Solar panels have been taking the world by storm!
For one thing, it’s one of the most accessible options to make your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly. It’s also a great long-term investment and there are tons of incentives that you can avail once you’ve gone solar.
And let’s not forget, it’ll save you a lot of money because your solar panels will be harnessing energy from the sun, making you less dependent on electricity from the grid.
With all these in mind, one big question remains – and that is if your roof is ready for solar panels.
Here’s a quick guide to help you examine if solar panels are right for your home.
1. What type of material is your roof?
The material of your roof is significant because this sets a precedent on whether you can have solar panels installed or not.
The following roofing materials that we install on are:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal (Standing Seam and Corrugated)
On the other hand, roofs composed of slate or terracotta tile may have some issues since it’ll be more difficult to install solar panels because they can easily be damaged.
2. Will solar work with your roof pitch, available space, and orientation?
The best angle to capture as much sun as it can is a south-facing roof. If it’s not, it will have less impact on your monthly electric bill.
Another thing to remember is that space is crucial for solar panel installation. Once your home is assessed on the number of panels that it needs based on your electrical consumption, the next thing that a solar panel contractor will do is check if it’ll fit on your roof.
In addition, we have to follow current building codes to know what the limitations are to ensure that it’s safe when placed on top of your home.
As for the pitch of the roof, so long as your roof isn’t too steep, there’d be no problem.
3. What’s the current condition of your roof?
If your roof is more than 10 years and you haven’t had it inspected in a while, best to have them checked first. Once solar panels are installed on your new roof, it’ll be harder to dismantle them if your roof needs maintenance in the foreseeable future.
Hiring a roof inspector before an installation will provide a sense of security as they will evaluate if there are any damages that need to be addressed first and whether or not there is proper ventilation in your home, even when solar panels are already put up on the roof.
4. What permits are needed in order to install a solar panel in my home?
To get started on the installation, you’ll need the following:
- An electrical permit
- A building/structural permit
These permits are required to make sure that everything is safe and in order. There may be additional permits needed depending on your area and local ordinances.
The great news is that at Sunlight Solar, we’ll be the ones to apply for the necessary permits so that you can experience a smooth flowing transition to going solar.
By having experienced installers on your corner, you can rest assured that your roof’s warranty will not be voided.
Key Takeaway
Every home is unique, and so is the roofing. That being said, the reality is that not all homes are eligible to have solar panels installed on their roof.
The alternative is to have them mounted on the ground but there may be more expenses involved since the materials needed for the installation are different compared to a roof installation.
The best way to have your home assessed for a solar panel installation is by contacting us at (804) 452-7699 or emailing us at Service@SunlightSolarVirginia.com.