Given that a lot of households are trying out solar panel installations for their personal consumption, they have neglected the importance of having to initially prepare the area, particularly the roofs. Roof-mounted solar panels are the best and great way to harness the energy of the sun, given that the roof is certainly the perfect location for solar panels, as it typically gets a lot of sun exposure. This is then a good measure to maximize energy production. And even on cloudy days, high-efficiency solar panels can generate electricity, gathering both direct and indirect sunlight.
It is true that solar panels have the ability to increase your entire property value while cutting off a huge chunk from your electricity bills. Also, you are becoming more environmentally friendly in this case, as you are decreasing your carbon footprint as well.
However, solar panels, or any solar energy system you opt for, does not fit perfectly for every type of home. There are houses that are situated at angles that are not exposed too much to the sun. And since the primary measure as to how your energy systems get optimal power from the sun is by placing them in an area without anything blocking the panels, you must ensure that it is placed without any barriers as possible. For instance, one side of the roof must face south or southwest, and the slant or pitch of the roof must be at an angle that provides optimal solar exposure.
But then, to fully enjoy all the benefits of solar panel installations, as well as receiving the right amount of power from the sun, you have to prepare your roofs in a proper way. You have to inspect your roof or attic, measure the area of your roof, and ensure that the roof will be harnessing the right amount of sunlight. Getting your roof ready for solar panels also involves the removal of all obstacles to the installation. Before the actual installation, you must have to conduct a comprehensive examination, as well as execute the necessary maintenance and modifications. This step is vital, especially if you are going to install these solar energy systems for the first time.
Table of Contents
Inspect Your Roof or Attic
The first thing you must do as part of preparing your roof for solar panel installations would be inspecting your roof or attic. You can do this on your own, or have a roofing specialist examine the structure of your roof. They must be professionals that are well-equipped and are knowledgeable about roofs and solar panels, for them to notice potential trouble spots. May it be minimal problems, such as mildew or leaks and stains within the surface; or those huge issues that require you to replace your current roof with a new one. The roof you have must be in its optimal state and well-maintained. Repair any problems, or install a whole new roof, if necessary.
If the issues are not addressed immediately, even before having to install the solar panels may result in poor ventilation, and unsuccessful operations of these energy systems. It may even lead to structural damage to a home, shortening the life span of the roof. This is certainly an important step to save you from trouble and issues now, and in the long run as well. Since solar panels are designed to last for 20 to 25 years long, the roof will need to be long-lasting as well.
Actually, it is much more expensive to repair your roof after your panels are installed, so it is essential to make sure that your roof is in perfect shape upon installation, to avoid a lot of stress in the future.
Measure the Area of Your Roof
While examining and inspecting your roof or attic, perform certain ways to measure the area of your roof. This is also part of the important steps to take in line with preparing your roof for solar panel installations. The size of the roof certainly matters in terms of incorporating any solar energy system. Your roof may have to meet a minimum requirement of usable surface area to have them installed.
In the process of measuring the area of your roof, keep in mind to multiply its length and height. Separate your roof into sections, note how many sections there are. Then, measure the largest section, including the eaves, ridges, and valleys. When you are done measuring, add the totals for each section, then divide them by 100. The answer you will be getting will tell you the amount of squares needed for the roofing material you will need.
Identify the total area of your roof before having these solar energy systems installed, so you will not have any problems in the long run.
Ensure that the Roof Harness Enough Sunlight
Before having solar panels installed on your roof, you must ensure that it will gather enough sunlight. Of course, what drives solar panels to work successfully primarily involves sunlight. They need sunlight to work up to their potential.
The problem that you will commonly experience relative to this step would be the shade. Look for some barriers or obstacles such as trees, poles, or even lamp posts, that might cast a shadow, which limits the energy system to work in its optimal state. If there are hindering trees, trim or cut the branches accordingly. In the case of the poles and lamp posts, you might want to look for another area on your roof that does not get in the way of these poles.
Always remember that in planning for the location for your solar panels, make sure that it will occupy an area that does not have any trees or branches blocking it from sun exposure. Ensure that the trees will not get on the perimeter of your property, and will not cast a shadow on your panels, particularly during peak energy-gathering hours. In this way, your solar panels can produce maximum energy efficiency.
Key Takeaway
Once you have ensured that your roof is in good condition, the solar panel installations that you will be opting for will function optimally, providing you with energy the same way the traditional source of power does. Moreover, you can even have a wider selection of the best solar panel options for your home, as your roof will be ready for any instance.
