Oftentimes People ask our team myriad of questions about roofing concerns when installing solar panels. Our goal at Green Enpower is to educate and inform our customers and potential customers and to help them in the best ways possible. So here with this blog post we are trying to answer a few of the most common concerns regarding rooftop solar installations that we have been asked during our field interactions.
Can my roof support solar panels?
This question demands attention to the material your roof is made up of -
something that should be taken into account, as roofing materials have various life spans. When looking to install solar, you should consider including any potential roof replacement prior to solar panel installation and the subsequent costs, especially if your roof is older or hasn’t been properly maintained. Concerns about the strength or durability of your roof need to be considered because installation type and the type of mounting required vary depending on these factors. When inspecting your structure, our advisors will suggest any changes or corrections that may need your attention.
A reliable roof is imperative when installing rooftop solar. If the roof does need to be replaced after solar panels have been installed, although removing and re-installing the whole thing may not cost much but it always carries the risk of getting damaged. Also it’s better to avoid the hassle considering the time it will take - as this could directly affect the return on your investments.
Roof Age
The age of your roof is another factor to be considered to answer the above question correctly, because solar panels are designed to last 25-30 years. If you think your roof will need to be replaced or repaired in the near future it’s better to get it done prior to a new solar installation. If you are not very sure about your rooftop then it’s a great idea to have a qualified roof inspection prior to proceeding. If we see any evidence your roof may need repair in the short term, we’ll always make recommendations prior to installations.
How much energy will the solar panels generate?
To answer this perfectly, we need to consider your roof position and tilt. Roofs oftentimes have a less than ideal position and slope for achieving maximum solar panel efficiency. Have you ever watched sunflowers? If you look closely enough, you’ll notice that sunflowers position themselves to always face the sun as it moves throughout the day. Your roof sadly, does not have this option. Moreover, many roofs may not have much available surface area due to satellite dishes, or shading due to adjoining structures like a building, mobile towers, etc.
We usually carry out a feasibility study to ascertain the possible installation capacity and advice alternatives to help our clients reap maximum benefits from their rooftops.
Does solar need maintenance?
Although solar panel installations require little to no-maintenance apart from periodic cleaning and occasional checks for ensuring optimal performance and security. The frequency and degree of solar array monitoring and solar panel maintenance are reliant on the installation type, system configuration and the site location. It is always advisable to maintain easy access for any operation and maintenance (O&M) processes and keep the site clean and free of any obstructions.
Solar should be considered a long-term investment. Just like your home and business need regular maintenance, solar panels should also be kept clean, and free of debris to maintain its efficiency.
Anyways rooftop solar maintenance could be risky in case of high structures considering the elevation and in such cases it is not advisable for you to try and access it on your own and this may be better left for trained professionals. In case of dedicated on-site staff, we train them with routine and emergency response procedures to ensure safety.
How could I benefit from a solar installation?
Besides the great savings and the cleaner energy usage, there are other benefits to installing rooftop solar, that are worth mentioning. Rooftop solar acts as a form of protection against weather, and as a thermal barrier from sun damage to your roof which can provide a longer life to an existing roof so it will stay in good condition for the entirety of the life of the solar panels. Also, by utilizing the Sun's energy to power your energy requirements, your roof is not directly exposed to the Sun and this helps in bringing down the cost of cooling your living or working spaces, contributing to greater savings.
To answer this in more detail, you can consider reading our blog post about why you should be using solar energy?
If you have any questions about rooftop solar installations, get in touch today and we will be happy to answer them!
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