Rooftop Solar Requirements
Can Your Roof Handle Solar?
Because of the incredible change in the solar industry in recent years, a lot of people are now paying attention to what solar technology can bring to their daily lives. Since the rooftop panel system is the most common design that people work with, some of them might plan to get a solar panel system without realizing whether the integrity of their roof qualifies for proper installation. Just like some other equipment that is being installed in residential areas, solar panel installers have specific guidelines or requirements to meet in order to create a sustainable solar panel system. Before you enter into a solar panel installation contract, make sure the company you choose to go with does an adequate inspection of your roof. Below are factors that should be considered.
How Old is Your Roof?
One of those factors to consider is the age of the roof. If your roof is already too old or damaged and needs a renovation, that renovation process should first take place before the installation of the solar panels. You also need to consider if your rooftop can carry the weight of the total number of panels that you need based on your electricity consumption. That way, you will avoid a very costly process of disassembling panels when you decide to have your roof renovated.
How Big is Your Roof?
Another factor is the amount of area your roof provides. The shape and structure of your roof is essential to understand in order to benefit from the correct design and placement of solar panels on your roof. Discuss with your installer about how the panels will be placed in order to maximize the power generated for your household needs. Before you decide on getting a solar system, you might want to understand whether your roof space is enough to accommodate the total number of panels that you are needing to purchase.
What is the Climate Like Where You Live?
Your climate and geographic location is also one of the factors that most companies take into consideration. Some installers might say it is better if the panels are facing west, others facing south, and there are also professionals who will tell you that panels work best if the sunlight strikes through the panels during longer hours of the day. They will also want to understand if your residential area is prone to storms, hail, lightning and other acts of nature that can cause damage to the whole solar system.
During the pre-inspection process, installers should examine if your roof needs specialized parts, such as a rack for the water flow during the rainy or snow season (which we definitely have here at our headquarters in Denver), or every time you clean your panels with water. You must ensure that the water can find its way out your roof to prevent clogging.
Does Your Roof Have a Warranty?
Another thing that you need to ensure is the warranty compatibility of your roof and your panels to reduce the amount of work that needs to be done in the future. When solar companies are trying to pitch their solar product to consumers, the very first thing that you should ask is how the warranty of the product works. Warranties are important as unexpected events may happen that can cause damage to your solar system. Warranties for the panels may be different from the warranty allocated for other parts, such as the inverters. While shopping around, it is always best if you compare the warranties included from one company to another.
Are Your Roof, and Home, Insured?
During the pre-inspection process, installers should examine if your roof needs specialized parts, such as a rack for the water flow during the rainy or snow season, or every time you clean your panels with water. You must ensure that the water can find its way out your roof to prevent clogging.
Something else to consider for residential solar installation is keeping your home and your solar panel system properly insured. You might not predict what will happen after installing the system and you might want to make sure that it will not cause you or your home any form of harm. Also, before you decide on which installation company to hire, know whether they offer maintenance as part of their contract.
Inform Yourself Before Having Your System Installed
Not all installers provide a maintenance package as part of their delightful offer! Make sure you have set up a plan on how to maintain the quality and efficiency of your roof panels. A lot of solar companies now are competing when it comes to low prices and promotional offers. Making sure that you have the knowledge of what you need to take into consideration before installing a solar panel system will ensure the cost savings and efficiency you want and need.