Solar panels can last you for 30-35 years. Because of their long life, many homeowners want to install them on their roofs. But most people don’t know how roof replacements with solar panels will work. You can learn more about roof replacement with solar panels in the post below:
Why Use Solar Panels?
While solar panels may seem like a steep investment, they can save you money in the long run. Once you set them up initially, you won’t have to spend much on their maintenance. Solar panels generate their own power. As a result, your electricity bills will be reduced considerably.
Types of Solar Panels
There are three main types of solar panels:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
These panels are constructed from a single silicon crystal that is sliced into wafers. They contain rows and columns of these wafers. The silicon crystals are cylindrical, and slicing them into wafers gives them rounded edges.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
They are also known as multi-crystalline solar panels. Their solar cells have multiple crystalline silicon fragments. These fragments are arranged in an irregular way, after which they are melted together and solidified into blocks before cutting into wafers.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels can be made with various materials, including Gallium Arsenide, Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide. They can be applied directly to any surface using adhesive or can also be set up on durable frames.
What to Know When Roofing with Solar Panels?
Adding solar panels can mean additional steps in your entire roof replacement project. Below are some things you must know about roofing with solar panels:
You Must Remove the Solar Panels to Replace the Roof
If you put solar panels on your roof and need to replace the roof, then you will have to remove the panels. You won’t have access to renewable energy during the duration of your roof replacement. It can increase energy bills and other costs at that time. You can lose power for at least a few minutes during the panel removal and installation process. It can take about a day to remove the panels and put them back temporarily.
You Must Choose Your Roof Material Carefully
You can get tempted to change the roof material when replacing your existing roof. All roofing materials don’t use the same solar mounting brackets. So even if you change the material for its durability or energy efficiency, you will have to change the mounting hardware. This can cost you additional thousands of dollars. Speak to your solar panel installers to check if your new roofing material can use the same mounting brackets. If not, have your new mounting hardware delivered on time. This way, you won’t have to wait for long to install your solar panels after the roof is replaced.
Choose Roofers and Solar Panel Installers Who Work Together
While your roofers and solar panel installers don’t work together directly, both their services will impact your roof and home. They must work together to ensure everything goes well. Keep control of your project, tell the teams what needs to be done, and ensure both teams work together peacefully. It would be ideal if you worked with a company like Premier Improvements Solar. They offer integrated roofing and renewable energy systems and use only high-quality roofing materials. They also offer a wide variety of roofing colors and styles for you to choose from.
Replace Your Roofs Before Installing the Solar Panels to Avoid Extra Costs
Most solar installers will ask you if your roof has been inspected recently to determine its overall durability and health. If your roof is not strong, then your installer will ask you to replace the roof before installing the panels. Removing the solar panels for roof repair and replacement can be costly. Replacing your roofs before installing the panels can save you a lot of money.
Can Solar Panels Replace a Roof?
Your roof is more than what meets the eye. Solar panels cannot replace them completely. They can only be placed on top of the roof. While they may be expensive to install, they take much less time and lead to long-term cost savings. It would help if you researched the different types of solar panels available before starting the project.
You must consider all of your options before adding solar panels to your roof. If done correctly, solar panels can save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.
