Roof-mounted solar panels are ideal for harnessing the power of the sun to save money on your energy bills. Roofs are the best place to put them because they bear the brunt of the UV rays on sunny days. Getting maximum sun exposure is key, which is why your roofer should be consulted on the best positioning of the panels.
The more sun exposure the solar panels receive, the more energy they produce to help you become more and more independent from the grid. You can install roof-mounted solar panels on virtually any building, from homes and barns to sheds, garages and carports.
Considerations
There are some bits of information you should gather before consulting with a solar panel expert or roofer. First, you will need to know the age and condition of your roof. If it turns out you need to replace your roof because it’s nearing the end of its useful lifespan, you will first have to address that before even thinking of putting solar panels on.
Have your trusted roofer come out to the property to assess the situation and give you a quote on a new roofing system.
Other things to consider include:
- Type of roofing system you have or want, such as asphalt shingles, metal, tile, rubber, etc.
- Type of roof, such as gambrel, gable, flat, etc.
- Slope of the roof
- Which direction it faces
- How much sun that portion of the roof gets in a given day
- Overall condition of the roof
What Materials are Best for Solar Panels?
Many roofing materials are conducive to solar panels, but asphalt shingle roofs are the wisest choice if in decent condition and if they can provide an adequate usable surface area.
Similarly, many roof styles are conducive to the addition of solar panels. You may have a gambrel roof or contemporary flat roof; panels can be mounted onto all kinds of roof styles for optimal energy absorption.
Solar panel installers will divide up solar arrays into several sections to follow rooflines and accommodate accessories such as pipe boots, chimneys, skylights, vents and more.
In terms of roof slope, solar panels should be mounted at an angle that will maximize sun exposure. Usually, a slope of between 15 and 40 degrees is sufficient. As far as orientation, it’s best for the panels to face south to receive the most sunlight.
How to Get Your Roof Solar Panel-Ready
If your roof has any issues, now’s the time to get them fixed. Once you put on solar panels, it will be very difficult to address leaks or other serious issues without removing the panels, which is an arduous and costly challenge.
Schedule a roof inspection so your roofers can check your roof and attic for signs of damage and proper ventilation. There could include damaged or missing shingles, or damage to anything from the underlayment to vents to flashing. Have these repaired or replaced prior to the solar panel installation.
Contact Ferris Roofing
If you have solar panels already and want to replace the roof, or you want to replace the roof and add solar panels right afterwards, contact us today at 817-440-3767.