Investing in solar energy is a great thing homeowners can do. You might think filling an entire roof with solar panels makes sense, but you may want to talk to a professional solar panel company first. Can you cover an entire roof with solar panels? Find out more about solar panel roofs below.
Is Covering an Entire Roof With Solar Panels a Good Idea?
Replacing your entire roof with solar panels isn’t the best idea. There are two reasons solar panel installers advise against covering an entire roof with solar panels. First, the photovoltaic modules (PV) don’t reach the entire roof, and second, there are energy consumption limitations.
You run into other problems, too, such as issues with shade and the orientation of your panels. If your panels don’t face the sun or have limited visibility, they don’t perform well. Even if the worst of your solar system doesn’t perform well, it doesn’t mean you need to make modifications.
How Much of Your Roof Can You Cover With Solar Panels?
If you can’t cover an entire roof with solar panels, how much should you cover? The good news is that every inch of your roof can generate about 15 watts of energy. You can judge how much roof space to use based on your home’s size. For instance, a small home could use close to 200 square feet of roof space for solar panels.
What problems would homeowners face if they covered their entire roof with solar panels?
Structural Issues
Not every home in the U.S. is structurally sound to handle PV panels. These panels are a modern concept, and many older homes cannot handle them because of the size or style of the roof. Additionally, you need to have enough roof space for firefighters to access the home in an emergency.
Most PV modules don’t provide mounting systems or racks. Each panel module weighs 40 pounds, and the roof cannot withstand that much weight, even as you gradually add onto your roof.
Where You Place Your Solar Roof Panels Matter
A solar panel system is a huge investment, but where you place the roof panels matter. You don’t want to have too many modules because they need to be aligned the same way so the PV cells can absorb sunlight. Some areas may even have more shade, so you’d need to factor in that most of the solar units won’t perform as well as the others.
So, is it possible to cover an entire roof with solar panels? Yes, but it’s not recommended. If you’re looking for the chance to save more money on energy bills but want to focus on installing a solar module onto your roof, contact Go Solar Power. Our professional roofing team is equipped to help you learn more about investing in solar power before installing a new roof with solar panels. We can’t wait to help you save more with solar energy.
