As we all know getting energy from solar panels is one of the cheapest ways. If you don’t want to pay huge electricity bills and are also concerned for the environment then solar panels or even solatubes are the best option that you can go for.
Although solar panels can be fitted anywhere, they work best on rooftops. One of the many reasons for this is because solar panels get direct sunlight on the roof both in winters and in summers. So, it’s a better option if you install them on a roof.
Solar panels cannot be installed without the inspection of the roof because certain steps are involved in the installation of these panels. First thing first, the contractors will examine your roof, how they can install them, and a lot of other things that should be taken into consideration before the installation. We’re going to discuss all the characteristics that you need to know for the installation of solar panels, so you can know beforehand about certain things that will benefit you. For information visit www.koalaroofingco.com/tpo/
Why you should consider installing solar panels on your roof?
It’s best to install solar panels on your roof because they will have maximum sun exposure up there. Having adequate sun exposure is important to make electricity so it can be replaced with grid electricity. If your rooftop has a slope, whenever the sun rises and sets, it will get maximum exposure and will produce greenhouse gas-free energy.
Not only on rooftops, but you can also install solar panels in garages and barns in case you don’t want it on your roof or in case of buildings where rooftops cannot be utilized for this purpose.
What types of roofing shingles are best for solar panels?
Solar panels can be installed on any kind of shingles if they are in good condition. Asphalt-shingles can prove to be a good choice. You should consider the condition of your roof before installing solar panels. Your roof should not have leakage problems, molds, or any other problem that might damage the solar panels. If you see any problem that might be of concern, contact your contractor who is going to install the solar panels. After taking consultation, you might have to replace the roof or repair it.
What type of design is best to get solar panels installed?
This question frequently comes to the mind of customers who want to get solar panels installed on their roofs. Well, you don’t need to think about it as we have solar engineers and installers to do all the work. Almost every rooftop, garage, barn, shed or home, can be used to install solar panels.
Solar installers can also find ways to install solar panels around your skylights, vents, or pipe boots.
What roof slope is best for installing solar panels?
There are certain conditions that your roof needs to fulfill to get maximum sun exposure. It should be at an angle equal to the latitude of solar panel install location. If your roof slope has an angle of 15- 40 degrees, it can get enough sun exposure to produce electricity. Your contractor can also guide you on individual solar panel installation.
What slope orientation is best for solar panels?
You can get the idea about the orientation of the solar panel from your contractor according to the location of your country. You want the orientation of your solar panel in a direction so that direct sunlight falls on it. In the northern hemisphere (all U.S. locations), you should keep the orientation of solar panels towards the south.
How much shade your rooftop is getting?
Avoid installing solar panels if your rooftop gets shade from trees and other buildings and they completely cover your rooftop. In case you have trees nearby, you can trim them a bit so that sunlight reaches your solar panels.
Is your roof ready for installation?
There are certain questions that you should be asking before installing solar panels to ensure that your roof is ready for the installation process. You should see these things before installation.
- Mildew
- Leaks or stains in the attic or on walls damaging your flooring.
- Dirty-looking spots.
- Damaged rafters or trusses.
Getting to know the square footage of your roof:
Your building has to meet a minimum requirement of usable surface area to get solar panels installed. This is important in the installation process because this way solar panels get installed correctly and get good results. Most of the buildings have codes that a certain amount of space should be left on the rooftop to get fumes and smoke removed in case of fire. Also in case of fire, you have to make a way to exit through the rooftop. These factors are important to consider and your installer will see all these things and help them get sorted for the installation.
What material your rooftop is made of?
Solar panels can be installed on any kind of roof. Exceptions come in the case of flat roofs that are made of gravel and tar. Other than that, slate and Spanish tiles can be difficult to handle during the installation.
How old is your roof?
The age of your rooftop is extremely important because it can save you a lot of money in the future. If your asphalt shingles roof is 10 years old then you are good to go with the installation. Before the installation, get your roof inspected as it will save you from removing solar panels and reinstalling them in the future.
Is your roof decking and structure is in good condition?
Apart from all the other things, you should also see for your structure and decking of your roof. It will save you cost in the future and you won’t have to renovate it.
Conclusion:
We’ve talked in detail about the factors that you should consider before the installation of solar panels. Another important piece of advice is to discuss the condition, age, material, and other factors of your roof in detail with the installer to get the best results.
