In a world where conventional sources of electricity are getting scarce and an increased number of people are looking to opt for environmentally friendly energy, solar energy can act as a good source of non-conventional source of energy. In fact, as per http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/7262-solar-energy-electric-panels-march-2017-201707061419, half of the roofs in Australia are suited to install solar power and around 1 out of 4 homes in the country have already installed solar power on their roofs. The study indicates that 32.8% roofs in South Australia have already been mounted with solar power.
# The roof area needs to be adequate
Checking the size of your roof is important to know if the solar panels can suit the space on the roof. You have to ensure your roof’s size is over 16 – 35m2 as that is the exact area a solar system consumes. You may talk to a professional, who has been there in the field for years, and request him to measure the area of your roof so that he can confirm if at all you can install solar power on it.
# Roof materials have to be appropriate to hold the weight of the solar panel
The metal roof is the most suitable place for solar power installation. It is durable and long-lasting. In case your roof is made of tiles, it has to be new and strong. In the event that the tiles are old and fragile, it is considered not solar-friendly. The strength of the roof material is crucial to take into account as it has to tolerate the weight of the solar panels. The professional who inspects your roof will let you know if there are cracks or fissures on the roof or if it is damaged. If the roof is not sound, it is suggested that you arrange for it to be fixed before use.
# Direction of the roof should face the sun
It is great to have trees in your premises, but if the entire roof is covered with leaves and branches, it will not receive sunlight. For solar power installation, the roof must receive an adequate amount of sunlight. You should choose that part of the roof, which is devoid of leaves or branches in order that you can make the most of the solar panel, and they can reach the maximum functionality.
# A healthy roof can withstand a solar panel
As already discussed in Roof materials have to be appropriate to hold the weight of the solar panel, the state and age of the roof plays a vital role in choosing if you should at all go solar. A solar panel has at least 20 to 25 years life cycle before it has to be replaced. In case your roof cannot last that long, the expense that you have to incur will be double.
Solar power may at first appear to be time-consuming, tedious and expensive, but in the long run, you will enjoy the fruit of your effort and expense. If in future, you decide to sell your property, you can quote quite an attractive price! Ask The Slate Roofing Company how we can unlock the energy potential of your home and save you money!