Solar Panels And Roof Damage
Many property owners worry about damaging their roof when installing a solar panel system. These installations will typically last around 30 to 35 years, so its important to make sure installing panels doesnt cause harm to your roof. Fortunately, roof damage as a result of a solar panel installation is extremely rare because installers take precautionary steps while installing panels to prevent leaks and other damage from occurring.
If You Have A Roof That Is Not Old But Not New Either And You Want To Go Solar
Lets say that your roof will resist for another 5 to 10 years, you should go solar now or wait until you replace the roof?
Well, if you wait another 5 to 10 years, the 26% tax credit will no longer be here, so you will miss the opportunity to make your roof using the tax credit.
In 5 to 10 years from now on, solar will become 10 to 20% cheaper, but you forget the fact that the price paid on your monthly electricity bill increases every year .
How much money you can save in the next 5 to 10 years if you install solar this year?
You can still use the tax credit to do the roof and install solar, so why to wait another decade just because you have to pay about $10,000 to do the roof in 2030.
If you decide not to install solar due to the roof, you will lose much more money in a period of 5 to 10 years than the price paid to do the roof.
How do you see yourself in 2030?
Without solar and without the tax credit, but with high electricity bills and with a roof that needs to be replaced?
Or you go solar this year , and by 2030 you pay off the PV system, and all the energy produced after that is only yours for at least another two decades.
Things You Should Know Before Putting Solar Panels On Your Roof
Save yourself from making an expensive mistake!
There are more than just a few things you should know before putting solar panels on your roof. Putting solar panels on your roof isnt too complex of a task, but there is a fairly small margin for error which can result in some very expensive repairs. This is why professionals are required to install solar panels to your home correctly.
Lets break down what you need to know before deciding on whether or not to put solar panels on your roof.
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How Do The Mounts Attach To My Roof
The mounts we use are the best in the business. We use Roof Tech mounts, here is a link to learn more: .In short, the mounts we use are just like adding a new shingle to the roof. They have their own underlayment that provides added leak protection. They also have a 25-year warranty so if you ever have an issue all repairs are covered.
For Proper Solar Panel Installation Ideally Solar Panels Should Go On A Roof Top That Faces The Direction That The Sun Comes Up From
Lay out the installation materials you need. The average cost to replace a roof is about $10,000, depending on the size of the roof and other factors, and it will last anywhere from 20 to 50 years depending on the materials used. These steps dont affect your roof, so you shouldnt have any concerns.
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Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs are great for installing solar. Not only are they incredibly long-lasting and durable, but theres no need to make any penetrations in the roof when installing the roof mounts.
Hows it done? A U-clamp is attached to the raised seam, and the solar panel racking is then attached securely to the clamp.
What Are Solar Panel Roof Tiles
Solar roof tiles are small solar PV panels which are designed to look like traditional roof tiles. If youre replacing your roof these tiles can be fitted alongside standard tiles to generate solar electricity for your home.
Solar roof tiles are often referred to as solar shingles or sometimes as solar slates. Solar tiles are more widely available in the US at the moment but they are becoming more and more of a popular choice in new builds in the UK, or they can be installed as part of a complete roof replacement.
A solar tile roof is viewed by many as a more attractive alternative to traditional solar panels as these can protrude out and often dont match the colour of the roof. However, they are not suitable for all roof types and there are pros and cons to consider before making an investment.
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Tips For Installing Solar Panels On Tile Roofs At Residences
Today, a lot of homes in California, are installing solar panels on their roofs to save on their energy/utility bills. This is to make their homes energy-efficient, without having to depend on the power grid. This is how they are able to save almost 90-95% on their energy bills, by producing their own electricity at home. So, if you have a tile roof, is it possible to install solar panels on it? Yes, this is what we at Dan Roofing say and promise to our clients, as it can be done quite easily and effortlessly. Lets understand how its done and the important tips for mounting solar panels on roofs that are made of concrete or clay baked tiles.
How Are Solar Panels Installed On A Roof
We often talk about inverters and panels but there is another crucial part of PV systems: the mounting system. Mounting systems are the modules that fix the solar panels onto the roof. Most roof mounting systems consist of brackets to fix the rails to the roof and clamps to attach the panels to the racking system. The weight of the whole installation is spread across the covered area.
Solar panels can be installed on many roof types but the technic is slightly different from a type of roof to another.
Tile roof
To install panels onto a tile roof, a few tiles are removed to screw the brackets. The tiles are then re-installed where they were. The rails are then mounted on the brackets. Depending on the size of the roof and the system the rails will be joined with rail joiners. A clear space is allowed between the roof and the panels for the air circulation to cool down the panels in hot weather.
Tin Roof
Left: metal roof bracket. Right: tiles roof bracket. Source: Clenergy
The process is the same to install solar panels on metal roofs and can be slightly easier. The brackets are different, in an L shape that matches the shape of the roof. They dont require drilling into the roof structure and use the existing roof screws. Australian Standards require that the existing roof screws are replaced with the next larger screw in diameter. All screws and brackets are properly sealed after the installation to avoid any leak.
Flat roof
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Basic Steps To Install The Solar Panel
The process of installing solar panels isn’t too difficult, but you will need to add some hardware to your roof to hold the modules in place. On the same subject : DOE gives funding to advance solar tech. Here is an overview of the process:
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!
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Similar Price To A Normal Roof With A Solar Panel Addition
One of the main advantages of a solar roof or using solar panels as roof is that you dont need to have two elements, a roof and the solar panels, but you can just have one. At the point of writing, the solar roofs are already equal or even cheaper than having solar panels on a roof and one can expect that the trend will continue so that it will be a no-brainer to use solar roofs always.
You can find these comparisons all over the internet. You can read two here and here, where Teslas solar roof is compared with traditional roofs.
Solar Shingles Or Tiles Generating Energy While Keeping A Traditional Look
Solar shingle is one of the most interesting options out there. Basically, these are solar panels that are almost indistinguishable from regular roof tiles that we use. They use the same sizes and the same type of layout as a normal traditional roof.
These alternative is great for people looking to keep a traditional look in their house while still becoming sustainable by using renewable energy through solar power.
One of the best options out there is the Solar Roof from Tesla. This option looks great and comes from a manufacturer that is differentiating itself thanks to continuous innovation.
According to Tesla, using their solar roof is currently the same price as adding solar panels on top of a traditional roof.
You can find a bit more about the product in the video below.
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Have You Installed Solar Panels Yet
Did you know that solar panels can help lower, and possibly even eliminate, your heating and cooling costs and reliance on the main power grid? If installed correctly by professionals, solar panels wont damage your roof. Contact a local solar installation expert to get an estimate of how much money you could save on your energy bill with solar power.
If you havent installed solar panels yet, Peak to Peak Roofing & Exteriors will match you with trusted solar installers in your area who can inspect your roof, answer your solar questions, and provide free quotes for your project! Contact them today for more information about going solar on your property.
Shape And Size Of Roof
The shape and size of your roof can also affect its compatibility for solar panels. The average residential solar system in the U.S. is 5 kilowatts, which requires at least 300 feet of surface area on your roof. The best shape and size for solar panels is a large, square roof because it makes for a simple installation. A straight measurement of the size of your roof wont tell you everything you need to know, since anything that interrupts your roofs surface, including dormers, chimneys and other features, can affect your available space.
Since roofs can come in near infinite configurations of shape and size, you should consult a contractor who can take a look at your roof and give you some feedback on whether solar panels would fit well and how much of your roof surface can be equipped with panels.
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Can Lousy Weather Damage Your Solar Panels
You dont have to worry about harsh weather damaging your solar panels or ripping them off your roof. Manufacturers make solar systems in such a way they can withstand even the strongest winds.
Solar panels can handle winds up to 120 mph.
To get the most out of your panels, buy your panels from a reputable firm. The advantage of going for such a company is that they give you quality and warranty to back that up.
Most solar panels have a warranty of up to 25 years.
How To Mount A Solar Panel In 7 Steps
Solar panels are quite possibly the future of home-energy production. Solar panels are somewhat costly to buy, but once you’ve purchased the panels and installed them, the money you will save in the long run will become exponentially greater as energy prices increase.
Perhaps you’ve purchased your first solar panel, and you don’t want to pay a pricey contractor to install it for you. You’re a handyperson, capable with a tool belt, well-versed with the hammer, nail, screwdriver and drill. This project might just be for you.
Before you go off putting up solar panels willy-nilly, make sure to check with your local zoning board. Some communities aren’t comfortable with solar panels and others require special permits. Take care of that legalese before you install solar panels.
Learn to mount our own solar panel in 7 steps.
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Solar Doesnt Always Involve Holes In Your Roof
If youre still concerned about having holes in your roof to mount your solar panels, there are some less common ways to still benefit from rooftop solar energy. One popular option is to install solar roof tiles or solar shingles, which integrate the electricity-generating capacity of photovoltaics right into your roof shingles and eliminate the need for mounting traditional panels. While this option has many aesthetic benefits, costs are still high and the technology isnt as efficient as traditional panels.
If you have a flat roof, you wont need to put holes in it to install solar. Installations on flat roofs commonly use ballast mounting systems. With this type of system, the mounts are weighted down sufficiently to ensure the system remains secured to the roof. Another option to avoid solar on your roof entirely is to install a ground mount, or join a community solar plan and receive solar energy from an offsite location.
How Much Does Solar Panel Removal Cost If You Need To Replace Your Roof
If you run into a roofing issue, and need to replace the roof post-installation, there will be labor costs associated with taking the panels off your roof and putting them back on.
Unfortunately, its hard to give specifics on the costs associated with this labor, as it can vary greatly. Installers will have different rates for their labor, and the cost can also vary based on the size of the system, how many panels will need to be removed, and whether you need a place to store the equipment.
If mounting hardware also needs to be removed in order to replace your roof, this will add onto the cost. On average, residential installations tend to cost somewhere between $1,500 to $6,000 to remove and reinstall.
For this type of work, its common to return to your original solar installer for the labor theyll be most familiar with the ins and outs of your particular system installation. Regardless, if youd prefer to not use that installer, there are many solar companies that provide operations and maintenance services for installations that arent their own.
If re-roofing post-installation is a concern for you, its always good to ask your potential installer how often they do this type of work, and the typical cost associated with it. Some companies will actually specify a price for this in your initial contract, and it never hurts to request this from your company prior to installation.
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Solar Panels Ground Mounted
If installing solar panels on your roof is not an option, consider mounting them on the ground. If you have an open space, solar panels that are ground mounted might be your best option. The benefits of having solar panels ground mounted are that they can face any direction and they are easier to install. They are not constrained by the makeup of your roof!
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For A Flat Roof
The number of panels you need in your solar power system has nothing to do with the pitch of the roof. Instead, youll need to:
Figure the number of kilowatt-hours your home requires.
Calculate how many kilowatt-hours you can expect a solar panel to generate in your area of the country.
Do the math.
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Your Solar Roof Might Look A Bit Outdated In A Few Years
As we just mentioned, the solar roof market has not yet reached a maturity point. Therefore solar roofs will most likely develop a lot in the next years. Just remember when printers first came to the market. The pace of the change in the first years was extremely high and they became outdated very fast. Now, it does not happen at all. Because the market has reached its maturity, the speed of change is much lower, so printers are up to date for longer.
The same is likely to happen with solar roofs. In the next few years, a lot of advancements will happen and roofs will improve really fast until the market reaches maturity. So, if you install your roof now, it might feel a bit outdated in a few years.
