Are you thinking about making the switch to solar but aren’t sure if your roof is the right fit for a panel system? While it’s always best to consult directly with a solar panel installer in your locality, below are a few factors to consider that should help you discover whether your roof is solar ready:
What your roof is made of can influence its solar readiness
While solar panels are able to be installed on a variety of roof types – with shingles and metal being some of the most common – it does become a little less straight forward with materials like wood or metal shingles.
If your roof has been constructed from a unique material, there’s a chance it might not be suitable for a roof-mounted system, but a ground-mounted system might be possible instead.
The age of your roof is important
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s probably a sensible (and cost-effective) idea to have it replaced before you have a solar panel system mounted on it.
Roofs don’t last forever, and if a roofing contractor has advised that your roof will need to be replaced within 5 – 10 years, it’s best to go ahead and have the roof replaced before a solar system is installed. However, most good solar installers will be able to remove and reinstall a solar system should a roof need to be replaced further down the line.
Is your roof structurally sound?
Your roof will need not only to be able to hold the weight of the solar panels, but of the installation crew while they carry out their work. Every installation needs to be made as safe as possible, and reputable solar companies will thoroughly check your roof’s structure before going ahead with an installation.
Vents and dormers may compromise a solar system’s effectiveness
If there are a lot of obstacles on your roof, such as vents and dormer windows, it might be tricky to fit a solar system that’s big enough to offset your energy requirements.
Shaded roofs may not get enough sunlight
For roofs that experience heavy shading, or which are shaded heavily at certain times of the day, a solar system may not be effective enough.
Solar panels ideally need to be installed on sunny, southern-facing roofs for the best results, and so if your roof is heavily shaded, a ground-mounted system might work better if feasible.
Does your roof have a warranty?
For commercial buildings, the roof may have a warranty that would be voided at the installation of a solar system, particularly those constructed from metal shingles. Check this before contacting a solar provider, and consider having a ground-mounted system installed as an alternative.
Is your roof flat?
A solar panel system can easily be installed on a flat roof, and is done so using weighted trays and angled mounts to secure the system, without piercing the roof at all.
If you’re not sure whether your roof is ready for solar panels, check the list of factors above and call a local solar installer if you’re still not sure, to schedule a free consultation.
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