Steps To Take To Get Your Roof Ready For Solar Panels

Adding solar panels to your home is a great way to increase its energy efficiency, as well as its monetary value. Roof-mounted solar panels are a great way to harness the sun’s energy and save on your utility bills. A roof offers an ideal location for solar panel installation as it typically receives a great amount of sunlight. Great sun exposure can maximize your solar energy production. However, not all roofs are fit for supporting solar panels. The roof must have an angle that can receive the optimal amount of sunlight, so the panels can work to the maximum.

Therefore, when you are planning solar panel installation, make sure your roof is capable of holding the source of your sustainable energy. Some easy steps can make your roof solar-ready, the article describes the steps to take before installation of a new photovoltaic array. After taking these steps, you can rest assured that your roof is ready to support your roof-mounted solar panel system.

A Thorough Roof Inspection

The first step to take before installing solar panels is to get a thorough roof inspection. A professional roofing contractor can help you with this task. There are ample possibilities that without a roof inspection, you will be slapping the panels on a roof with rotting wood, loose shingles, or falling fascia.

The required roof repairs will become difficult - and expensive-, once the solar panels are installed. It is better to get the roof inspected and repaired before the installation of the photovoltaic array.

The roof inspection will help you to determine the overall health of your roof. You surely don’t want to mount on your expenses of installing the solar panel, only to discover after some time that you need re-roofing.

Get The Right Measurements

Not all the roofs have simple rectangular or square shapes, some have odd shapes. These shapes make it difficult to get the correct measurements and some areas may not be able to support the solar panels. Some roofs have a traditional design, but these are intersected by gables or other elements, making the placement of the panels difficult.

If your roof is simple, you can measure the length and width of the roof and multiply to get the area. If you have a uniquely designed roof you can hire a professional solar installer or a roofing contractor to get the workable measurement accurately.

Relocate Roof Accessories

If you have to disrupt things on the roof, relocate them to clear out the space for solar panels. You can relocate the roof vents, antennas, satellite dishes, and other fittings to make proper space.

You can check the building codes of your concerned area to know about the requirements for relocating the roof vents and other fittings.

Examine The Landscape

The roof of your house is the best location for the installation of solar panels because it provides plenty of square footage receiving ample sun exposure or at least it is a usual case. However, some homes are surrounded by tall trees, huge buildings, and other things that block the sunlight. These homes will not be able to produce a lot of electricity, using roof-mounted solar panels.

An experienced stump removal service can provide you with proper examination of your landscape. They will help you determine if going green with roof-mounted solar panels will benefit you or not.

Prepare For New Maintenance Routine

Solar panels take a lot of space on your roof, this will make the roof inspection difficult. Proper drainage and ventilation will also become challenging tasks. Now you will need to get your roof and solar panels professionally inspected and perform maintenance jobs with more diligence.