The future looks bright for solar energy. Over the past decade, new technologies have developed that boost your home’s energy efficiency – and solar panels are one of them. When installed onto a roof with care, solar panels offer homeowners a way to help the environment and cut down on their energy bill.
But how do you know if your current roof is the right fit for solar panels? Is there a certain type of roof that is more compatible with solar panels? Is the average home roof able to support solar panels? Keep reading to learn more about solar energy and the best roofing systems for solar panels!
Why Solar Energy Matters
There are various benefits to incorporating solar energy into your home. For starters, going solar significantly reduces your carbon footprint.
The electricity gathered through solar energy is clean and renewable and does not release any carbon dioxide emissions. This not only helps the environment but also protects your health, as poor air quality (both indoor and outdoor) is consistently listed as one of the top five environmental risks to public health.
An analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that widespread solar energy adoption can significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide and other matter emissions that can cause health problems.
Aside from the environmental and health benefits, solar energy also reduces electricity costs. Energy generated by solar can save the average home between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of your solar panel system.
Best Roof Types for Solar Panels
Before purchasing any solar roofing panels, it’s important to know whether your roof is made of compatible materials. It’s also necessary to evaluate your roof’s current condition. How old is it? Does it have any damage? If you’re unsure, consider reaching out to an experienced roofing contractor that can check if your roof needs replacing or repairs before moving forward. If you do need a roof replacement, our team of local roofers have the experience to install the panels at the same time as the roof is going in.
If your roof is in good shape, then it’s time to consider your current roof’s materials. Below you’ll find a list of the most common materials that Roof Fix suggests work best with solar panels.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular roofing material for residential housing. Asphalt shingles are hardy, inexpensive and easy to install. In addition to these benefits, asphalt shingles are also flexible in terms of colors and styles. Roof Fix also offers Timberline Solar Shingles from GAF Energy, these solar shingles are nailed in similar to traditional asphalt shingles and provide solar energy just like traditional panels.
Metal Roofing
The next most common residential roofing type is metal roofing. Metal roofs with standing seams (also known as raised legs or seams) remove the panels needed to drill into your roof. Instead, the panels can be attached to the metal seams, making installation more manageable. For this reason, contractors often consider metal roofs as the ideal roof for solar panels.
Wood
Although not a common style, wood is a material that’s still found on some homes today. Unfortunately, wooden roofs are not a viable candidate for solar panels. The wood poses a safety hazard, as it can catch on fire when in contact with the heat that radiates off panels.
If you have a wooden roof, you don’t necessarily need to replace your roof with a different material to reap the benefits of solar energy. If you have enough space, you can install ground-mounted solar panels that pose no safety risks.
Call Roof Fix SA!
Are you interested in installing solar panels on your roof? First, it’s important to check if your roof is in the best condition before installation, and Roof Fix SA would be happy to help! We offer solar panel installation, repair, maintenance and inspection, as well as special financing and a lifetime warranty. Contact us today to learn more about solar panel benefits or other roofing-related services!
