Solar energy is at the forefront of innovative and renewable energy sources. More and more homeowners are turning to solar panels as their residential energy source because of the many benefits of solar energy including cost-effectiveness, eco-friendly properties, and solar incentives. However, as great as rooftop solar panels can be, certain considerations must be taken into account when deciding whether they are right for your house.
One of the most important things to consider is whether your rooftop is suitable for solar panel installation. Some key factors include rooftop age, angle, orientation, and size. Each of these can impact the effectiveness of solar panels or even whether you will be able to properly install them.
The Age and Condition of Your Roof
Before installing rooftop solar panels, it’s essential to assess the condition and age of your roof. A standard asphalt shingled roof should be less than 10 years old. Even if your roof is younger than 10 years, you should still have it assessed to ensure that there isn’t significant damage. Roofs consisting of more durable materials such as tile, slate, or metal should also be assessed to ensure they are in good shape. It can be very costly to remove and reinstall solar panels if you must replace your roof after their initial installation. Therefore, it’s best to make sure that your roof is in good shape before going forward with solar panel installation.
An Adequate Amount of Sunlight
Another important factor is the amount of sunlight. Solar panels work best in direct sunlight. However, they will also work in indirect light, it just will not produce as much power. It’s important to take note of your climate as rain and snow can impact the effectiveness of solar panels. Fortunately, solar panels are not totally ineffective in these conditions and the rain or snow melt can even be beneficial by washing away dirt and build-up on your panels.
Another major deterrent to effective solar panels are factors such as trees or structures that block sunlight. Although solar panel performance depends on factors such as sunlight, climate conditions, and obstructions, but even in less than optimal conditions, solar panels can still produce some energy due to the versatility of solar technology.
The Orientation and Angle of Your Roof
The orientation and angle of your roof play an important role in getting adequate sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, solar panels work best on south-facing roofs. East and west-facing work also but are less effective. Moreover, the angle of your roof also has a significant part in the efficiency of your solar panels. The angle should be optimized based on your latitude to capture the most sunlight. Typically, this is at a slope of between 15 to 40 degrees.
How Much Roof Space is Available
Another thing to be aware of is the available space on your roof for panel installation. Assessing the available roof space is crucial to determine the number of solar panels that can be installed and their potential energy output. Factors such as the size, shape, and obstructions on the roof, such as chimneys, vents, or skylights, must be considered when planning for solar panels. Evaluate available roof space to determine the maximum number of solar panels that can be installed. This helps optimize the solar panel system for maximum efficiency and energy generation.
Your Local Solar Experts!
Looking for solar experts in your area? Look no further! At Vesta Home Energy, we can help you evaluate your roof and determine if solar panels are the right choice for you. Our experienced contractors have the expertise and knowledge necessary to make the switch to solar a smooth and easy process. Contact us today to get started on your path to innovative and renewable energy!
