Most homeowners know that new roofing commonly results in increased energy efficiency. By better insulating your home, you can save more on energy costs. But recently, people have been taking these savings and their energy efficiency to even greater lengths using solar technology for their roofs.
If you need to replace your roof and you want to go as green as possible, it might interest you to know that solar tiles and shingles can now be used in lieu of standard roofing materials. But not everyone wants to pay to have their whole roof covered in solar panel shingles. If you already have a proper roof but still want to utilize the sun’s renewable energy, you can purchase solar panels to place on top of your existing roofing.
You Need a Solid Roof Foundation
Before you do that, however, you should ensure that you do, in fact, have a proper roof. It’s a good idea to have new(ish) roofing in place before installing solar panels. Solar panels can work for up to 20 years and you’ll save the most money if you don’t have to remove them for repairs to your roofing material (which is why long-lasting, metal roofs work well with solar panels). It’s costly to have solar panels removed and reinstalled, so you’ll want the roofing beneath them to last as long as possible.
Solar Panels Work Best with Shingles
Something else to consider is the type of roofing you already have in place. Depending on the material, installation can be more or less difficult and, therefore, more or less expensive. Asphalt or composite shingles are the most common type of roofing material. This is good news for those interested in having solar panels installed, since shingles are the easiest to work on for solar installers. Since slate and wooden roofing materials are more delicate, installation may be difficult or even impossible. Still, some companies insist that they can install solar panels on almost any roof.
Certain Roof Shapes and Styles Are Better
The orientation and shape of your roof will affect how efficient your solar panels are as well as the cost of installation. A roof with more obstacles (skylights, chimneys, vents) will make installation more difficult and, more than likely, more expensive. Sloped roofs with lots of open space are ideal for installers. Flat roofs can work for solar panels, but customers might have to pay more for mounting equipment to be installed that will hold the panel at an angle. In the US, a solar panel facing true south will capture the most sunlight and produce the most energy for your home.
Keep these things in mind before you have your solar panels installed so you can ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck!
