April 5th 2018
Just back from my Training Class… 40hrs of Advanced Solar Training completed! If you’re considering solar power for your home, there are several important things to take into consideration first. While the cost and style of the solar panels you choose are most likely to be the first things you will research and discuss, it is also important to consider the angle and composition of the roof itself. With the Training that we at Innovative Electric just received, Here are a few things you need to consider regarding your roof before investing in solar.
1. Ideal roofing angles
A home that is bathed in sunlight every day throughout the year is ideal for solar panels, but we promise that you will see results regardless of where your home is located. However, the angle or pitch of your roof determines whether your solar panels can be installed flat on the surface of your roof or if they need to be mounted at an angle. Technologically speaking, the optimum angle for a roof with flat solar panels should be equal to the latitude of the home’s location, but anywhere between 30 and 45 degrees should be sufficient for energy savings.
2. Direction of solar panels
Although it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that there are some areas of a home that receive more light than others, the direction in which you face your solar panels is surprisingly controversial. I have actual data from installs that we have completed that will show the best direction. The general consensus is that you should aim your solar panels in the direction that sees the most sun, which is usually somewhere between south (180 degrees) and west (270 degrees). With the Data that Innovative Electric has at hand, the best Solar Direction are panels that face 220 Degrees with a 38 degree tilt.
3. Best roofing materials
While the vast majority of roofing materials are suitable for rooftop solar panels, there are several materials that work better than others. Here at Innovative Electric, We recommend composite shingles, which are thankfully one of the most common roofing materials around because of their durability and low cost. If you are thinking about purchasing roof integrated solar panels, tiles, or shingles, you will need to make sure that your installation company can successfully complete this job with your existing roofing to a professional standard and avoid gaps, leaks, or any other physical or aesthetic problems. At Innovative Electric we have experience with composite Shingles, Tin Roofs, Flat Rolled Roofs and Rubber Membranes. At Innovative Electric, We would like you to have the confidence that we can install your Solar System on any surface without worry to your home!
4. Other roofing considerations
If your roof meets all the other requirements for solar panels (correct positioning and pitch of the roof and suitable roof design), you need to finally determine whether or not your roof needs maintenance or substantial repair work. Because modern solar panels can last up to 20 years with very little maintenance, it is important that your roof is in the best possible shape before installation. We recommend hiring a professional to inspect your roof for cracks, leaks, and other damage and making any necessary repairs as soon as possible. While this can potentially take more time and money initially, your home will benefit in the long run.
These are just a few of the things you want to think about as you start your journey into Solar, Please give us a call to discuss! We get hired by many different Solar companies because they need Electricians to do their installs, you can cut out the middle man and own your own panels directly through Innovative Electric.