Solar panels are one of the most effective way to make your home less dependent on fossil fuels and other environment-damaging energy options. Typically, these panels are placed upon the roof, where they not only receive maximum sun exposure but also are out of harm's way. The following are tasks you need to do in advance of your solar panel installation.
Trim your trees
If you have trees surrounding your home, you may need to have them trimmed back. Otherwise, their branches can scrape against and damage your solar panels. Even trees that look like they don't touch the roof can be a concern, since the branches may still reach to the roof during a wind event. Further, if the branches overhang but don't touch the roof, there will still be the concern of dropped branches and tree litter on your new panels. Trim the trees to avoid these issues.
Update your roof
There are a couple of concerns when it comes to the roof. First and foremost, it must be able to support the weight of the panels. To this end, you will need to have the roof assessed by a professional to ensure your roof is up to the task. If there is any damage, it will all need to be repaired or the roof must be replaced before the panels are installed. Many homeowners opt for a metal or tile roof as opposed to a shingle roof when installing solar panels, simply because these roofing materials have a longer expected life over asphalt shingles. The location of rooftop accessories, such as vents, may also need to be moved so they aren't obstructing the side of the roof with the most sun exposure, since this is where the panels need to be placed.
Contact your city and utilities
You may need permits in order to install the panels, which may or may not be handled by the installation company, so it is important to inquire. Many cities also provide rebate programs for those installing solar energy, which is well worth looking into. This is part of the reason why you should also contact your local utility company. They, too, may offer a rebate program, or they may have the offer to "buy back" your excess energy that is produced by your panels. Some people with low energy usage and the ability to generate a lot of power actually make money off of these buyback programs.
For more help, contact a solar energy company in your area.
Share22 August 2019
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
