With solar energy being harnessed to save money as well as protect the environment, more than two million Australians have already gone solar and this number is expected to double by next year. The reason is the surge in its affordability. The rising competition in the solar industry has resulted in the fall of its prices making solar more accessible and affordable.
If you are a solar aspirant but do not know if your roof is suitable for a panel installation, read on to find out.
Vital points to consider before installing solar on your roof
1) Roof Age and Condition
The roof of your property must be in a good condition to install solar panels atop it. It could be an old roof but if it is in a good condition, panels can be installed without any hassle. An old roof though must be first professionally evaluated to determine if it’s panel-ready. In some cases, the roof may be first prepped to hold up panels with strength. However, if the roof is very old, it is recommended to first replace it and then get panels installed. Since panels last about 30 years, you don’t want roof updations after panel installation as that would be more effort and more cost.
2) Roof Type
While most roof types can accommodate solar panels, like the tiled roof, the tin roof, etc. some roofs can be more difficult to work with like the slate roof. This is due to the brittle character of slate which is why installers have to be extra careful with it like they cannot walk on it like other roofs, making installation more expensive (extra labor and equipment).
3) Roof Pitch
The roof angle of 30 to 40 degrees is perfect for solar installation. Even if your roof is flat, solar panels can be installed using brackets to tilt the panels at a favorable angle and direction.
4) Roof Size
Every system size needs a particular amount of uninterrupted roof area for panel installation. I say uninterrupted because sometimes there are hurdles that come in the panel array design like the chimney vents, vertical windows etc. Hence, it would be wise to have a contractor evaluate your roof first to determine if the maximum number of panels (according to the system size you have chosen) would fit your roof.
5) Roof Direction
In Australia, solar panels work most productively when they are facing north. If your property’s orientation prevents that, you can still install panels on the east and west to receive a good output. While some companies do not encourage using a south-facing roof for installation, a system can still yield a good amount of solar power with the use of tilts to adjust the panels to face north.
6) Shade from trees/buildings
One big factor that affects the productivity of solar is hindrances in receiving sunlight like shadows cast by trees and buildings around the property. While trees can be cut down or trimmed, there is not much you can do about the shade caused by buildings. In cases where shade cannot be altered, solar installation may not be a favorable option for that property.
Inference
The points discussed in this article are critical to determining whether or not transitioning to solar would be a fruitful decision for you. You must take professional assistance to tell if your roof is favorable for efficient solar energy production.
At SunMate Solar we first assess your roof to determine if it would support a solar system. For the most rewarding solar systems installed by our CEC licensed experts, do get in touch for a free quote today!!
