Why Your Roof Matters When It Comes to Solar

1. Why Your Roof Matters When It Comes to Solar

2. As much as you might be keen to make the switch to solar energy to power your home, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before doing so, and the angle and composition of your roof, is one of them. What is the ideal angle for a roof supporting solar panels? While a home that’s exposed to a good deal of sunshine every day is perfect for solar panels, even a home that isn’t continually bathed in the suns rays, can experience great solar results. That said, the angle or pitch of your roof will make a difference, and will determine whether your solar panels can be installed flat on the roof’s surface, or whether they must be mounted at an angle.

3. The optimal angle for a roof with flat solar panels should be equal to the home’s location latitude, but an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees should be good enough for noticeable energy savings. What direction should the panels face? While it might be easy to see which areas of your home receive more sunlight than others, the direction that your solar panels should face, is a little more of a contentious issue, and isn’t agreed upon by everyone. Generally speaking, though, solar panels should be aimed in the direction in which they’ll be exposed to the most sun, and this is typically somewhere between south and west if you live in the Northern Hemisphere.

4. When your solar panel installer comes to your home, they’ll be able to guide you as to the best position for the panels on your roof. What are the best roofing materials for solar panels? Most roofing materials are generally compatible for rooftop solar panels, but it’s important to note that some materials work better than others. Composite shingles, for example, are a great material for solar panels, and fortunately they’re durable and affordable, unlike some other materials, like slate or tiles.

5. Other considerations Once your roof has been deemed suitable for a solar installation by a professional (including correct positioning, pitch and suitable roof design), you’ll need to check whether your roof requires any maintenance or repairs to be carried out. Modern solar panels can last as long as 20 years with minimal maintenance, so it’s important to make sure that your roof is in good condition before the installation is carried out. The easiest way to ensure this, is to have a roofing professional inspect your roof for any cracks, leaks or other damage, and to make any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

6. As you can see, most roofs are suitable for a solar panel installation, and provided your roof is in good condition and has been professionally inspected and signed off, there’s no reason why you can’t start harnessing the power of the sun with energy saving solar panels.

7. Proxima Solar Energy is a proud veteran owned organization founded by a group of partners, on the premise that everyone should have access to a clean, alternative-energy future. Proxima Solar Energy is one of the best solar companies in Dallas and believes that your path to a clean energy future should not be difficult or complicated, so we seek to bring you simplified solar solutions that will benefit today and help to ensure a brighter tomorrow. If you are looking for solar energy in Dallas, look no further than Proxima Solar Energy. Get an instant ballpark solar estimate using satellites!