Is My Roof Ready For Solar?
by John Serrano
In the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable lifestyle, many homeowners are turning to solar energy to power their homes. Solar is here to stay, and it's only a matter of time before you ask the electric company for your money back. But before you dive into the world of solar panels, there's a crucial step you shouldn't overlook: ensuring your roof is in top condition to mount solar panels. Let's explore the importance of a new asphalt ,tile, or metal roof before adding solar to your home.
Protect Your Investment with a Strong Foundation: Your roof serves as the foundation for your solar panel installation. It is the sturdy base that supports the weight of your solar panels. If your roof is old (approaching 20 years or older), damaged, or in need of repair, it may not have the structural integrity to support the added weight of solar panels safely. Many older roofs here in Southern California tend to have up to three layers of roofing material, including wood shake, which poses a fire risk for any future solar project. The best way to determine whether your roof is ready for solar power is to contact a licensed contractor like GreenCal and arrange for an inspection; this will help you determine where to begin your solar project.
Prevent Costly Repairs and Damage: Installing solar panels requires holes to be drilled into your roof. If the roof has ongoing issues, new holes will only worsen the problems and lead to additional headaches. To guarantee that all of the panels are installed correctly and there is no possibility of a leak, make sure your roofer and your solar expert are on the same page. Once your roof and panels are installed, have your roofer come back to your home and re-certify the roof post-solar installation to ensure warranty coverage.
Maximize Energy Efficiency and Savings: A new roof provides a solid foundation for your solar panels and enhances your home's energy efficiency. A properly insulated and well-maintained roof can keep your home up to six degrees cooler here in California. With cool roofs being a requirement in California, they help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce the strain on your HVAC system, and lower your energy bill. Minimum SRI (solar reflectivity index) ratings start at 16 and can be as high as 28, depending on shingle color and manufacture. When combined with solar panels, you'll maximize your energy savings and enjoy greater long-term benefits.
Streamline the Installation Process: Opting for a new roof before installing solar panels streamlines the entire process, making it more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. In some cases, your roof will be required to be reroofed to safely and effectively mount solar panels on your home. Instead of removing and reinstalling solar panels to accommodate a new roof down the line, you can tackle both projects simultaneously, saving time and minimizing disruptions to your daily life. Not to mention the cost savings of removal and reinstallation which can cost $200-500 PER panel! Reach out to your GreenCal solar roofing expert and have them give you a step-by-step explanation of how the process works.
Investing in a new roof before adding solar panels to your home is ultimately a smart decision that pays off. It provides a solid foundation for your solar energy system, prevents potential damage and leaks, maximizes energy efficiency, and streamlines the installation process. So, before you go solar, make sure to get your roof in top shape—it's the key to unlocking the full potential of your solar investment.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our roofing and solar experts!
Especially for tile roofing, we highly suggest Titanium FR Underlayment for your new tile/tile relay project.
Titanium FR is Class-A fire-rated, peel-and-stick, self-sealing, and has one of the best warranties in the industry!
