Do I Need a New Roof to Go Solar?

Installing solar panels at your home will save you money and eliminate harmful carbon dioxide emissions. You can easily get excited by the idea. What questions should you be asking before adding solar panels to your roof?

Will I need to replace my roof in order to go solar?

Installing solar panels on a roof in good shape is recommended. It is important to assess your roof’s condition before deciding whether your home can benefit from solar energy. You may need to replace or repair your roof depending on its age before you can add solar panels. Solar panels can be installed on nearly any type of roof, including asphalt, shingle, and clay tile. A solar installer will assess your roof’s viability at an early stage in the project.

Is it necessary to rewire the home in order to use solar power?

You will most likely not need to do any extensive wiring for solar power. Your installer can determine if you have enough space in your electrical panel to accommodate solar input.

Does my house face the right direction for solar energy?

Solar panels were traditionally installed on homes that faced south because it was believed to be the best orientation for solar energy. Solar technology has advanced to allow high-performance panels to generate clean energy even on days when the sky is cloudy. Since some utilities will pay more to send solar energy to the grid at times of high demand, such as in the evenings, roofs facing west or southwest can generate solar energy with a higher value for the homeowner.

Must I cut down trees in order to generate enough solar power for my home?

To get the maximum solar energy out of your roof, you may need to trim some trees in order to allow the most light through. The good news is, solar technology has made the removal of large trees a thing of the past. The AC solar panels allow each panel to capture maximum sunlight, even when in areas prone to shade. 

Will solar energy reduce the value of my home?

No. Solar power has been proven to increase home value in study after study. The amount will depend on the location of the home, the availability of performance-based incentives, and the age of the PV system. 

What is the real cost of solar energy?

The question is: How much can you save with home solar? The amount of energy you use, the size of your roof, your choice of panels, and your utility’s value of solar energy will determine how much you can save. Solar installation costs have dropped dramatically over the past decade. This means that solar energy can be considered a good investment, no matter where you reside.

This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is one of the top solar panel companies in Florida! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!