It might sound too good to be true, but if we were to harness all the energy coming from the sun for an hour, we could potentially provide the energy needs of the entire planet for a whole year. That’s how much energy the sun provides. Taking advantage of this free energy source should come naturally to homes and businesses.
Now that you’ve decided to do just that by installing solar panels on your roof, the question you should answer is whether or not your home needs a roof replacement, or at least a roof repair.
If your roof is fairly new, a full inspection and some repairs should suffice. Your contractor should be able to determine the best course of action. If your roof has seen better days, or if your contractor recommends replacing it, start planning the project. Here are some suggestions, based on the most common types of roof.
Asphalt Shingles or Composite
To install solar panels over an asphalt shingle or composite roof, the solar roof company will drill into the roof and attach the panels’ mounting hardware to the studs. They will then seal the penetrations against moisture intrusion. Solar panels are likely to last longer than your roof, though. They can go from 25 to 30 years, while asphalt shingle roofs last up to 20. Consider a roof replacement to make sure you won’t have to do it five to 10 years down the road. Removing and then reinstalling solar panels is labor-intensive and entails costs.
Tile or Ceramic
Though generally longer lasting than asphalt, tile or ceramic roofs are not a great candidate for solar panel installation. They can break if drilled into. Your contractor may have to remove the tiles first before installing the solar panels.
Metal
Standing-seam metal roofs are the best type of roofs for installing solar panels. They can last up to three times longer than solar panels, so if you have a reasonably healthy roof, you may not need to replace it. Your solar roofing contractor can use the seams in the roof for mounting the solar panel-mounting hardware, eliminating the need to penetrate the roof.
At Barth Roofing Company, Inc., we can replace your roof and install solar panels. We can advise you on the best course of action so you can start benefiting from your solar investment. Call us today at (209) 833-9917 or use this form to set an appointment.