Roofs and Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering solar power for your home, you’re likely thinking about the financial and environmental advantages of investing in a solar power system. Yes, these can be substantial. Yet, it’s also important to evaluate the details about your home to optimize solar power performance. The following are considerations to explore before investing in a solar power system.

Direction

It’s essential that solar panels are strategically placed on your roof for performance. This is one key reason why you want to work with a company that specializes in solar power system installation. Most installers agree that south-facing roofs are best with north-facing roofs being the least optimal.

Tilt

The slant of a roof is another consideration for solar installers. Favorable roofs have a 30 degree angle, allowing for maximum sun ray absorption. Roofs with zero to 45-degree angles also are workable, and panels can be installed with tiltable racks, enabling you to benefit from solar even if your roof doesn’t have an ideal angle.

Shade

Solar panels need plenty of sun exposure to work. Thus, rooftops that are shaded by buildings, hills or trees may not be right for solar. Ideally, there should be at least five hours of direct sunlight per day on panels.

Size

Your installer will measure the roof to determine the number of panels. Consider that you’ll need about 100 square feet of area for a system to generate one kilowatt of solar. How many panels you have will impact your utility bill.

Age

Solar panels can continue to produce electricity for up to 40 years. Thus, the age of your roof is an important consideration. If you’re planning a roof replacement or substantial repair in the next five to 10 years, you may want to hold off on installing solar panels or budget in the price of having the panels removed and replaced when it’s time for the roof work.

Moving

How long do you plan to stay under your roof? While solar improves your home’s resale value, you’ll also want to reap some value from its installation. So, you should only commit to installing solar if you have the time to get a sufficient return on your investment.

Do you have questions about solar? At Cool Blew Solar, we have answers. Contact us today to find out if solar is right for your home.

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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