Is Your Roof Fit Enough for Solar Panel Installation?

Posted on October 25th, 2018 by Applied Roofing Services

Solar panels are a great way to save on energy costs. Many homeowners who install solar panels choose to put them on their roof to save space and reduce the visual impact of the panels. Before the panels are installed, the roof must be inspected to determine if it is strong enough to hold the weight of the tiles and viable enough to resist leaking once they are in place.

If you are considering solar panel installation for your roof, you should have the following factors in mind:

Types of Roofing Materials
Certain types of roofing materials are better than others when it comes to supporting heavy weight. Steel panel, asphalt shingles and rubber are better-suited for supporting the weight of the solar panels and are less likely to leak over time. Cedar plank shingles, clay tile and metal shingles will have difficulty bearing the weight and maintaining their shape if solar panels are installed.

The Age
The age of the roof will also play a role. Asphalt shingles that are worn and damaged should be replaced prior to the installation of solar panels or any other object. Worn shingles will crack and break easily causing leaks and weakening the structure of the roof and possibly the home.

Overall Condition
The overall condition of the roof must be considered prior to the installation of solar panels. The roofs of older homes may not have the structural viability to support the weight of the solar panels. It is important to look past the shingles when checking the condition of the roof. The structure of the roof must also be checked from the inside to ensure there are no broken or damaged boards that could fail once the panels are in place.

Requirements and Parameters
Before installing solar panels, you must determine if it will indeed serve the desired purpose for your house or not. You should also consider your roof alignment, its layout, and the amount of unobstructed sunlight it gets throughout the year. If all your required criteria are not met, it will defeat the purpose of a solar panel installation altogether.

Determine the Consumption Rate
A quick review of your electricity bills will let you know exactly how much power you consume. In case the utilization is less, a small-sized solar system would be sufficient and vice versa. Create a solar harnessing plan on the basis of your electrical consumption. Also, estimate the required number of panels to meet your overall daily, monthly, or yearly electricity consumption.

Warranty Details
Make sure you procure your solar panels from a reliable supplier as you can be assured of long-term performance and quality service without excessive troubles and down the road. Always go for a solar panel installation that is guaranteed under a warranty period to be sure you are covered in case of any breakdown or concerns with the solar panels.

As you explore solar panel for your home, consider these factors before settling for the most suitable one.

Also Read: What You Must Know About Solar Roof Shingles

About Applied Roofing Services

Applied Roofing Services is a full service roofing company located in CA. We offer durable and high quality residential and commercial flat roofing. We provide roof installation as well as roof repair services, roof maintenance and inspection services. We specialize in low slope roofs, energy efficient, zero maintenance, and green roofing. We have 20+ years of experience in the roofing industry.

The Reality of Rooftop Solar Panel Myths

Posted on April 28th, 2017 by Applied Roofing Services

Solar panel installation is on the rise in the US as people are becoming more environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. Solar panels are more durable, energy efficient and provide a number of advantages. Most of us are well aware of the benefits of solar panels but still many people believe in the myths surrounding them.

Let’s have a look at some of the solar panel myths and the actual facts behind them:

Rooftop Solar Panel

Myth 1
Solar Panels Don’t Work Properly During Winter

Fact
Contrary to popular belief, the actual situation is exactly the opposite. In fact, solar panels work the best during winters or in cold climate. These are considered ideal for colder regions. In colder environment, the conductivity increases which makes the electricity flow more efficiently. On the other hand, higher temperatures reduce the efficiency of solar panels. They produce less power from the same amount of light when they get hotter.

Myth 2
Solar Panels Are Quite Expensive

Fact
On the contrary, solar panels have become more affordable. According to an article by Cleantechnica, the prices have gone down 50 percent in the last five years. Once you install them, you can see the financial impact on your electricity bill. These savings can amount to thousands of dollars.

Myth 3
Solar Panels Require Too Much Maintenance

Fact
The fact is that these panels do not have any moving parts and they seldom require any maintenance. It is recommended to check them two to three times every year to see if there’s any dirt build-up. If you find it difficult to climb up the roof to check the panels, hire a qualified roofing expert to perform a seasonal roofing inspection. If the solar panels are cleaned, optimal energy will be produced.

Myth 4
A Solar Panel Will Function Only if There’s a Tracking System to Follow the Angle of the Sun

Fact
Solar panels are positioned to maximize exposure of the sun during installation. It simply means that no tracking system is needed. However, the newer solar panels integrate tracking systems to change the position of the panel throughout the day.

Myth 5
Solar Panels Damage the Roof

Fact
Solar panels are installed by professional roofing experts who know how to install without doing any harm to the roof. They are adept at installing these panels at every angle, roof pitch and condition. On the contrary, solar panels might extend the life of the roof as they might protect it from various elements. These are installed a few inches above the roof to increase the flow of air and they weight almost the same as a second layer of shingles.

The facts mentioned above will help in clearing all the myths related to solar panels and its installation.

Applied Roofing Services is one of the prominent names in solar panel installation in Orange County, California. Call us at (714) 632-8418 if you have any doubt over solar panel installation.