Homeowners often wonder whether their roof is suitable for installing solar panels. There are several things to consider, including how much space is available, whether there is any shade where the panels will be installed, and which direction your roof is facing. In addition, people often ask us whether their roof is able to support solar panels physically.
Solar panels typically weigh between 25 and 40 pounds depending on the manufacturer, and an average home might require 12 to 20 panels depending on how much electricity the home needs and what type of panel is used in the installation. Installing solar panels that will produce ample amounts of electricity for years to come needs to be done very carefully by professionals. SunRun’s expert installer partners make sure that the rafters under the surface of your roof are utilized to mount the panels. Your installer will locate the rafters used to support the panels and affix the panel racking by drilling some small holes where stainless steel lag bolts will be used to secure short, cylindrical mounts into the roof. By taking these precautions, solar installers ensure that panels remain secure and the roof remains strong for years to come.
In fact, solar panels can be good for the longevity of your roof, because solar roofing absorbs sunshine that would otherwise cause wear and tear. In addition, solar panels on your roof can help to keep your home cool because they absorb a large amount of the solar radiation that would otherwise heat up your house through your roof. It’s important to provide at least a few inches of space in between the surface of the roof and the back side of the panels so air can circulate in between, which helps to keep the panels cool so they can produce electricity at their maximum capacity.
If you’re like most people, you’ve never had solar panels installed before and might be a little nervous about the process. That’s why, instead of buying and maintaining your own solar panels, it makes sense to get solar service from SunRun, whose expertise in owning and maintaining solar panels for homeowners means you’ll never have to worry about your solar installation.