company about installing solar panels on your home, you should ensure that the panels they install have a performance warranty and if they cover the full life of your new solar panels.
The photovoltaic cell panels that we install at Sun Badger Solar come with a 25-year warranty that we also match with our workmanship warranty. You can rest assured that your solar panels will continue to produce electricity for many years to come!
Explore our solar financing options to find the solar payment solution that is best for you.
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How Will I Know If My System Stops Working
Its crucial to regularly check how much your power your panels produce and most solar companies are making that easy these days.
Most panel manufacturers and micro-inverter makers offer web-based updates and phone apps that monitor production. Some even email you when things arent up to par.
Some companies also regularly monitor your panels and inverter themselves and contact you as soon as they spot issues.
These safeguards mean youll probably know your system needs a repair before it shuts down altogether.
Will Installing Solar Panels Cause My Roof To Leak
No, the chances of developing a leak in your roof do not go up with the addition of panels on your roof. Some mounting equipment does penetrate your roof. Usually, this type of equipment is used to mount solar panels on residential asphalt shingled roofs.
If this is the type of system you are considering, it is not something to worry about. Special fasteners have been developed that create a watertight seal on every penetration site.
There are also many types of mounting equipment available today that do not require any penetration of your roof. It is important to use a quality solar installer who is familiar with the mounting equipment that will be used on your roof. It is also a good idea to understand the warranty that comes with your installation and to inquire as to who is responsible in the unlikely case that any type of leak does develop.
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What Is Roof Flashing
Installing thin metal material at a certain area to direct water away from that area is called roof flashing. This helps to prevent water leakages after any penetration through your roof.
These flashings must be installed properly. Otherwise, they will not be able to stop any leakages.
Commonly used materials are aluminum, copper, and steel.
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Do I Need A New Roof Before I Put Solar Panels On
Are you finally getting ready to install solar panels? Congratulations! A solar energy system will help you slash your expensive energy costs and protect this beautiful planet that we call home. Theres just one thing that you might not have consideredyour roof.
Weve seen it many times, a homeowner starts the process of solar installation only to discover a roofing problem that stops the solar installation in its tracks.
Dont let a roofing issue surprise you as you start your solar installation! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando discusses everything you need to know about roofing before you go solar.
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Solar Panels Dont Cause Roof Damage When Installed Correctly
When solar panels are installed incorrectly, they can cause serious damage to your roof, which is why so many homeowners believe solar panels will ruin their roof.
Many solar panel installation methods involved drilling holes into the roof. When done correctly, this does not cause any damage. In fact, the drill holes are strategically placed and sealed to protect your roof. When done incorrectly, however, this can weaken your roof and cause leaks.
To avoid roof damage during your Monterey solar installation, its crucial to choose a highly experienced residential solar installation company, like Premo Solar.
Am I Going To See The Energy Bill Savings The Sales Guy Is Saying I Will And What Rights Do I Have If I Dont
Solar panels generally come with performance guarantees and some companies like Sullivan Solar Power even offer to write you a check if your panels dont deliver as promised.
But you play a role in how your utility bill savings pencil out.
Solar companies decide how many solar panels you need and the power your system should be able to produce based on past electricity use.
If you end up using more energy, your San Diego Gas & Electric bills may not shrink as much as youre envisioning.
If a homeowner goes out and buys a large seawater fish tank, installs a whole-home dehumidifier, runs the pool pump more, etc., it will adversely affect the utility bill, Airth said.
This is part of our quest on whether solar will pay off for San Diego. Check out our previous post, Most People Choose the Costliest Route to Going Solar.
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Youre Not Eligible For Incentives And Rebates
When it comes to solar power, government incentives and rebates are extremely important.
The most important of these is the solar Investment Tax Credit , which is offered by the federal government and has helped grow the solar industry by 10,000% since its enactment in 2006. The ITC is currently worth 26% you can use it to save over a quarter of the price of your solar system. This incentive can play a huge role in improving the payback period of a solar system purchase.
Additional incentives are usually available at the state level, and sometimes at the local level, as well. Right now, 38 states offer net metering, a valuable incentive that allows you to sell your electricity to the utility company at retail rates, while other states, such as New York, offer state tax credits worth thousands of dollars.
But if youre in a situation where you dont qualify for incentives the federal tax credit, for instance, only applies if you pay federal taxes to begin with then solar energy may not be right for you.
Learn more: Find out which solar incentives and rebates you qualify for
How Are Solar Panels Mounted To Your Roof
So, how exactly are solar panels installed on your roof? Lets break it down.
Depending on the type of roof you have, the way solar panels are attached to your roof will change. When it comes to the most standard type of roofing, asphalt shingles, the panels are attached with a lag bolt and flashing. The bolt is screwed into the roofs rafters, and the flashing helps keep water from penetrating your roofing system.
At Sun Badger, we offer a 5-year leak warranty if water does ever get past the flashing we install. The solar panels are then attached to these brackets where theyll live out their life soaking up the sun.
Sun Badger will help you determine how much solar youd need to supplement your electric bill and what you can do right now to start making your home more energy-efficient. If you want to learn more about solar and what it would take to get solar installed on your home, reach out to the residential solar experts at Sun Badger for a free quote today!
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How Solar Panels Can Make Your Roof Last Longer
May 18, 2020
Whether youre hoping to decrease your homes carbon footprint or take advantage of a federal solar tax credit, theres never been a better time to consider installing solar panels on the roof of your home.
Using solar panels and clean energy can cut your homes carbon emissions by an amount that would equal burning 5,000 pounds of coal every year. And the suns energy is free! Solar panels not only reduce the carbon footprint, but many homeowners see a dramatic reduction in their monthly energy bill too.
What many homeowners wonder, though, is how these solar panels will affect their roof. Is there more upkeep? Do solar panels damage your roof??
Lets take a look at the difference solar panels can make for your homes roof.
Your Roof Isnt Compatible With Solar Panels
In virtually all cases, you will need to drill into the rafters and seal it properly during installation. While solar panels can be installed on virtually any residential roof, some shingle materials arent as compatible with solar panels and may require additional consideration during this phase.
If you dont have the ideal roof for solar panels, poor installation tactics are more likely to make it leak. Roofs made from wood shingles, clay, slate, and terracotta tiles are particularly vulnerable to leaks and damage during installation. We advise replacing the areas of the roof where solar will be installed with composite shingles in this case, since it will be hidden under the array anyway.
If youre experiencing leaking with one of these roofs, youll want to contact your solar installer. Their warranty will hopefully cover the damage and help you resolve the problem quickly.
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The Installer Wasnt Reputable
Some installers may not have a background in roofing, and so they may not fully comprehend the consequences of their long-term decisions when performing the installation. A few good questions to ask your future installer before you sign on the dotted line is what experience they have in roofing, and what plan they have to ensure no harm comes to your roof. Ask them if theyve ever had a failed installation, what they learned from it, and what they did to fix it.
The Installation Of Solar Panels
Putting racking and installing solar panels on your roof can alter one of the core parts of your homes structural makeup and, if done incorrectly, your home may be at huge risk.
One big concern would be with the holes needed in your roof in order to secure the racking which will hold the solar panels in place. Its important that the professionals responsible for placing the solar panels on your roof abide by strict safety measures to ensure that your roof stays structurally sound and watertight.
Failure to securely fit the racking can cause water to seep through the holes, causing rot and great damage for your roof and so seriously affecting the structure of your home. To prevent water from getting through the new holes, the bolt fixtures should be surrounded by flashing this is either a metal or plastic shield that slots under the existing roof tiles.
This shield is then further sealed with tar or similar material. Finally, its crucial that the hole where the lag bolt is placed is also filled with a sealant to protect against any potential water seepage. You should hire a professional to assess the quality and layout of your roof to determine whether solar panels are a viable venture.
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No Worries About Voided Warranties
Its best to have solar panels installed on a roof that is no more than five years old. Some installers will not even consider doing a solar panel installation on a roof that has been on for many years because eventually, the roof is going to need replaced. Solar companies work hard to make sure your panels are set correctly, and they take a considerable amount of time to ensure the work is handled professionally in a way that will not cause a roof warranty to be voided. Simpleray has been voted as one of the Top 500 Solar Contractors in the nation by Solar Power World, and ensuring safe, damage free installation is a top priority for customers.
A new roof is one of the most expensive renovation jobs a person may ever have done to their home, and with a price tag that often exceeds more than $9000 for an average 2500 square foot home, no one wants to have anything damaged and then find out that a shoddy install voided the warranty. Even a small misplaced hole or a tear in a shingle can cause water damage inside the attic of a home. Companies today work closely with their customers as well as the professionals in the roofing industry to make sure nothing is compromised during an install.
How Can Solar Panels Ruin My Roof
As mentioned above, the question of whether or not solar panels are bad for your roof can be a bit complicated. When improperly installed, solar panels can in fact cause some damage to the roof of your home or business. However, when installed properly, solar panels can actually provide roof protection and increase your home or businesss value. We recommend working with a reputable company that has plenty of references and reviews you can look over.
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Want To Install Solar Panels Without Damaging Your Roof Contact The Professionals Over At Solar Stack Today
Now that you know how proper installation of solar panels is done, ensure that your new solar panels are stationary with Solar Stacks solar panel mounting system! Solar Stack is a patented and one-of-a-kind product in the solar industry. We ensure that your solar panel installation will fit with no issues or damage whatsoever. But most importantly we ensure that no damage is done to the roof and that means no penetrations whatsoever. We feel more than confident that when you choose us you will be satisfied with the results. For any inquiries, you may call us at or visit our contact page.
Will Solar Panels Void My Roof Warranty
When you go solar, your roof warranty is voided on the portion of the roof that you install solar.
Dont worry, youre still going to be covered under your installers workmanship warranty. An installers workmanship warranty is generally for 10 years and it covers the areas of the roof they worked on.
If there are any issues with the areas your installer worked on, youll be covered bumper to bumper for 10 years. If there are problems with the rest of your roof, your roof warranty will still cover you there.
Some installers will even take on the remainder of your roof warranty if they are confident in both the condition of the roof and their own workmanship.
Either way, youll be completely covered.
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Do Solar Panels Protect Your Roof
To some extent, solar panels do protect your roof. Solar panels act as an additional barrier between your roof and the elements. This includes rain, snow, wind, debrisbut also sun exposure. If you have shingles on your roof, the solar panels will protect your roof from the sun bleaching that would normally occur to your shingles.
Although the panels likely will not cover the entire surface area of your roof, the areas that are covered will in fact likely be better off in the long run for having been covered by the panels.
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You Plan To Move Or Sell Your Home
If you plan to leave your current residence in the next few years, you should pause and reconsider whether solar panels are the best option for you right now.
Thats because it can be difficult, if not downright impossible, to remove solar panels from your roof and reinstall them on a new one. Your new home may lack the appropriate space , or the local building codes in your destination could be more restrictive, preventing the relocation of your existing solar power system.
Even if moving the panels is possible, youll still have to pay a significant sum to a solar installer to remove the panels and reinstall them on a new roof.
All that said, I should point out that research by Zillow says that solar panels increase your homes value by 4.1%. This means that given the right circumstances, installing solar before you move could actually prove profitable for you.
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