Solar power is quickly gaining popularity among many households in the country thanks to the efficient and less expensive energy source. Due to this, you may consider installing a solar panel system to provide back-up or main power supply in your home. Doing so will help you explore the alternative and cut costs significantly, compared to staying in the grid. While a solar powered household sounds like an excellent option for many, you also want to learn of its compatibility. Information regarding how well a solar panel system can fit your roof is essential as it helps determine whether the option is practical.
With the help of professionals like Sun Solar Electric, you will have an easier time finding and installing a good solar panel system. The professional’s role is to assess the type of roof installed and help you pair it with usable solar panels.
The Various Types of Roofs Compatible With Solar Panels
Learning about the various roof types available is useful, as you will understand the various features, advantages, and disadvantages of each model. Afterward, you can determine whether it would be suitable to pair up with the solar panel installation.
The four main roof types installed in most buildings in California are:
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A Tiled Roof
Tiled roofs are a common choice among many residents, mainly because they provide an aesthetically pleasing look on the house. Moreover, the tiles are available in different makes, including concrete, slate, and clay mixtures. This further broadens your options and allows you to find the best fit.
While the tiles are well crafted, they also pose some challenges. For example, they are delicate to intense force and will crack easily. Consequently, a tiled roof requires minimal invasion after installation to avoid making multiple repairs.
Clients considering a solar panel installation may have to consider additional funds to cater to any damages arising from the process. Ultimately, you may spend significantly more than anticipated if the installation team cracks or breaks the roofing tiles.
The life span of tiled roofs will also vary depending on the type of maintenance. Therefore, you want to install the panel, having projected the expected duration, you will benefit from it.
During the solar panel installation, they may also need to remove some tiles or cut around them intentionally. They do this to create space for the reinforcement blocks or studs. As a result, you will also need to cater to the additional services provided on top of installation costs.
The outcome in the solar panel fixing requires the panels to remain slightly above the roof. Hence, you want to engage an experienced team to ensure you are highly satisfied with the outcome.
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A Shingled Roof
Shingled roofs are also popular among residents, especially because they are affordable. They are also made out of different types of material, including asphalt and composite. These are considered durable components that ultimately provide a longer roof lifespan.
Typically, you can expect a shingled roof to remain intact for twelve to twenty years, depending on the maintenance. Some may even last longer in areas where adverse weather conditions are rarely experienced.
Thanks to the advantage, shingled roofs are also widely recommended by solar panel specialists. During the installation process, the experts will drill into the roof and penetrate the mounting pieces.
Once the solar panel is well attached, they will seal the drilled mounting holes using metallic or concrete studs. You will need to have the sealing done because it locks away moisture and prevents leakages from recurring. Upon completing the installation process, you can enjoy uninterrupted solar power, provided all systems are running efficiently.
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A Gravel or Tar Roof
You may also consider a tar or gravel roof to mount a solar panel system. These roof types are flat and resemble a concrete finishing on the uppermost building area. When the roof is under construction, a slab is fitted and sealed using gravel or tar. The additional fits should prevent leakages as well as any cracks that may compromise the roof.
Based on the structure, tar and gravel roofs are commonly seen in flat-roof developments. These may include your home or a business premise, depending on your intentions with the structure.
Usually, flat roofs are designed to create more space for any intended purposes. Most can therefore accommodate solar panels comfortably. Hence, you can easily fit multiple panels to meet your demands adequately.
Subsequently, the demand for solar panel installations on gravel or tar roofs is high because you have access to multiple benefits. Apart from expansive space, you can also fix the solar panels at the optimum angle for maximum exposure to the sun.
On top of this, you can deal with any problems requiring repairs easily, as the repair team can safely access the roof. This may lead to cutting costs significantly because you can also make occasional inspections to ensure all systems are running well.
Overall, a flat roof is also an excellent choice for solar panel installation because they have a long lifespan. A well-maintained roof will serve you for twenty to twenty-five years with minimal maintenance costs, making it easy to install the solar panels as well.
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A Metal Roof
Lastly, you may also opt for a metal roof to install your solar panel system. This option is fairly popular, particularly because metal roofs are durable and can serve you for thirty-five to one hundred and twenty years. With the incredible life span, you will have chosen a great roof type to support the panels for the longest duration possible.
Further, you can expect to spend less on installation costs, as the team will not have to penetrate the roof. Since most metal roofs create allowances for mounting additional features, most clients’ overall labor costs are friendly. When you consider the advantages of having a metal roof installed, it may easily become your best choice to install a solar panel on.
How to Find the Best Type of Roof for Solar Panels
Having learned of the various roof types and their compatibility with solar panel installations, you can then use several factors to determine the most compatible one. However, the answer is not straightforward, particularly because of the different interests and needs among people.
For example, one consumer may be more invested in the aesthetics of their roof, while another may care more about the roof’s practical use. Both clients should have a chance to install solar panels if needed without compromising on their preferences.
Therefore, you can use the following characteristics to help you find the best roof type for solar panels:
The Roof Should Not be Too Steep
When you install a solar panel on a steep roof slope, chances of poor performance are higher. This arises because of the poor angle inclination that prevents proper sun exposure. Additionally, a steep roof may be hazardous, particularly during adverse weather and environmental conditions.
In case of earthquakes, hailstones, or strong winds, your solar panels may be at risk of destruction. Coupled with the gravitational force that acts against the solar panel installation, you may incur significant losses in panel repairs.
If your roof is determined to be too steep, you can explore alternative options like installing your solar panel system in a secluded area on the ground. You will receive the same benefits as a roof installation, but you will need to invest more in protecting the panels from damage hazards.
Provides Sufficient Room for the Solar Panels
Secondly, you will need to ensure your roof provides sufficient space for the solar panels to hold. Usually, the amount of space required depends on the energy you need, as well as the available solar panel models.
You should note that you will receive at least fifteen watts for every square foot on your panel. Studies have shown that the average household can comfortably live on about two hundred to six hundred square feet of solar panel space. This translates to at least three thousand Watts of electricity produced any time the panel converts energy.
Your need for space may also increase if you require solar energy supply for larger buildings. For example, if you require solar power for a flat-roofed company, you can use the roof space to spread out multiple panels. You can then gain the full benefits of providing sufficient room for more power generation.
Place the Panels at the Optimum Angle
Solar panel installation experts also provide the recommended installation angle for the panel to receive maximum sun exposure. Ideally, a thirty-degree angle installation provides optimum solar energy conversion, as the panel constantly receives light energy.
However, the installation angles may vary slightly depending on your roof design. If so, you do not have to worry, as your solar installation team can work within the thirty to forty-degree angle bracket. Any inclination angle above this would defeat the purpose of a solar panel, as sun exposure is limited.
The Roof Should Allow for Easy Repairs as Soon as Possible
Naturally, some mishaps may occur after a solar panel system installation, requiring you to make repairs. You may also encounter problems on the roof itself, prompting you to call for the same action. Subsequently, the ideal roof type should provide easy access for the repair team to tackle the issue at hand. This way, you can expect the professionals to undertake thorough work, meaning you do not have to deal with the problem again.
Thus, tiled roofs may present some challenges because they are often delicate and require minimum pressure on them. Similarly, metal roofs may fold at the repairer’s weight, leaving the surfaces deformed. Despite this, they serve well in holding a solar panel, so your decision should factor in all considerations.
Ability to Support Strong Solar Panel Reinforcement Material
As discussed, your solar panel will require strong reinforcement to hold it in position. For some, the reinforcement material includes heavy concrete blocks to seal and support the panel.
Therefore, your roof should be sturdy enough to support the panel and its reinforcements.
If the panels overpower the roofing materials, you may have to deal with a subsequent repair job, leading to additional costs.
The Final Take
In conclusion, your decision on the best roof type to install a solar panel system depends on your needs and requirements. These vary from one person to another, so a single answer does not work well for everyone. Instead, you want to take time and assess your needs and expectations in terms of solar power output.
Moreover, you should factor in the costs involved in building a roof or modifying it to fit the solar panel installation requirements. If the benefits outweigh the expenses, you can settle for a specific roof type to achieve a good solar panel installation.
Additional factors to consider are whether you can modify your current roof and if a solar panel system is a practical solution. This consideration is especially relevant for tenants living in rented townhouses or other building establishments. If the roof modifications and solar installations are hectic, you would be better off finding alternative solutions.
Contact a Solar Panel System Expert Near Me
Upon deciding to install solar panel power systems in your home, you will need help from experienced professionals. Their support will be essential in ensuring your panels are well fitted on the roof and that they supply power to your house efficiently. The expert does this by first advising you on the best system compatible with your roof. Alternatively, they can advise you to install a specific roof type, especially if you are still in the building stage. Doing so will help you create a compatible roof and solar panel system that requires minimal adjustments over the years.
At Sun Solar Electric, you will receive excellent consultancy and labor services for solar power system installations in Northern California and the Bay Area. Our team consists of well-experienced professionals who understand the various needs to satisfy when assessing a roof. Further, they can recommend a solar system that provides sufficient power to your home or other building. For more information on the best roofs to install solar panels, contact us today at 707-658-2157.