Reducing your carbon footprint, saving on your energy bill, and improving the value of your home are a few of the reasons why homeowners consider installing solar panels on roofs. Across the country, more and more people are investing in solar power systems due to the incredible advancements made in this technology in recent years.
Switching to producing one’s own energy through solar technology and reducing energy consumption from the grid can give significant savings not only on your electricity bill but may even help you go off-grid completely. Here we have listed some of the main factors which you need to consider before installing solar panels on the roof. However, it is recommended that hiring services of professional roofers will not only ensure that the installation process is carried out correctly but you can save yourself from the hassle.
Here are the factors that you can consider before installing solar panels on the roof-
Your roof condition, material, and layout
Solar panels have higher durability and some may even last for as long as 30 years. However, asphalt roofs typically have a lifespan of 20 years which means that your roof should be in excellent condition before you start the installation process. Getting roof repair work, maintenance, and replacement can get costly and challenging once you have installed solar panels therefore it is essential that you get your roof inspection done from professionals. In addition to the roof condition, you should also take into account the layout and material of the roof. For instance, a flat or a concrete roof needs a very involved installation process. Lastly, the layout or shape of your roof should have enough space for solar panels.
Location of your home or business establishment
More sunshine means more energy will be generated by the solar panels. So considering the orientation of your home is very important. You need to also check that there are no obstructions such as trees, or satellite dishes that could hinder energy production.
The structural integrity of the roof
Installing solar panels increases the weight of the roof structure. In case the solar panel weighs heavy than there are chances that your roof can collapse which can be extremely dangerous not to mention costly. To avoid such a situation it is advisable to consider the services of roofing experts to determine if there would be a need for additional support to complete the installation.
Types of solar panels
There are various types of solar technology to choose from, some provide higher efficiencies than other. There is an option to mount panels with a tracker that moves the panels to follow the sun. However, this may be an expensive option. The key is to choose a reputable brand of solar panel that can have a larger impact on the energy that the system will generate. The roofing companies can help you in taking that right decision.
Choose a good solar installer
Last but not the least, it is important to choose a good solar installer that will help you in inspecting your specific location, advise you on the ideal technology and installation process, measure your energy consumption, obtain the required permits and paperwork, and ensure all correct connections.
It is important that solar panel installation is carried out by certified professionals for better results. To learn more about the various types of solar panels and the costs associated with installation and maintenance you can give us a call at (937) 907-0009.