It is an thrilling expertise if you lastly resolve to modify to photo voltaic power. After loads of analysis, you’ve got decided that you simply wish to spend money on photo voltaic panels. You are so excited that you have already began to analysis photo voltaic installers in your space. Nonetheless, one little query at present 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 ensure your roof is as prepared for a photo voltaic panel set up as you might be. There are three vital questions you contemplate earlier than you make the transfer to photo voltaic power:
- What does your roof appear like?
- What’s the situation of your roof?
- How a lot shade does your roof get all through the day?
Your solutions might help you identify if it is time to get quotes for photo voltaic panels. Let’s dig into every query, we could?
What Does My Roof Look Like?
A fast inspection of your roof is a giant 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 contemplate:
- The age of your roof
- The roofing materials
- Potential obstacles for photo voltaic panels
Age of the Roof
The older your roof, the extra seemingly 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 should be changed throughout the subsequent 10 years, it is best to exchange it earlier than photo voltaic panels are put in. This may 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 steel 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 product of a fragile materials, it’s best to speak to knowledgeable roofer for his or her suggestion on mounting panels in your roof.
Potential Obstacles
Photo voltaic panels should 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 advisor can probably design round these obstacles, however it will possibly nonetheless influence your total photo voltaic potential.
What’s the Situation Below My Roof?
Relying on the situation of your roof, you might 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 previously 10 years, contemplate getting a roof restore estimate from knowledgeable. Store round and see what you could find. If the realm you wish to set up panels is inaccessible, seek the advice of your house’s blueprints for the construction of your roof.
How A lot Shade Does My Roof Get?
Shade from bushes 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 doable. If vital, bushes will also be trimmed to optimize unshaded space in your roof. Use Project Sunroof to see an estimate of how a lot daylight your roof sees annually and which areas of your roof could be finest for panels.
Make Positive Your Roof is Prepared for Photo voltaic Panels
Somewhat preparation could make a giant distinction in your photo voltaic power system. By contemplating three easy questions on your roof, you possibly can put your panels in the most effective place for optimum manufacturing.
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