When venturing to build a solar panel system, firstly place it on the roof in order to provide superior exposure to the sun.
That being said, you may have concerns about whether the installation causes damage to the roof. Following is some good information to help you understand what to expect when you choose to build a solar panel and install it onto your roof.
Most roofs are constructed to hold pressure of at least eight to ten pounds per square foot more than that of the roofing material.
That’s usually more than sufficient to bear the load of the solar panels. That said, each house needs to be surveyed individually. Your local building surveyor or a qualified solar panel installer should be able to provide an accurate assessment of the roof’s ability to handle the weight when you decide to build a solar panel system.
Many installers attach the solar panel mounts to the beams. This makes the installation very stable and distributes the weight better than when the mounts are attached to roof decking. As rooftop installations have taken place for over 30 years, professional installers are knowledgeable about the best methods of how to build a solar panel to ensure stability and prevent damage.
However, you need to consider the age and condition of your existing roof before you schedule your solar panel installation. Since the mounts are placed on the roofing material, they would need to be removed and reinstalled if you decide to replace your roof. So if you’re thinking you might want to replace your roof in the next five to ten years, consider doing it prior to getting your new solar panels to avoid the cost of removal and re-installation.
If you are still unconvinced about how to build solar panels on your roof, a ground-mounted system may be the solution. In selecting a location for ground-mounted solar panels, the same criteria apply as with roof-mounted ones. The panels must be able to get enough sunlight to generate the amount of electricity your household requires, and you have to ensure that nothing is blocking the sun. If you have such a location on your property, it may be a viable alternative to using the roof.
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