Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?

Each year, thousands of homeowners decide to add solar panels to their roofs to save money and reduce their environmental footprint. Fortunately, for most of these homeowners, the solar panels are installed effectively with minimal risk of roof damage. When there is a report of damage caused by the installation of solar panels to a roof, you can almost always trace it back to an installer who didn’t take the precautionary steps to prevent damage from occurring.

If you’re considering going solar, here are some guidelines to ensure your solar installation goes smoothly.

The installation process

Solar panel installation involves the mounting of panels on specialized racking which is attached to the roof with bolts. Solar racking is designed to withstand extreme weather, including high winds, heavy rain and relentless heat. Yet, it’s vitally important for an installer to completely secure the panels to the roof truss and joist members to ensure they are secure.

Many homeowners are concerned by the penetrations in their roof to secure panels. While this may seem risky, a certified solar installer uses a variety of safety and precautionary measures to ensure a roof is both structurally sound and water tight. Metal or plastic flashings surround the racking feet to prevent water from seeping through. Flashings are incorporated into the existing roofs water barrier system and sealed using sealant to prevent leaks.

Weight considerations

The weight of the solar panel system is another common concern of homeowners. The weight of the panels shouldn’t compromise the integrity of the roof. A qualified solar installer will carefully determine the loads that a roof can hold prior to any installation project.

Solar panels offer protection

Interestingly, one of the lesser known benefits of solar panels is their ability to protect a home’s roof from damaging UV radiation. With this extra shade on a roof’s surface, the life of a roof can be significantly extended.

When properly installed, solar panels present little risk to a home’s roof. At Cool Blew Solar, we offer the highest quality products and installation to ensure you get the most from solar power installation.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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