The first question many people have when they decide to install solar panels is about their roof and solar. More specifically, whether their roof is ideal for the project. Although you can mount solar panels on most roofing materials, some are better suited than others.
There is a global consensus for sustainable and eco-friendly power solutions in a bid to reduce the environmental impact on our planet. As such, solar power is increasingly becoming a popular and cheaper source of clean and renewable energy.
Today there are about two million solar installations in the United States, and this number is predicted to double by 2023.
So what roof types pairs best with solar? What makes them ideal for installing solar panels?
1 - Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingle roofing material has been the most widely used roof type in the US for about two decades. Mounting solar panels on asphalt shingle roofs is convenient since it only requires 2x4s drilling studs into roofing where you lay the panel.
Therefore, panels can be mounted without any special requirements or tools, making the installation relatively inexpensive. Additionally, asphalt roofing shingles are not linked to fire hazards, thus happen to be ideal roofing material to pair with solar panels.
2 - Standing Seam Metal
Standing seam metal is among the best roofing materials to install solar panels. The metal has large, protruding seams that make the panel array attachment easy and thus cheaper installation. Besides, you do not need to drill holes into the roof.
Metal roofing also has other superior properties over other materials.
These include:
- A longer lifespan. They can last for more than 30 years
- They are ecofriendly
- They allow the installation of both standard PV panels and thin-film panels.
- They have a cooling effect since they reflect a large amount of sunlight that solar panels do not absorb.
3 - Tiles
Tile roofing is a common roof type in most neighborhoods. Tiles are made of different materials, such as clay and concrete, and you need to establish what yours are made of before you proceed.
The distance required for suspending the panels depends on the material. It is easy to attach solar panels to brackets and lift them above the roof surface for concrete roof tiles since the material is flame retardant.
On the other hand, it is expensive to install panels on clay tiles since the brackets they require cost more than those required for concrete tiles. Therefore, installation is cost-effective for concrete tiles.
Most roofing materials can accommodate solar panels. All you need is to have experienced professionals with the right equipment to handle the installation, and you will have solar panels mounted on any roof type. However, the above three are easier and cheaper to pair with solar.
Other Materials:
Don’t forget to factor in the size of your roof when estimating the number of solar panels you need for your home’s PV system. The efficiency of a solar panel determines how well it converts sunlight to energy. For smaller, oddly shaped roofs, you’ll need to go with smaller, more efficient solar panels if you want to meet your home’s solar energy needs.
Putting all these factors into consideration will help you determine the ideal number of solar panels for your home. If you’re considering installing solar panels in your home, Go Solar Power professionals can give you a free evaluation of your home’s solar power system.
Wood:
Wooden roof types are not ideal for solar panel installation due to fire safety concerns. Besides, whether they are completely flat or shingles at an angle, these roof types are easily damaged.
Tar & Gravel:
Tar and gravel roofing consist of sheet layers joined with roofing felt, hot tar, and other mineral coatings. They are flat rooftops and resemble asphalt shingles. However, bigger brackets that can tilt at the 30o angle are required for the panels to be effective, thus making installation more expensive and harder.
The bottom line is concrete tile roofing, composite asphalt shingle roof, or standing seam metal roof makes it easier to have solar panels mounted on your roof. With any of the three, the solar installation will cost less, and you will be sure that the roof is strong and won’t collapse during the process.
Install the Roof and Solar Simultaneously:
If you want to go green, it can be more convenient to have a new roof and solar panel installed simultaneously with the same company. This way, you can be sure that the contractor will install a solar-efficient roof system with a good service warranty for both installations.
Besides, the complete package saves you time and money since any discounts you bargain cover the cost of both installations.
At Go Solar Power, we install roof and solar all at once with guaranteed quality of the two services. Contact us for a free solar quote today.
