Creating a plan to incorporate a passive power source into your home using solar panels is an exciting project to put together. If you want to design a general plan before hiring a local solar power firm, you’ll want to focus on your roof’s layout and elevation, and overall configuration. Let’s take a closer look at how to approach the design and planning for your solar roof project.
Solar Roof Project Planning 101
We have discussed the roofing requirements you should have in place before considering putting solar on your roof – from the size of your roof to its structure. We should also discuss other things that are essential to having solar on your home’s roof.
- Direction of Your Home The most ideal option is to place solar panels on the south-facing sections of your roof in order to catch as much light as possible during the day. Doing so will also mean you’ll get the most value for the money.
- Obstacles Is this potential future area for your solar panels free of things like dormers, vent pipes, chimneys, satellite dishes, or any other obstacles? These can interfere with the layout of the solar system, making it less efficient. Looking for a space free of impediments will make the panel positioning most suitable.
- Large Area A large stretch of roof means you have a better chance of having enough surface area to place enough solar panels to fully power your home. You can place solar panels on smaller roof sections, too, but it may not be as efficient.
- Shade-free Trees or other buildings that hide some of the sun will prevent your solar power system from having enough time to collect energy. There might not be much you can do about this situation other than trimming your own trees.
- Roof Pitch Does your roof provide the optimal pitch for your solar power system to work well? 20° to 45° is a general guideline for most locations.
- Asphalt Shingles If you have asphalt shingles, a solar panel installation will require a number of mountings and should be installed well to avoid leaks or damage to the roof. It’s good to note that if you have an older roof on an existing home, the panels could need removal when a new roof is installed.
Designing Solar Installation: New Roof vs Existing Roof
Putting a solar power system on a new home can be easier, especially if the homes are constructed to specifically have solar power.
If you are installing solar panels on an existing roof, it can prove to be more difficult to install the system to get the best results. Following the list above can give you some ideas about whether a solar power system could work for your home.
Your Local Austin, TX Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
