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When you add solar panels to your roof, how do you prepare your roof surface? Do you need a new roof or can you have the panels affixed to your existing roof? As the installation of the panels is costly, you need to make sure your roof is in good condition to prevent having to remove the panels for future roof repair. Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof Adding solar panels to your roof involves the installation of mounting brackets that are carefully and securely mounted to prevent roof leaks, while withstanding windstorms. The technician also installs wiring that connects the solar panel to an inverter that feeds into your home's electrical system, converts electricity from direct current to alternating current, and connects your home to the electrical grid. Once an electrician connects the wiring to the electrical panel, an inspector from your city or county will check your system and approve you to start using it for electricity production. The whole process can take 24 to 72 hours to complete all the steps. Getting Your Roof Ready for Solar Panels Since solar panels are intended to be a permanent addition to your roof, the roof itself should be in excellent condition before the installation occurs. If your roofing contractor finds loose, raised, or damaged shingles, dirty areas of the roof that indicate shingle damage, or evidences of leaks or stains on walls or attic, your roof might need attention. The same is true if your energy costs are high, as this may indicate ventilation problems. Your goal in installing a solar system is to have trouble-free electricity production, and you do not want the condition of your roof to interfere with the process. Before you have solar panels mounted, you should consider replacing your roof, especially if it is older or has been poorly maintained. An average roof can last 20 years, but some asphalt-based roofing materials show wear in half that time. While tearing off and replacing the roof costs an average of $12,000, according to Angie's List, it may be cost-effective to plan on doing this before installing the panels as removing and reinstalling them can cost thousands. In addition, during the time that the panels are off the roof, your means of producing electricity are out of service. During this time, you will still get electricity from the power grid, but at a much higher cost. If often boils down to a game of "pay now, or pay later?" and when you look at all the costs involved, it's usually more economical to replace an aging roof up front. For Best Results, Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected Age alone is not a good indicator of roof condition. Before you have solar panels installed, you should first arrange for a roof inspection from a reputable local roofing company. The contractor will usually provide a free inspection and advise you on the roof's condition, so that you can arrange for repair or replacement before having the solar panels installed. Some companies handle both roofing repair/replacement and solar panel installation, which is a great way to ensure that your roofing and solar panel needs are handled at the same time by a reputable, experienced contractor.
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solar panels, solar power, solar roofing, commercial solar panels, residential solar panels, solar energy, solar panel installation,
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