We’re living through a revolution!
All across the globe, innovative thinkers are coming up with new ways to help reduce our energy usage and help protect the planet. And, hey, if it saves us all a couple of dollars, you won’t catch us complaining.
However, one of the most effective ways of saving energy has actually been around for a while now. Any guesses? That’s right. We’re talking about solar panels!
Despite having a long history, homeowners have been slow to adopt solar panels for their homes. They’re quickly picking up steam, though, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve seen them popping up all over your neighborhood. And maybe you’re interested in a solar roof installation.
Today, we’ll be explaining:
- What is the best roof for solar panels?
- How solar panels work
- Why they might be the right choice for you
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels can feel like magic. A little bit of sunshine warms up these giant blocks on your roof, and poof! Energy for your whole home!
But if you are considering investing in solar panels, it is a good idea to get a sense of how they work.
Each solar panel is made up of multiple photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells absorb the sun’s light, creating an electrical charge. This charge can then be used to power your home.
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when it comes to switching to solar is worrying about how effective it will be after a stretch of bad weather. We’re here to clear up misconceptions! The truth is that solar energy can be stored within your system, meaning that a day of cloudy weather won’t leave you without power. Additionally, most property owners choose to have a solar system in addition to their existing power system so that they are covered, no matter what comes.
What Is the Best Type of Roof for Solar Panels?
If you are new to the world of solar energy, you may be wondering whether your roof is equipped to have solar panels installed in the first place! We’ll let you in on a little secret. The efficacy of your solar panels is mostly dependent on the slope of your roof, not the roofing materials! As long as your panels can sit at roughly a 30-degree angle on your roof, you should be good!
That being said, some roof styles do work better than others. Here are four of the best roofs for installing solar panels.
Asphalt Shingles
The good news is that one of the most popular roofing materials on the market is also one of the best roof styles for solar installation. Asphalt shingles are popular for good reasons. They are easily the most affordable roofing material that you can buy. This makes them an easy investment to make but also means that they are ideal for when you need a repair.
Individual shingles can be replaced easily and cheaply, which is good because they are definitely not the most durable options on this list. You will have to keep an eye out for damage, particularly from hail or high winds.
Tile Roof
Tile roofs are a slightly more durable option for your solar panel system. Clay tiles stand up well to changes in temperature and can last for up to fifty years. However, because clay tiles can be a bit brittle, they aren’t the best choice if you live in an area that deals with frequent hailstorms.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are becoming more and more prevalent for both commercial and residential properties. While they come with a hefty price tag, they are extremely durable and can last for up to fifty years!
They also offer great insulation properties for homes in sunny areas. All light that isn’t absorbed by the solar panels themselves gets reflected by the metal roofing material, which keeps your house cooler and helps to conserve energy.
Commercial Flat Roof
While solar panels do best at an angle, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use solar energy systems for your property with a flat roof! It just means that you will need to invest in solar brackets when mounting solar panels onto your roof. This will allow you to adjust the angle of your solar panels for the most efficient use.
Pros and Cons of Solar Panel Installation
While we’re all for installing solar panels onto your roof, we recognize that it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Check out our list of pros and cons to discover whether or not it is right for you!
✅ Pros:
- Reduce Energy Bills – One of the obvious benefits of installing energy-efficient solar panels is that they can hugely reduce your energy bills. In fact, many homeowners find themselves paying virtually no money to maintain their homes.
- Tax Credit – Depending on what state you are in, you may be eligible for a tax credit at the end of the year. That means not only will you be saving money, but you might MAKE some, as well!
- Eco-Friendly – There’s no better benefit than feeling like you are doing your part to support the overall health of our planet. Solar installations are just one more step in the right direction.
❌ Cons:
- Cost – All good things come with a price. And with solar panels, you are likely looking at a significant start-up fee. Not only will you have to pay for the solar panels themselves, but you will need to hire a specialist to install them.
- Not Right For Every Home – Some homes simply don’t have the setup that is conducive to a quality solar panel installation. Your best bet is to talk to a roofing contractor who has experience in solar installation to see if it is right for you.
Get Started Today
When it comes to your home, you deserve the best solar installers in the business. When you work with Bay Valley Roofing, that is exactly what you will get! Our team of roofing professionals is standing by to answer all of your questions about installing a commercial or residential solar power system. Contact us today to set up your free inspection!
