Many homeowners want to switch to solar energy, but often convince themselves that they don’t need it due to assumptions that installing solar panels will damage their roofs.
Fortunately, roof damage from a solar panel installation is extremely rare because installers take preventative steps while installing panels to prevent anything that mother nature will inevitably throw your way.
Below are some things you should know if you’re considering purchasing solar panels for your home.
Solar Panels and Roof Protection
Aside from harnessing the sun’s energy to create clean, renewable electricity, solar panels also serve to protect your roof. Solar panels form a protective barrier between your roof and ultimately protect the longevity of your roof from harsh outside elements such as wind, rain, snow and even falling trees.
Rest assured that if your home is located in an area known for its harsh weather conditions, solar panels will weather any storm that may come your way.
Solar panels also absorb direct sunlight, omitting the light from hitting your roof. By installing solar panels, your home may decrease its internal temperature by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Solar Panel Installation Process
It is estimated that by the end of 2021, three million homes will become solar in the U.S. If you’re in the market for a solar panel installation, you’ll probably want to know the steps taken for a successful installation.
Getting Started
After you’ve found your chosen company and signed a contract, they’ll send an engineer out to inspect the site. Most of the time, customers want solar panels to be installed on the roof. If this is the case, the roof will be inspected to avoid structural problems and safety hazards when it comes time to install the panels. If you live in a neighborhood, you’ll also need to make sure that your homeowner’s association will allow home solar panels.
As with any other big financial decision, installing solar panels involves a lot of paperwork. You’ll be applying for state and federal solar incentives such as the federal ITC, local solar programs, clean energy financing initiatives, government rebates and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). Afterward, you’ll be able to choose which solar panels you’d like installed on your roof with guidance from your installer.
How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take?
Once all documents are approved and your panels have arrived, the installation process will begin. This process usually takes between 1-3 days, depending on the size of the system being installed. Your solar installer will start by prepping your roof, then put in electrical wiring that will connect to your electrical panel and general power system.
After the electrical wiring is complete, your technician will install racking to support the panels, which will then be placed onto the racking. Inverts will then be connected to the panels to convert direct current energy (DC) into alternating current energy (AC).
Lastly, before going solar, a representative from your town government will need to inspect the system and give approval. During this inspection, your installer’s work will be double-checked. Following this inspection, a representative from your electric company will come and do their own final evaluation of the solar panel system. Upon their inspection, as long as there are no glaring issues, your panels will be live the moment inspection is completed.
Homeowners should know that installing solar panels is not a quick process. It usually takes one to three months on average, but the benefits are worth it.
Benefits of Home Solar Panels
The most important thing about solar energy is that it’s truly a renewable energy source, unlike other sources of energy. Advantages include:
- Renewable Energy Source
- Reduces Electricity Bills
- Diverse Applications
- Low Maintenance Costs
- Technology Development
If you’re wondering whether solar energy is worth the initial cost of investment, we promise the benefits are almost endless. Contact us today to begin a service request.
