Do They Offer Solar Panel Warranties
In addition to choosing a reputable solar roofing team, youll want to make sure they include both manufacturer and workmanship warranties on your new solar roof.
Depending on the manufacturer they use for the solar panels, you could get a great, long-standing warranty or something that wont uphold your panels for their lifespan. A good contractor will always include a workmanship warranty that covers any issues due to poor installation or faulty workmanship.
Choose A Solar Company That Does Both
It doesnt have to be a nightmare to find a roofing company or a solar contractor. At Solar Bear Orlando, we offer both solar installations and roof repairs/replacements so you can get everything done by one contractor that you trust.
Combining a roof replacement with a solar installation allows our team to be as efficient as possible, and we are happy to pass those savings back to you, our customer!
Your search for a trustworthy solar and roofing contractor is over! Call our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a roof and solar installation quote today !
Considerations Of Installing Solar Panels For Your Roof
Get the facts from trusted roofing companies. After researching Google on the issues, you will find that there are a lot of facts out there put forth by the individual solar panel companies that just arent true. One for instance is that solar panels traditionally put holes in your roof, which leads to leakage and moisture. This was found to be false and put out there by a solar panel company that installs panels by adhesives.
This info can easily confuse any conflicted homeowner. Roofing companies typically dont install or sell solar panels, but work on roofs that have had them installed and can tell you the facts from their experiences. Have questions? The Avsten Construction roofing team are happy to help!
The solar panels must come down for roof work. Anytime you have your roof repaired or replaced, the solar panels must be uninstalled then installed again afterward. Outages during the process are inevitable. The removal will also slow the process of roof work, as the uninstall could take a whole day. You will probably also be working with two different companies, as roofers dont often install or uninstall solar panels.
If you are considering getting solar panels installed, have your roof repaired/replaced before. Consult your trusted roofing company about the install. Ask them what they suggest and advise.
If panels arent your thing, there are also solar shingles! Ask Avsten today about solar shingle options!
Bottom Line
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A Healthy Roof Is A Solar Panel
Not every roof is a fit for solar panels. Certified solar panel companies will only install panels on roofs rated good, better, or best. The ideal roofs for solar panels will have no structural damage and be able to bear the added weight of the solar panels. Other considerations that are taken into account when determining the health of a roof include the following:
- Height of the building
- The structures seismic and wind loads
- Roofs age
- Load-carrying capacity of the roofs frame
Do Solar Panels Damage The Roof
If your installation is done correctly, solar panels wont cause any damage to your roof. Although there will be holes drilled into your roof for the attachment, these holes are carefully covered up by moisture-resistant material to ensure that neither the exterior nor the infrastructure of your roof will be damaged.
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What About The Weight Of The Panels
A common concern homeowners have about solar installation is the weight of the panels and racking. It is extremely rare for solar-panel weight to compromise your roofs structural integrity. In almost all cases roofs are more than capable of handling up to 30 solar panels. In addition, the panels are installed at an angle so if you happen to live somewhere with plenty of snow that would not be Las Vegas they are designed to allow the snow to easily slide off.
Another option for homeowners concerned about installing traditional solar panels is to consider solar roof tiles, also called solar shingles. These generate electricity through the shingles themselves, but are more costly and less efficient than solar panels. You could also consider installing a ground mount system or participate in a community solar plan.
How Do Solar Panels Keep Buildings Cool
Solar panels keep your building cool by providing a physical cover and reducing the heat energy absorbed by your roof. People think solar panels generate heat when converting sunlight into electricity. However, this is not the case. In fact, the solar panels absorb heat that would be otherwise passed on to your roof.
But how do solar panels cool your roof by absorbing heat? you may be wondering.
Another way to look at this is by thinking about shading. On a hot day, the coolest spot is in the shade. Solar panels provide a 24/7 shade covering on the top of your building, reducing the overall surface temperature of the roof.
Much of the heat absorbed by the panels are removed by what is known as a convection current. The convection current is the movement of air in the space between the panels and roof. The heat in the solar panels and roof materials is minimised as air travels between the two, reducing the overall temperature of the roof and further cooling the building. Depending on the roofs architecture, you may even have tilted solar panels. Tilted arrays have a larger space between the panels and exterior of the roofing than other solar array types. This creates a more extensive channel in which air can travel between the panels and roof, further increasing cooling.
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What Effects Do Solar Panels Have On A Roof
Solar panels typically do not affect roofs. It is quite the opposite. Solar panels have a positive effect on roofs and the house itself. Researches claim that it is rare to find a roof ruined by solar panels. A case of a roof ruined by solar panels only occurs due to poor installation. This article gives information regarding the effects of solar panels on roofs.
Next Steps To Reach Your #solargoals
If you need to replace or repair your roof before getting solar panels installed, find an independent contractor in the Owens Corning Contractor Network near you.
Once your roof is in good condition, you can explore the best solar panel options for your home knowing that your roof is ready. SunPower® can help you create a solar plan thats best for your home based on its energy needs, location, roof size, and slope to help you reach your solar goals.
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Condition Of The Roof
Another key factor to consider is the current condition of your roof. Solar panels and typical asphalt shingles both usually last up to 25 years, so if you have an older roof, you might want to consider a whole replacement. Solar panels also add more weight to your roof, which could cause costly roof repairs if your roof isnât up to date.
Do Solar Panels Increase Surrounding Temperature
In general, solar panels will reflect heat produced by the sun. This can sometimes cause the surrounding temperature to rise, but usually only by a few degrees and only within a short distance of the solar panels.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening though:
- First, make sure there is plenty of ventilation around your solar panels.
- Second, try to install them in an area that doesnt get a lot of direct sunlight.
However, if there isnt enough ventilation around the panels or if they are installed in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, they may become hot to the touch.
When more of that energy gets absorbed than usual temperatures start to spike, and thats always been a big concern of those thinking about going solarespecially since this technology is designed to absorb as much energy from the sun as possible!
Luckily, solar panel tech does not increase surrounding temperatures thanks to the way that this technology absorbs, funnels, and transfers the power that it captures.
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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.
Do Solar Panels Protect My Roof
If you follow the manufacturer guidelines and hire professionals for the installation, solar panels can actually protect the roof, as solar panels can provide shade to your roof from the suns strong rays.
The panels absorb heat directly while keeping the roof in the shadow. The solar cells act as a shade tree, reducing the temperature within the house by up to 35percentage points and also safeguarding the roof safe against falling debris.
Additionally, solar panels can also help protect your roof from heavy rain and snowfall, which cause severe damage to the flat surface of your roof over time, which will make your roof last longer.
The sun emits intense rays which vary depending on the location and weather conditions. In countries like Australia, the powerful beams from the sun can negatively affect your houses rooftop.
Solar panels absorb the sunlight on their top surface, and keep the roof in the shade, lowering the temperature of the structure, adding further benefits of the system during summer.
How long does an average roof last?
Roofs produced of slate, copper, or tile could last for over 50 years. Timber shake rooftops should last about 30 years, while fibre-cement shingles should last about three decades, and asphalt slate rooftops can last approximately twenty years.
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Is Your Roof In Good Condition
During a roof inspection, a roofing contractor will check your roof and attic for potential signs of damage, such as leaks, as well as for proper ventilation. In addition to damaged shingles, other roofing components may also need to be replaced. Its always best to repair or replace these items before solar installation begins.
Why Your Roofs Age Matters
Just because you dont notice any damage at first glance at your roof, it doesnt mean that your roof is ready for a solar panel installation. The age of your roof can play a big role here too.
The lifespan of a roof depends on multiple factors including what it is made from, the climate and environment, and how well it has been maintained.
Many Florida roofs use clay tiles which have a long lifespan of almost 50 years. Shingled roofs often last for 15-20 years. If you live in a harsh climate your roof may have a shorter lifespan.
Why does this matter? Well, as the components of your roof age and wear out, they become vulnerable to cracking, holes, and leaking. An old roof will not be able to carry the added weight of heavy solar panels and might not hold up well when installing racking for your system.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is wise to replace it before installing solar panels.
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Can You Really Diy
Solar panel installation is best left to the professionals. Period. There are many things that could potentially go wrong if you arent properly trained in the installation process. Examples include:
Wiring Problems: This is a job that requires you to work with electrical elements. If setup incorrectly, you can generate electricity shocks that are harmful to you and everyone around you. Always consult an electrician for any electric work.
Leaky Roof: Installing solar panels require you to create holes in the roof. If these holes are not created or sealed properly, you will damage your roof and cause leaks.
Safety Standards and Code Compliance: Many solar panel warranties require installation by a licensed professional. If you install that equipment yourself, those warranties become void. If there is any damage caused during installation, or if there is problem with the way the panels were manufactured, you will not receive any compensation.
In addition, building permits and other related rules and regulations are difficult to follow if you are not familiar with them. All paperwork must be completed correctly because the project can be rejected.
How Are Solar Panels Attached To Roof
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Ever wondered how are solar panels attached to roof? Solar panel installation is a tough job. They have to be lifted onto the roof, attached securely and connected with each other. The entire work is done by specialized technicians who are highly skilled in handling this type of work.
There are a lot of variables and that have to be considered before and during installation. The roof structure and insulation has to be checked to ensure that it can bear the load and in which direction and angle the panels are to be installed. The rafters have to be checked for strength and the roof has to be replaced if it is found not strong enough.
Securing them and the wiring itself involves a good degree of skill and knowledge and the cables that conduct power must be connected properly to the rest of the system after installation is complete. The type of roof may not be ideal for solar panels as well. It has to have a pitched structure so water doesnt collect on it and this should provide easy access for ventilation as well as maintenance work.
However, in this article we will look at the methods of installation of solar panels and discuss the steps involved in a general sense.
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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.
Damaged Roof From Installation
Installing solar panel systems on your roof can possibly damage if you dont work with licensed and experienced solar installation teams. If a contractor damages your home, your homeowners insurance may not cover this damage, leaving you to pay out of pocket for the repairs.
The only way to know if your damages are covered is to reach out to your insurer. Theyll let you know if this particular damage is a covered peril. However, if you choose to partner with a reputable installation team, they will ensure that there is no damage to your roof during the installation process.
Make sure to look at reviews before settling with a contractor. This will give you an idea of what customers did and did not like about their services. You should also ask your contractor to show you their licenses and proof of insurance before performing any job. This will give you backup for coverage if your homeowners insurance refuses to cover damage from a contractors solar installation.
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How Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof
The biggest concern homeowners have about rooftop solar panels is the potential damage they can cause to their roofs. Improperly installed solar panels can increase the risk of water leaks and fire as well as weaken the roofs structure and ability to withstand the elements and bear proper weight. When a roof is damaged or compromised by solar panels, its warranty can be voided.
The most common, efficient, and affordable solar panel installation process involves drilling holes into the roof to secure the roof mount which will secure the solar panels to the roof. Licensed professional solar panel installers will know how to properly drill and fill these holes and take all the necessary precautions to avoid damaging the roof during the installation process. If damage does occur, it is often the result of a prior roof issue that hadnt been fixed.
While the risk of roof damage from solar panel installation is low, improperly drilled or filled holes can cause water to leak into the hole. The additional weight of the solar panels can also put added stress and weaken an already compromised or damaged roof.
