You should check your roof before installing solar panels. Whether residential or commercial, most solar panel installations involve roof mounting. The solar panels are mounted on the roof of a home or building where they are able to capture and convert sunlight into electricity.
When compared to ground mounting, roof mounting offers several advantages. It conserves space, improves efficiency and protects the solar panels from fallen tree limbs and debris. If you’re thinking about investing a roof-mounted solar panel installation, though, you should check your roof beforehand.
Roof Angle
The angle of your roof may affect the performance of the solar panels. Solar panels typically work best at a 30- to 40-degree angle. When installed at the appropriate angle, they’ll receive more sunlight while subsequently generating more electricity.
Your roof may already feature a 30- to 40-degree angle, in which case you won’t have to take additional steps when installing solar panels. If your roof is flat or features a different angle, however, you’ll need to use adjustable mounts. Adjustable mounts will allow you to adjust the angle of the solar panels on your roof.
Roof Material
You should consider the material from which your roof is made when planning a roof-mounted solar panel installation. Some roofs feature asphalt shingles. Other roofs feature composite shingles, slate or metal.
Some roof materials are better suited for solar panels than others. Asphalt shingles and metal, for instance, are ideal for solar panel installations. But the good news is that most roof materials support solar panels; they just require different mounting methods.
Roof Age
How old is your roof? You should consider the age of your roof when planning a roof-mounted solar panel installation. Most residential roofs have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. By the end of two decades, they will need to be repaired or replaced.
If your roof is older than 20 years, you may want to postpone the solar panel installation. Instead, get your roof professionally inspected to determine whether it needs repairing or replacing. Installing solar panels on an old, damaged roof isn’t recommended. Even if you’re able to install the solar panels, you’ll still have to get the roof repaired or replaced.
Most roofs can accommodate solar panels, but you should still check your roof before making the switch to solar power. You should consider the angle of your roof, the material from which it’s made and the age of your roof.
