Before you embark on the process of solar panel installation for your business premises or home, ensure that your roofing can support these sustainable energy goals. Follow these three simple steps before solar panel installation and you can rest assured that your roof will accommodate your sustainable energy goals.
Schedule a Free Roof Inspection with a Licensed Roofing Contractor
Always make sure that your roof can support the weight of a solar panel system because they are pretty heavy. Its average weight is about 40 pounds, excluding the weight of the hardware and mounting racks. Dozens of solar panels may be required to provide enough power for your building. As such, your roof needs to have the right structural support to bear the weight of the solar panels.
Scheduling a roof inspection will help you figure out if your roof can support the weight of a photovoltaic. The easiest way to assess the conditions of your roof is to consult a licensed roofing contractor. A certified architect or structural engineer will help you confirm if your roof can support the added weight and stress of photovoltaic array. You can visit the directory of certified energy professionals to select a qualified roof installer.
Repair Your Roof before Solar Panel Installation
You need to address damages on your roof first, should you find any. Do all the repair work before installing a photovoltaic array. A solar panel can last for up to 25 years. In fact, most of them continue to provide power for much longer. If you want your solar panel to last for a longer lifespan, make sure that your roof is in excellent condition before installation. You may be tempted to skip roof repair especially if your roof only has slight damages. Over time, those minor damages can slowly grow into significant and costly damages. It will then be expensive to remove your solar system to repair your roof.
You will also incur extra cost of reinstalling your solar panel. Inviting a roofing professional will help you avoid injuries caused by potential leaks and damaged shingles. You will be required to reinstall a new roof or repair damaged roof. You need to ensure that your roof will last as long as 20 to 25 years to accommodate the weight of a solar panel.
Relocate any Roof Obstacle before Installing a Solar Panel System
The output of your photovoltaic array can be significantly affected by shading. Unwanted shading and roof penetrations such as chimneys can interfere with your panels. Deal with these issues rather than later to reap the most out of your solar panel system. During roof inspection, remember to ask your licensed contractor if any of the roofing fittings are likely to affect your photovoltaic arrays in the future. You may also need to move some roof fittings like satellite dishes and antennas to a better position if needed. While it may be challenging to move vents and chimneys, it is possible. You may also trim any limbs of a tree that cast a shadow on your house and for any large branches, contact a professional for assistance.
Analysis of the structure of your roof may help you reinforce or improve your rooftop before mounting a photovoltaic array. Enhancing your roof will help it support the additional weight of the solar panels and handle the added stress of snow drifting and wind uplift. The ideal shelter for solar systems are the ones with enough weatherproofing membranes, surface area, and structural support.
A flat surface area provides you with greater flexibility in choosing the angle of the ladder. While you may also install a solar panel on a sharply pitched roof, you should always consult your installer. You can fit the panels to the roof if the pitch of your roof is very steep. As an amateur, do not attempt to climb onto a roof with a steep angle. Instead, contact an engineer or architect for professional services. Preparing your home for solar panel installation requires you to remove every possible obstacle or interference to the installation process. A professional installer must climb onto the roof for a thorough inspection before performing appropriate adjustments and maintenance.
