As you’re preparing to install a solar array on the rooftop of your home, you want to make sure you do it right. It’s important to consider a number of factors when getting your roof ready for a solar installation. As Jane Weissman, the president and CEO of the nonprofit Interstate Renewable Energy Council, has said regarding roofs and solar, it’s an area in which you don’t have the luxury of saying, “Well, if I make a mistake, the next time I’ll know better.”
- Structural issues. Once you’ve talked with an installer to determine that your roof is in a good location for solar, you’ll want to check the structural integrity of the roof itself. Now is the time to patch, fill or conduct any necessary repairs. You’ll also want to consult with your installer about moving roof vents, antennas, satellite dishes and any other roof fittings that could obstruct the system.
- Replacement considerations. Studies have shown that solar panels can work well for 25 to 30 years — or sometimes longer. If your current roof won’t last that long, it might be smarter to make any necessary updates before the solar panels are installed.
- Environmental issues. Conduct a survey of your landscaping to ensure that trees are an acceptable distance away from the system—and will still be as the trees mature. Better to dig up or relocate an oak sapling now than to face an expensive tree removal 15 years from now.
Consider solar power
If you’d like to know more about solar power for your home, contact your local solar installer for a free quote and to learn more about which type of solar installation is right for you.
Download our eBook, Taking Care of Your Solar Panels, to learn more about getting the most from your system.
