What To Know Before Having Solar Panels Installed on Your Roof
Solar power is gaining popularity, and demand will continue to grow as the economic and environmental advantages become more evident. Solar panels are a popular choice in the Tampa Bay area, thanks to the many hours of sunlight we get—and you’ve likely seen more homeowners throughout the region adding solar panels to their homes. However, if you’re thinking about installing solar panels, there are certain things you need to consider first. Your roofing system is essential to any solar panel installation project, and it’s important to account for your roof in your solar energy plans.
Consider the Age of Your Roof
Having solar panels installed is a significant investment in your home—and one you should expect to last for decades. For that reason, you must consider the current condition of your roof before installing solar panels. Unless your roof is relatively new, it may need to be repaired or replaced before you install a solar panel system. You don’t want solar panels installed on an older roof that will have issues in the next few years. Instead, ensure your roof is solid first, and then you can add solar panels.
Additionally, it’s important to note that solar panels add to the roof's weight and change how water flows. Solar panels will also affect the waterproof membrane of roofs approaching the end of their useful life. Older shingle roofing can be especially susceptible in these situations.
Solar Panels and Warranties
Another critical reason to consider your roof's condition is that solar panel systems for electricity and pool heaters can last for 20 or more years. If your roof cannot maintain its integrity for this amount of time, you could be paying to have your solar panels installed, removed, and installed again. This adds extra time and effort to the roof replacement process, possibly costing you more. The ideal scenario is to install your panels shortly after you replace your roof so that the warranty periods synchronize.
The Number of Solar Panels You’ll Need
The number of solar panels you’ll need will depend on your home’s average energy consumption and how much of that you’d like to run on solar energy. You’ll likely have an energy needs assessment to calculate the number of solar panels based on your average energy use throughout the year. If you want your solar panels to provide adequate power for everything in your home, you’ll need a lot of solar panels. This will also contribute to the overall weight added to your roof. The more solar panels you plan to have installed, the more structural support the roof will need to support that weight.
Find Out if Your Roof Is Ready for Solar
As you can see, your roof is an essential consideration before investing in solar panels. If you have concerns about an older roof or the structural integrity of your roof, it’s best to have those concerns addressed before you proceed with your solar project. American Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. proudly offers comprehensive roofing services for your home or business in the Tampa Bay area. You can rely on our skilled and experienced roofing team to ensure your roof is in prime condition before you move forward with solar. And, if we discover any issues with your roof, you can trust our specialists to provide roof repair or replacement services that meet your needs.
Let’s Get Started
Before spending tens of thousands of dollars to convert your property to solar power, call American Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. for a professional roof evaluation to ensure your roof will protect your house and provide a suitable foundation for your solar panels. Both roof replacement and solar power systems will add value to your home, and we can help you select the best roof for your style and budget. We provide options ranging from designer shingles in all shapes and colors to metal roofing styles. Contact American Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today at 813.884.1815 to get started with a roof evaluation and receive a quote.
