Solar panels mounted on top of your roof are a great way of harnessing the power of the sun to save energy costs. Your roof is an ideal place for placing solar panels because they normally are a great place to receive exposure to the sun. It is also good for maximizing solar energy production for your house. These solar panels installed on rooftops can generate power even on cloudy days. High-efficiency solar panels can capture both direct and indirect sunlight for your home. When you consider installing solar panels on your roof, one of the first queries from your consultant will be about the condition and age of your roof. If it needs replacement or repair you will have to get it done before installing solar panels.
Factors governing the installation of solar panels
Any roofing on top of a residence will need to be evaluated taking into account many factors for deciding the fitment suitability of solar panels. Some of the important factors are,
1. Type of material used for shingles: Different kinds of roofing shingles are suitable for the fitting of solar panels on top. One of the good choices is asphalt-shingled roofing if it is in good shape and has a sufficient available area for use. Metal and tile roofing can also be used for solar panels. However, all kinds of roofs are not suitable for solar panels. For instance, flat roofs made from gravel and tar will not be suitable for the installation of solar panels.
2. Style or design of roof most suitable for solar panels: Although solar panels can be fitted over almost all kinds of roofs, there are a few exceptions. Roofs over your garage, home, shed, or barn are all potential candidates for solar panels mounted on the roofs. Your roof can be hip, gambrel, gable, or a combination kind of structure, the solar installer can find out ways of mounting solar panels. Solar arrays can be split into several sections by the solar installers or engineers to follow rooflines and work around roofing obstructions such as box vents, skylights, and pipe boots.
3. Roof slope: For maximizing exposure to the sun, all roof-mounted residential solar systems need to be slanted at an angle equal to the latitude of the place where they are installed. However, in reality, this may not always be possible. Any roof slope with angles in a region of 15 to 40 degrees will be enough for all solar-powered systems. Some individual solar panels may be suitably adjusted to get an optimal angle for maximizing their exposure to the sun. Your solar panel roofing contractor can help you in deciding whether the roof slope is ideal for the installation of solar panels.
4. Roof slope orientation: There is another significant factor that has an impact on power generation from solar panels. It is the orientation or direction of the roof slope where panels are to be installed. For U.S. residences, the general idea should be for the solar panels to face south. This is because roofing that faces south is more likely to get full sunlight during the day.
5. Roof size: Square footage of your roof matters a great deal when you are planning to install solar panels. Your house roofing has to meet a certain minimum usable surface area criteria for getting solar panels installed. This minimum usable area allows the correct installation of solar panels on the roof. This will also mean that you are close to achieving your goals and you are in compliance with the necessary building codes. Almost all codes will ask you to have open roof area pathways for ventilation and access. Fumes, smoke, and heat generated in case of a fire must be cleared. Your solar panel roofing company will address these concerns during project execution.
6. Age of your roof: A general guideline for an asphalt shingled roof is that the roof must be ten years old or less. It also needs to be in good condition before you can start the installation of solar panels. In case your roofing is more than ten years old, it is a good idea to have it inspected to ensure that it is in good condition for the installation of solar panels. Replacing or repairing the roof before getting solar panels installed will ensure that you avoid having solar arrays removed and reinstalled.
You should get in touch with a roofing contractor to verify the condition of your roof. Check it for possible signs of damage. If you live in Trinity, FL, and Pasco County area get in touch with Done Rite Roofing Inc. Trinity for advice. You may have damaged shingles or other components such as vents, underlayment, and flashing that need to be replaced.
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