It is an thrilling expertise whenever you lastly resolve to change to photo voltaic vitality. After loads of analysis, you’ve got decided that you just wish to spend money on photo voltaic panels. You are so excited that you’ve got already began to analysis photo voltaic installers in your space. Nonetheless, one little query at the moment holds you again from making the transfer to photo voltaic: “What else ought to I do earlier than asking for a quote?”
We recommend checking to verify your roof is as prepared for a photo voltaic panel set up as you’re. There are three vital questions you take into account earlier than you make the transfer to photo voltaic vitality:
- What does your roof appear to be?
- What’s the situation of your roof?
- How a lot shade does your roof get all through the day?
Your solutions can assist you establish if it is time to get quotes for photo voltaic panels. Let’s dig into every query, lets?
What Does My Roof Look Like?
A fast inspection of your roof is an enormous first step in figuring out whether or not it is prepared for a photo voltaic panel set up. There are three main components it’s best to take into account:
- The age of your roof
- The roofing materials
- Potential obstacles for photo voltaic panels
Age of the Roof
The older your roof, the extra possible it’s that you’re going to must do some work earlier than you spend money on a photo voltaic array. In case your roof will must be changed throughout the subsequent 10 years, it is best to exchange it earlier than photo voltaic panels are put in. It will prevent from having to take away and reinstall them when the roof is changed.
Roofing Supplies
Whereas photo voltaic panels are routinely put in on metallic and asphalt roofs, some roofing supplies, equivalent to slate and Spanish tiles, require extra care when putting in photo voltaic panels. In case your roof is fabricated from a fragile materials, it’s best to speak to an expert roofer for his or her advice on mounting panels in your roof.
Potential Obstacles
Photo voltaic panels must be laid down in straight rows. This implies obstacles, equivalent to vents and dormers, can restrict what number of panels can match in your roof. A great photo voltaic marketing consultant can probably design round these obstacles, however it might probably nonetheless influence your general photo voltaic potential.
What’s the Situation Below My Roof?
Relying on the situation of your roof, chances are you’ll want to exchange it prior to installing new panels. Examine your roof for the next indicators:
- Broken rafters or trusses
- Leaks or stains within the attic or on partitions
- Mildew
- Darkish, “dirty-looking” spots on the roof
In case your roof is exhibiting any of those indicators or hasn’t been changed prior to now 10 years, take into account getting a roof restore estimate from an expert. Store round and see what you will discover. If the world you wish to set up panels is inaccessible, seek the advice of your private home’s blueprints for the construction of your Roof Maintenance roof.
How A lot Shade Does My Roof Get?
Shade from timber and different buildings can restrict the manufacturing of your system. Due to this, it is best to keep away from putting in panels in shady areas in your rooftop, if potential. If needed, timber can be trimmed to optimize unshaded space in your roof. Use Mission Sunroof to see an estimate of how a lot daylight your roof sees annually and which areas of your roof can be finest for panels.