Solar panels are a (somewhat) new technology and you may have questions about them. They last around 20 years and once they're up, you don't have much reason to touch them. On the other hand, you DO want to make sure that your roof is in good condition before having solar panels installed.
One of the most popular questions we get asked is, "do solar panels pose a threat to my roof?"
The short answer is that solar panels shouldn't damage your roof if installed properly. But you should only ever do a roof solar system installation with a reputable installer. You want to minimize or eliminate the possible problems with your roof, such as leaks or structural issues. Roof solar system companies know that their main investment is only as good as their reputation and have a vested interest in making sure your roof is fixed and fitted correctly before beginning their work.
In this article, we'll discuss this question and many more about rooftop solar panels.
Solar Roof: The Newest in the Industry
This is the newest trend in solar power, and the national renewable energy laboratory (NREL) says there is huge potential for solar roofs to generate the majority of power in the majority of the US. They have many benefits, but also some drawbacks. Here's what you need to know about solar roofs before making the switch!
Solar roofs are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional solar panels.
Solar roofs are:
1. More aesthetically pleasing
2. More durable
3. More efficient
4. Less likely to be damaged in a storm
5. eligible for solar tax credits
Solar roofs also have some drawbacks. The main ones are:
1. More expensive than traditional solar panels
2. Can be difficult to find qualified installers
3. May not be compatible with all roof types
If you're considering making the switch to solar, a solar roof may be the right choice for you. Be sure to speak to a professional about your options.
Installing Solar Panels
Typical Costs
First, the average price of a 6 kilowatt (kW) system in the U.S. is $18,840 after federal tax credits, and the average payback period is 7.4 years. In some states, solar panel systems can be installed for less than $10,000 after solar rebates.
The First Step to Install Solar Panels
New solar panels or solar energy systems can be easily installed on flat roofs, slanted roofs, or any existing roof. Solar panel systems are not only good for the environment, but they’re also eligible for solar tax credits.
The first step is to find a qualified solar installer in your area. Once you’ve found a few solar companies, be sure to compare prices and ask for references. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your solar installer, as they will be working on your roof.
Support Solar Panels
Solar panels have many benefits, including providing renewable energy and lowering your carbon footprint. They can also increase the value of your home and provide you with tax incentives. However, solar panels also have some drawbacks, such as the initial cost of installation and (a little bit of) maintenance. Expect to keep them clean and do an annual inspection, but solar panels otherwise need very little maintenance. Putting solar panels on your roof can be a huge win no matter where in the world you are.
Wasting Electricity From Rooftop Solar Systems
Solar panels are a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. However, solar panels can also waste electricity if they're not installed properly.
Rooftop solar systems are usually installed on the south-facing side of a roof. This is because solar panels need direct sunlight to work efficiently. A great solar panel installation company will ensure that your solar panels are installed with efficiency in mind, so they produce as much electricity as possible under your circumstances and so all electricity produced is used.
You Can Even MAKE Money Off Your Utility Companies
Utility companies offer solar power programs to their customers, providing solar panels or solar energy systems at a discounted price in order to increase solar energy production. This solar power is fed back into the grid, offsetting the homeowner's electric usage. Solar programs like this are becoming increasingly popular as utility companies look for ways to increase renewable energy generation and meet solar renewable portfolio standards.
The solar installation process is simple. Once you have selected a solar company, they will handle the solar panel installation process from start to finish. This includes obtaining all the necessary permits, approvals, and inspections. Solar companies will also provide you with a solar maintenance plan to keep your solar panels clean and operating at peak efficiency.
Having home solar panels ensures you're using clean energy, but there's also a financial incentive. Consumer reports show that due to using micro-inverters, electricity bill cost has been greatly reduced. The financial incentives are high due to the higher costs of fossil fuels.
Net metering is a solar program offered by utility companies that allow solar panel owners to get solar credits for the electricity they generate. This solar power is fed back into the grid, offsetting the homeowner's electric usage. solar programs like this are becoming increasingly popular as utility companies look for ways to increase renewable energy generation.
What's a Solar Array and do I Need One?
Solar panels are a bunch of solar cells that are connected together to form a solar module. Solar modules are then connected together to form solar arrays. Solar arrays can be used to power homes, businesses, and even entire neighborhoods.
Carbon emissions are a main environmental pollutant today. Solar panels on your roof help decrease carbon emissions by providing renewable energy. Renewable energy is solar power that is generated from the sun. This solar power does not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases.
There are many key factors when determining how much energy produced will play a part in electricity bills. Some utility companies lease solar panels to avoid excess energy wastage. The solar energy industries association makes sure that their retail rate is not too high, to avoid tax breaks from homeowners.
Solar Panel Lease
You can even lease solar panels. A solar panel lease is a solar financing option where a solar company owns, operates, and maintains the solar panels on your roof. With a solar lease, you make monthly payments to the solar company for the electricity that your solar panels produce. Solar leases are often called "zero-down" solar financing options because there is no upfront cost to install.
Tesla Solar Roof
The Tesla solar roof is a solar panel that looks like traditional shingles. The solar roof consists of solar cells that are embedded into the tiles. The solar cells are connected to an inverter which converts the DC power from the solar cells into AC power.
Harsh Weather Conditions
Solar panels are strong and can withstand most weather conditions, but there are some exceptions. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, it's important to know that solar panels can be damaged by hail, high winds, and heavy snow. In these cases, it's important to have your solar panels inspected regularly to make sure your entire roof has the best conditions of solar panels on a roof.
Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof
Solar panels on your roof can actually help to protect it from the elements. The panels themselves create a barrier against rain, snow, and hail. They also shade your roof from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can help to extend the life of your roof by reducing the amount of wear and tear.
Hire a Professional
Solar panels SHOULDN'T damage your roof if installed properly. That's the whole point of doing a roof solar system with a reputable installer. You want to minimize or eliminate the possible problems with your roof, such as leaks or structural issues.
If you're still concerned about the potential for damage to your roof, consider these points:
- The best way to make sure your solar installation is done right is to hire an experienced and licensed contractor who uses quality equipment, has been in business for years (look at their track record), and offers a warranty on their workmanship.
- Don't worry about what type of roof you have—whether it's made out of asphalt shingles or metal—as long as it's structurally sound (has no leaks).
Professional Installers have a Vested Interest in Your Success
If done properly, you should never have to worry about leaks or other issues with your solar panels causing problems down the road.
DO YOUR RESEARCH when choosing a solar company. Is there a warranty? How long has the company been in business? Are they licensed? Do they actually work on roofs (or do they just sell systems)? What kind of reputation do they have?
Look for a company that has been in business for a while, and has a good reputation for customer service. Ask around; people will tell you if their experience was good or bad. And make sure to get references from people who have been happy with their installation!
Conclusion
The best way to make sure your solar installation is done right is to hire an experienced and licensed contractor who uses quality equipment, has been in business for years (look at their track record), and offers a warranty on their workmanship.
Don't worry about what type of roof you have—whether it's made out of asphalt shingles or metal—as long as it's structurally sound (has no leaks), you can probably install solar panels!
If you want to chat about options or need any help getting solar panels installed, make sure to get in touch with us today!
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