According to insights from the SEIA, you’ll pay over 60% less for a solar panel installation than you would have ten years ago. Plus, you’ll save a ton on electricity bills once your solar system is up and running.
Does that sound like a great deal to you? Are you ready to look into installing solar panels right away?
Not so fast, you’ll need to figure out if your roof is up to the task first. Keep reading to find out how you can tell if your roof is solar-ready.
Installing Solar Panels on an Existing Roof
Unless you’re building a home from scratch, you must consider your roof’s age before you install solar. Solar panels have a lifespan of 20 years or more.
If you’re going to need a roof replacement before then, it’s best to do it now. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a solar company to remove and re-install them when you replace your roof.
The good news is that you can include the cost of replacing your roof at this time in your federal ITC claim. This incentive allows you to deduct 25% of your solar installation costs from your annual taxes in 2022.
Are you building a new home? In that case, you should avoid installing a wood or slate roof. These roofs aren’t an ideal match for solar panels.
Roof Pitch and Solar Panels
The ideal angle for solar panels is 30 degrees. That means a roof pitch of 7/12 is best to maximize their efficiency.
A steeper roof won’t hamper your solar panels much as long as it’s less than 40 degrees, but it can present safety issues during installation if the pitch is more than 40 degrees.
Flat roofs are no problem for solar generation either, but you’ll need to install brackets to angle the panels correctly. This will add to the cost of your solar installation.
Shape, Size, and Roof Orientation
Unless you opt for a ground-mounted installation, the size of your roof completely determines how much electricity you can generate. A roof that’s too small can’t accommodate enough solar panels to meet your needs.
The layout of your roof may also impact how many panels you can install since dormers, skylights, and chimneys take up space that your panels could occupy.
In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels work best when they face south, although your contractor can install a rack to correct the angle of your panels to compensate if they don’t.
Different types of solar panels suit these varying roof conditions. For instance, according to Blue Raven Solar, modern black-on-black monocrystalline solar panels are highly efficient regardless of your roof’s shortcomings.
Making the Most of Your Home
The best way to make informed decisions when installing solar panels is to work with a reputable solar professional.
These experts know how to install solar panels to suit any kind of roof, regardless of its location, size, and structure. They’ll ensure you get to enjoy all the benefits of solar panels at the best possible price.
Are you interested to discover more of the intricacies related to home improvements? Browse our website for the best tips and information.
Similar Posts:
- 5 Tips for Installing Solar Garden Lighting
- Bathroom Vent Soffit Vs. Roof: Things You Need To Know
- Do Ikea Install Kitchens? [pricing, Who Does It, Installation Time + More]
- Does Home Depot Cut Countertops? (all You Need To Know)
- The Importance of Transition To Clean Energy
- Does Lowe’s Install Dishwashers? (price, Types, How It Works + More)
- Does Walmart Install Car Stereos? (price, Types, Locations + More)
- Does Home Depot Install Appliances? (types Of Appliances, Cost, What’s Included, Who Provides The Service + More)
- Does Lowe’s Cut Blinds? (price, Types, Wait Time + More)
