Solar energy has been making its way to residential homes for quite a while now. If you are also planning to jump on that sustainable wave, then you might be wondering whether your rooftop is compatible.
The good news is that a solar panel installation can be made on just about any roof. However, not all rooftops with solar panels will produce the same amount of electricity. Things that will play a factor in the amount of energy your solar panels are capable of producing are things like the roof angle, the direction of your roof, type of roofing materials, etc.
If you are considering to install solar panels on your current roof, then it might help to know whether your roofing material is a good fit for solar installation. Keep in mind that most solar panels are warranted for 25 years, and therefore it would be best if you have a roof that can outlast that. Therefore if your roof is at the end of its lifespan, a new roof might be a good idea. Here are some common types of roof materials if you are planning to going solar.
Composite or Asphalt Shingles
Composite roofs or asphalt shingle roofing works excellent for solar panels and involves a simple installation process. The footings of the panels can easily be slid under the shingles and secured to the rafters. After this process, the array can be installed on the racking system.
It is best to re-roof before going solar if you have older composite shingles. Besides the affordability of these materials, one can also claim 30% federal tax credit on the portion of the roof that will be getting solar.
Tile Roofs
When solar panels are installed on a Tile Roof, the installation process usually requires the help of brackets that will fit the panels above the roof.
Roof tiles are made of different materials, and therefore the distance that the panels need to be raised will vary from materials, which can affect the cost. For example, the installation process of solar panels on clay tiles will be more expensive.
Metal Roofs
Besides the many benefits metal roofs provide, they are excellent rooftops for solar system installation. Installing solar panels on a metal roof is very easy because of the standing seams. There is no need to drill holes into the roof, and therefore the installation cost will also be much cheaper.
These roofs are eco-friendly and can last for over 30 years, which means that you will have a durable roof for your solar panels for years to come. The sunlight that is not absorbed by the solar panels will be reflected by the metal, which also provides a cooling effect in your home.
Tar and Gravel Flat Roofs
Many flat roofs consist of tar and gravel, which gets installed through a process of attaching layers of sheets with hot tar and roofing felt. While the material itself is not a problem for installing solar panels, the flatness of the roof is.
In most cases, additional brackets will be needed to tilt the panels at a 30-degree angle. Even though this is a simple process, it will still cost more than if you were to install solar panels on a tilted roof or with a different material.
Wood Roofs
Solar panels can be installed on wood roofs as well. The installation process and cost will depend on the angle of the roof.
However, the biggest concern with wooden roof structures is the fire safety hazards, which make wood roofs less viable for solar panels. If your area restricts solar panels installation on wooden roofs, one can always choose a ground-mounted system.
Other Factors
While the material of the roof will mostly determine the way the solar panels are installed, certain other factors will influence the production of solar energy. For example, the more pitched the roof is, the more sunlight the panels will receive, a roof that is pitched between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations.
The orientation of your roof also plays a role in energy production. Solar panels work most effectively when they face true south. However, even if the panels can not face the south due to the orientation of the home, the system can still be successful if it receives a good amount of sunlight.
Final Thought
If you are planning to go solar, you will need a professional to inspect your roof, especially if the roof is more than five years old. Any professional solar installer will able to evaluate whether your roof is holding up well and is ready for solar panels.
In some cases, some adjustments to the roof will be needed to obtain the best solar energy production. If you need to install a new roof, then keeping these factors and roofing materials in mind can help you optimize your new roof for solar installation.
Author: Mattea Jacobs
Short bio:
Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer at CareersBooster who mostly writes about both interior and exterior home design, and environmentally-friendly ways to improve homes. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons. You can reach her on Facebook and Instagram.
