In the United States, more and more people are starting to invest in solar panel systems. They are choosing to update their roof with solar panels hoping to take advantage of the range of benefits this change offers. In recent years, solar technology has made extraordinary strides, many of which have helped reduce the cost of equipment when it comes to an installation. At Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX, our team of professional solar panel installation experts has spent years working with clients throughout the DFW Metroplex on a variety of solar-related projects.
Installing solar panels on your roof is a great way to generate electricity for your home or business, and it can even be a way to give back energy to your electricity grid without increasing environmental impact. However, there are many things to consider before starting an installation. It is important to understand the various factors involved in such a project. It’s also a good idea to research general myths about solar panels. To help you decide whether solar is the right choice for you, your home, or your business, we have compiled a list of the most important points to consider before installing solar panels on your roof.
Make Sure Your Roof Doesn’t Need Repairs
Before you even think about installing solar panels, ask yourself how old your roof is. If you know that you will soon need a new roof, or if your roof is damaged, installing solar panels may not be the best idea. If possible, take care of any roof repairs before trying to get started on a solar installation project. In this way, you do not have to bear additional costs for subsequent disassembly and re-installation because of problems or damages in your roofing system.
Another aspect to consider is the warranty of your roof compared to the one for your solar panels. If you have solar panels that will be covered for 20 years, and a roof that will only last another 10-15 years, then projected maintenance costs will likely increase. It is always a good idea to try and line up these two systems as closely as possible so that when your new roof is installed, a solar panel installation can closely follow to reduce overall costs and frustrations down the road.
Shape, Angle, and Weight Capacity Matters
A roof can be constructed in various shapes and sizes. Before installation, make sure there is enough space for solar panels on your roof. If there isn’t enough space, you might not get the return you expect from your investment. Solar panels require a special placement to produce the maximum amount of electricity. Most experts say the best position is a south-facing panel, others will say to the west. However, you need to identify the best position for your roof before starting the project.
The installation of solar panels adds to the weight of your roof structure. If the weight of the project is too large for your roof to support, it can collapse. This is very dangerous for various reasons, not to mention the high costs. To avoid both situations, a professional needs to assess your roof to determine whether additional maintenance is needed to complete the installation.
Don’t Overlook Natural Elements
When it rains, water flows from the roof to the gutter and away from the house. When installing solar panels, devices such as racking and cable harnesses can prevent water from flowing or draining properly. In some cases, a solar system can move water in different directions, which can cause leakage and other problems. These problems will need to be fixed, which means that solar panels need to be removed. To avoid all of these problems, you should have a serious talk with your installation team ahead of time. An experienced solar panel installation team can give you a plan that shows how the installation might affect water drainage in any way so you can adapt accordingly.
Plan Ahead with Kosmos Solar in Grand Prairie, TX
If you’re thinking about adding solar panels to your home, the last thing you want to deal with is unexpected roofing problems that will compromise the entire system. Instead of getting trapped in this kind of situation, it is always best to plan. To speak with our team about your concerns, or to schedule a consultation so we can get started on your solar project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more.