Over the past few years, solar energy has become increasingly popular amongst homeowners. Not only are they a great way to protect the environment, but they can also reduce the price of your energy bills. And while there are many ways you can harness the power of the Sun; few are as effective as roof-mounted solar panels.
But before you even attempt to install solar panels, you’ll need to check if your roof is ready for them. Let’s see how you can do that!
Why Roofs Are Perfect for Solar Panels
More often than not, roofs are the go-to installation location for home solar panel systems. Why? Because placing solar panels on an unobstructed roof maximizes sun exposure and energy production for your home. In fact, the more sun exposure you provide to your solar panels, the more solar energy you will produce. Additionally, roof-mounted solar panels can be installed on different outbuildings such as a shed, barn, carport, and garage.
Is Your Roof Ready for Solar Panels?
Generally speaking, any home can accommodate solar panels. However, there are a few factors you need to consider before starting a solar project. From its age to its condition, your roof needs to meet the following requirements in order to be suitable for solar panels.
Age
As a rule of thumb, an asphalt shingle roof should be 10 years old or less to be ready for solar panels. If your roof is older, you’ll have to get it checked by a local contractor to see if it’s in good enough condition. As a matter of fact, repairing or replacing your roof before a solar installation can help you avoid having to reinstall the panels later down the road.
Size
When it comes to solar panels, your roof’s size matters. More specifically, it needs to meet a minimum requirement of usable surface to handle a solar installation. And while that minimum surface varies depending on the project itself, your roof needs to have enough open space for access and ventilation.
Materials
It’s important to understand that not every type of roof can qualify for solar panels. For instance, flat roofs made of tar are not good candidates for solar panel installation. In contrast, durable and strong roofing materials, like asphalt roof shingles, can easily support solar panels.
Condition
Checking your roof and attic for potential issues such as leaks is essential when preparing for solar installation. By doing so, you will be able to find and fix any problem that might require you to take down your solar panels a couple of years after installation. Furthermore, your roof’s overall structure also needs to be in good condition before installing solar panels.
Final Thoughts
All in all, it’s always a great idea to get your roof checked by a roofing contractor before you start a solar project. And while searching for a suitable contractor can be quite hard, you can always count on Tadlock Roofing! Not only are we able to check your roof, but we can also repair any issues that we might come across. And best of all, we do all that at some of the most affordable prices in the area!
So why waste money by having to reinstall solar panels down the line when you can request an inspection today?