Solar panels work best when installed in roofs where they are exposed to sunlight the most. However, roofs of different households are composed of or made up of different materials. In this post we will be exploring how different materials influence the compatibility and durability of the roof where solar panels are to be installed.
A good thing is that most roofs now a days are designed to accommodate solar panels, but to be sure before deciding to install solar panels you could contact a solar panel installation company for a free consultation. Some factors to be looked at when checking your roofs are the material its made of, its size and shape, orientation of the roof, pitch, and the amount of shade the roof is under.
Materials
Individuals are concerned about whether solar panels may harm their roof. Most roofing materials, fortunately, can handle a solar panel installation without causing damage to the roof. Let’s start with the most popular roofing material: asphalt shingles, commonly known as composite roofing. Solar panels work well with asphalt shingle roofing, which is very easy to install. Solar panels are also well-suited to tile roofs, making them simple to install. A standing metal roof is the type of roof that is best for solar panels. Without drilling into the roof, the standing seam enables for a simpler and less expensive installation.
Size and shape
The form and size of your roof might also influence whether or not solar panels can be installed on it. The average household solar system in the United States is 5 kilowatts, requiring at least 300 square feet of roof space. A wide, square roof is the optimal shape and size for solar panels because it allows for easy installation. Because anything that interrupts the surface of your roof, such as dormers, chimneys, and other structures, can alter your available area, a straight measurement of the size of your roof won’t give you everything you need to know.
Orientation
Solar panels in the northern hemisphere perform best when facing true south. It’s important to note that this is not the same as the magnetic south direction shown on a compass. Looking up your location on a platform like Google Maps is a wonderful method to figure out which way your house faces. This will tell you which way is true south and how your house’s orientation compares.
Even if your house’s position precludes you from facing your panels south, you can still have a lot of success with panels facing southwest or southeast, especially if you get a lot of sunlight. You can also request that your contractor set the panels on a rack so that you can adjust them.
Do solar panels cause damage to your roof?
You don’t have to be concerned about solar panels destroying your roof; in fact, you may look forward to their safeguarding it. Solar panels are like armor for your roof, protecting it from the elements. Because your roof is protected from ultraviolet light, rain, hail, and other factors that cause wear, it should survive longer than it would otherwise.
If you don’t want a permanent attachment to your roof, you could always choose to use portable solar panels.
