Roofs and Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

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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.