Using solar panels is a very popular and eco-friendly method to generate electricity for your home. In a 2017 report, according to the International Energy Agency, the world’s fastest growing source of power is solar. But before you invest in a solar panel system for your home, there are a few things you ought to consider.
1. Direction Your Roof Faces
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels do not require direct sunlight to function. They use the energy from daylight, as opposed to sunlight. It is important to determine which direction your roof faces. For the most effective panels, your roof should face south, southeast, or southwest. Depending on shading, east or west facing panels can also be effective.
2. Roofing Materials Suitable for Solar Panels
Most roofing materials are compatible with solar panels. Asphalt roofs are easy to work on and are easily installed without damage. Clay tiles, metal standing seam, ethylene propylene dienterpolymer (EPDM) rubber, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofs are suitable for solar panels. Some roof types, however, are not ideal for installing solar panels. Materials such as slate or wood are difficult to work on and install because they are brittle and can break or crack. Not to say that solar panels can’t be installed on these roofs. They just require specialized mounting parts and equipment, making them more expensive to install.
3. Roof Shaded or Not
It is important to determine how much shade your roof gets and for how long each day. Trees, chimneys, and other buildings can produce shade that can affect the performance and output of your solar panels.
4. Roof Condition and Age
Prior to installing solar panels on your roof, you should find out how old your roof is and what its condition is. Solar panels can last years and years (40 or more!). Make sure your roof is in good shape and a replacement is not needed in the near future.
5. Shape, Slope, and Size of Roof
Large, square or rectangular roofs that are between 30 and 40 degrees are the best and easiest roofs to install panels on. Things like dormers, turrets and chimneys, skylights, and other things that disrupt the flat surface of your roof will affect the amount of available space you have for panels. Flat roofs are fine for solar panels but will need to be manually cleaned. In order for panels to self-clean, they need to be at least 15 degrees (but no more than 40).
6. Is Your Roof Not Suitable?
If the roof on your home is not suitable for solar panels, no need to stress—you have other options. You can have a ground-mounted solar panel system installed on your property. You can install panels on another roof, like your garage or shed that is suitable for panels. You could even talk to your neighbors and community about investing in a shared solar garden.
Check out the variety of the best solar panels available at Rocky Mountain Renewable Energy. We use engineering customization to find what color, shape, space, and layout works best for you, both financially and aesthetically. To learn more, contact us today.