Installing solar panels in your home can be a great idea. Depending on where you live and how much access you have to sunlight. Solar panels are known to save on your electric bill as you rely less on the local power grid. Additionally, depending on the type of roof you have could determine how easily the installation of solar panels will be. Can you put solar panels on a metal roof? Yes, and they are a lot easier to install on metal roofs. However, any roof will hold solar panels.
Let’s take a look below at some more details and why this is so successful.
Why Does It Work?
Believe it or not, there are multiple reasons why installing solar panels on metal roofs is so successful. Let’s take a look below at this reason.
- Easy to mount – Since you are installing metal brackets onto a metal roof it is a lot easier to mount the solar panel brackets.
- Cooling benefits – Solar panels can actually increase the cooling benefits of a metal roof as they absorb the excess heat from the sun.
- Eco-friendly – Combining solar panels with metal roofs creates an eco-friendly home.
- Durability – In many cases a metal roof will last longer than your solar panels.
- Structural capability – Metal roofs can hold thin-film solar panels and standard PV panels.
How Long Do They Last?
If you are looking to install solar panels on your roof, be sure to create the best combination. Solar panels will typically last between 25 and 30 years. However, shingled roofs last about 12 years. So, installing a standing seam metal roof that can last between 40 and 60 years would likely be a smarter move. The benefits listed alone, along with the lifespan of the metal roof, are reason enough to install solar panels on a metal roof.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you are aware of how metal roofs are great for hosting solar panels, you can begin looking into how to replace your shingled roof. Be sure not to install a metal roof over your shingles. This would create huge problems as the roof materials underneath age.
Next, read up on how often you should replace a roof. This is a good piece of information to have before you start looking into adding things to your roof. Remember that installing items that are longer lasting than your roof could be a problem when it comes time to replace the roof.
Lastly, while you are getting your roof inspected and your home inspection completed, this would be a great time to work on your maintenance checklist. Completing tasks like furnace filter replacement or air conditioning filter replacement.
When Do I Call A Professional?
When it comes to installing solar panels you will need to call a professional solar installation company. Only they know the building codes for bracketing their solar panels onto your roof. Additionally, they can determine if you need to install a new roof before installing solar panels. Reach out to your local home inspection team for a roof inspection. Also, they can refer you to a reputable solar panel installation company.
Conclusion
Before you install solar panels it is a good idea to consult your local home inspection team. They can provide detailed information about your roof and if it is structurally sound enough to hold solar panels. Consequently, after reading the information above, it might be better to install a new metal roof before installing solar panels. This will provide you with the longevity of both products. Reach out to ACE Preferred Inspections for a roof inspection and full home inspection in the low country of South Carolina.
