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In the United States, more and more people are beginning to invest in solar power systems. They are equipping their roofs with solar panels, and why not? Solar power technology has seen incredible advances in recent years, many of which have helped reduce the cost of the equipment involved.
Installing solar panels on your roof is also a wonderful way to generate electricity for your home and business, as well as for the grid, without increasing your impact on the environment.
However, there are a lot of things you need to be aware of before you jump in and start the installation process. Understanding the different factors involved in a project like this is very important; It’s also a good idea to take a look at common myths about solar panels.
- Is it time to fix your roof?Ask yourself, “How old is my roof?” before you even contemplate installing solar panels. If you know you’ll need a new roof soon or that a portion of your roof is damaged, installing solar panels is probably not the best idea.If you can, take care of roof repairs before installation. That way, you won’t have to pay extra to dismantle the work and then reassemble it.
2. What is the shape of your roof?
Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Before proceeding with any installation, make sure your roof has enough space for the solar panels. If there isn’t enough space, you probably won’t get the return on your investment that you expect.
3. Which direction do the slopes of your roof face?
Solar panels require a specific placement to generate the maximum amount of power. Most professionals say that it is best to have the panels facing south, while others say facing west. However, it is important that you determine this information before the installation begins.
4. How much weight can your roof support?
Solar panels will add weight to your roof structure. If the weight of these solar panels is too much for your roof to handle, there’s a chance it could topple over.
This is highly risky for a variety of reasons, not to mention costly. To avoid both situations, it is essential to have your roof professionally evaluated to determine if additional support is required to complete the installation.
5. Where will the water go?
When it rains, the water runs off the roof, into the gutters, and out and away from your house. By installing solar panels, equipment such as racking and wire harnesses can prevent water from flowing and draining properly.
In some cases, solar appliances can move water in a different direction, which can lead to leaks and other problems. These issues will need repair, which means the solar panels will need to be removed.
To avoid all of these problems, be sure to let your contractor know about these concerns. They will be able to present you with a plan to show that the installation will not affect water runoff in any way.
6. What about the other surprises of nature?
Part of maintaining your solar power system is dealing with severe weather like thunderstorms, hurricanes, hail, and more. There is a possibility that some solar power equipment could be damaged during these events.
While some insurance will cover this type of event, it is something to consider, especially if you live in an area where this type of weather occurs frequently.
7. How do you connect to the network?
In addition to the structure and shape of your roof, you should also consider how you are going to connect your solar power system to the grid. When connecting with a local utility company, there are many things to determine.
8. Did you do your research?
Before signing any agreement with a contractor, make sure you have done your research. Choosing the first contractor you come across might seem like a quick and easy way to start saving money sooner rather than later.
However, this is not necessarily true! If you’re serious about installing solar panels on your roof, shop around and get different quotes from different contractors.
9. Did you choose the cheapest options?
Solar panels that are inexpensive are rarely better solar panels. While the price of the technology has come down significantly over the past decade, investing in the cheapest models or brands of solar panels can leave you in the dark.
Cheaper or lower-end solar panels are often made in a way that makes them less durable. When solar panels are less durable, the value of your investment decreases, as well as potential future savings. The scary part is that these lesser quality panels can sometimes be dangerous, creating safety risks.
10. What about the guarantees?
Warranties are an important part of ensuring that your solar panels and other connected equipment are protected. If something happens to your solar panels, having a warranty helps you hold the manufacturer accountable, at no additional cost to you.
11. Do you have adequate insurance?
Having adequate insurance to cover yourself and any damage to your home during installation is something you absolutely must consider. Many problems can arise during the installation of your solar panels that you may not even think about until it happens.
Also, before work can begin, many building codes, legal regulations, and certifications require insurance.
12. Can you really do it yourself?
Solar panel installation is best left to professionals. There are many things that could go wrong if you are not properly trained in the installation process.
13. Don’t forget about maintenance.
It’s all about implementing adequate maintenance practices to keep your solar panels operational and your roof in good shape.
It’s a good idea to find out from your contractor what those maintenance procedures are before installation begins. If you can’t meet those maintenance requirements, chances are your equipment won’t last as long as you’d like.
14.Roof Replacement with Solar Panel
A solar panel system will last you 30 to 35 years. Many homeowners are anxious about the impact solar panel systems will have on their roofs because of their extended lifespan.
Before installing solar panels, consider evaluating your roof to make sure it can withstand installation, especially if the roof is near the end of its useful life. If your roof is five to 10 years old and in need of replacement, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated by an expert.
In any case it is also possible to undertake roof replacements after installing solar panels. For this you need experienced professionals.
15.Is it still worth going solar if I need to re-roof?
Over the course of its lifetime, a typical solar panel system will save you a huge amount of money. While the costs of re-roofing can be high, the savings from going solar should make up for it in the long run.
Moreover, there’s no better time to consider going solar if you were planning on re-roofing anyway.
Perhaps now you are convinced that solar energy is the right option for you? Considering working with a professional roofing company? At Deandre Roofing we can provide you with all the help you need. Visit Deandre Roofing website for more information.
