The Relationship Between Your Roof & Your Solar Panels
Arizona Roofing Company’s Guide To Know If a Roof Solar Panel Is Right For You
Solar panels are an increasingly common feature of new roof installation in new construction homes or as an addition to older homes. In Arizona, solar panels are even more popular than they are in other parts of the country because our weather is generally so sunny and dry. This means solar panels operate far more efficiently in Arizona than they do elsewhere in the United States. Not only do solar panels help you save money on monthly energy bills, but they also increase the value of your home and are a popular feature if you choose to sell your home at a later time.
It’s understandable that when homeowners consider purchasing solar panels for their residential roofing, they have many questions about how the panels will work and especially about how they will fit in with their home’s existing roof. Here are answers to common questions and some things to consider as you decide whether solar panels are a good fit for you. Many homeowners find it helpful to contact a roofing contractor before installing solar panels to make sure everything is in tip top shape.
Orientation of Your Roof
Many homeowners believe that roof orientation is one of the most important considerations when it comes to installing solar panels. You may be surprised to learn that which direction your roof faces is not critical. While yes, it is generally best to install solar panels on the south side of your residential roofing, many homes are also able to work with a west facing side, as long as the roof is not multi-faced. The efficiency decrease of a west facing installation is only an estimated 10-20%; however, given the sunny, dry weather in Arizona, this may not even be a concern. Either way, you may want to call a roofing company before installing your solar panels to get their input on whether the south or west side is best for your home and your needs.
Roofing Material
One common question is what type of roofing material solar panels can be used with. The great news for homeowners is that solar panels can be installed on almost all types of roofs, including tile roofing, shingle roofing, metal roofing, and even tin roofing. Wood roofing is the least compatible, so it may be worthwhile to consider re-roofing prior to installing solar panels. It’s also helpful to know that the type of material your roof is made of can affect the cost of installation. This is because some roofing materials are more difficult to work with than others, or may require more time and effort to get a good installation.
The Size of Your Roof Affects The Amount Of Solar Energy You Can Get
The size of your roof matters because most homes will require a minimum of twenty 250 watt solar panels in order to generate enough energy. This number can vary significantly depending upon the size of the home and the number of people living in it. Since one solar panel generally measures 15 square feet, most homes will need, on average, 300-350 square feet of roof area for adequate solar panel installation. You may want to contact a roofing company to help you determine if you have enough square footage available for the project you have in mind.
Know The Durability Of Your Roof
Your roof’s age is an important consideration. Each type of roof has a specific expected lifespan. For some roof types, this can be as little as 20 years; for others, it can be as long as 50 years. Solar panels are generally expected to last for 20 years or longer, so if your roof has less than ten years of life remaining, you may want to consider a new roof installation before your solar panel installation. With a qualified roofing company on the job, you won’t need to worry about your shingles or your solar panels for many years.
Contact The Best Roofing Company In Glendale, AZ
Call Arizona Roof Rescue if you need roof repair or a new roof installation in Glendale. Our experienced roofing experienced contractors are skilled in all types of roofing installation, including both residential and commercial projects. We are committed to providing customer satisfaction with the highest quality workmanship. As a licensed, bonded, and insured company with dozens of positive reviews, you can feel confident with your Glendale roof repair company no matter what your roofing needs are. Contact us today at (602) 242-2706 to discuss how we can serve you!