As more homeowners look to minimize their environmental footprint, solar panel installations are increasing in popularity. If you've been thinking about installing solar panels in your home, you may have finally decided that now is the time. However, before you schedule your solar panel installation, there are a few things that you should consider to ensure that you get the best possible results from your new investment. Here's a look at some of the things you need to think about before you have your new solar panels installed.
Your Roof's Structure
There are a couple of things that you need to think about in terms of your roof when you're planning a solar panel installation. First, you will need to have a roof inspection to ensure that your roof isn't damaged. Remember that solar panels last for decades, so ensure that your roof is in good enough condition to last that long, too. Otherwise, you risk having to remove the panels to replace the roof later.
Additionally, you need to talk with your solar panel installation contractor about the weight of the solar panels. Get an idea of how much weight you'll be adding to your roof with the panels so that you can ask your roofing contractor if the existing roof will support that added weight. If not, you'll need to have added support put in place before you install the panels.
Your Roof's Position
Another thing you need to consider is the direction of the slopes of your roof. Does one side of your roof consistently get more direct-facing sunlight than the other? Or, is your roof positioned in such a way that one side of your roof gets sun for part of the day and the other side gets the sun for the rest of the day?
Your solar panel installer will evaluate the amount of sun your roof gets to help determine where your panels should be placed and how they should be distributed. This is an important part of the installation process because it helps to ensure adequate sunlight for the panels.
The Drainage System
Even if your roof currently drains water just fine, you'll still need to talk with your solar panel installation contractor about the drainage plan for after the solar panels are installed. The support structure and wiring that comes with solar panel installation can sometimes inhibit water flow and drainage if it isn't properly addressed during installation.
Ask your solar panel installer about how they plan to incorporate drainage for your roof. You may have a few different options to choose from, so consider how much rain you typically get, how well your roof usually drains, and how much obstruction you're going to need to account for—then, choose the best drainage system to accommodate all of those considerations.
For more information, contact a local solar installation service.
Energy makes the world go 'round, and in more ways than one! Kinetic energy and gravitational energy are literally responsible for the motion of the earth through space. In a less literal sense, we humans could not live the way we do without energy. We rely on electricity to power everything from our washing machines to our air conditioners. That energy can come from a number of sources, such as solar power or natural gas, but it is energy nonetheless. Show energy some appreciation by reading the articles on this website and expanding your own knowledge on the topic. You'll look at outlets a whole lot differently soon.