Thinking About Going Solar? Don’t Forget Your Roof!
So, you’re flirting with the idea of embracing solar power, and why wouldn’t you? The thought of slashing those energy bills and helping our planet sounds like a dream come true. But wait—have you taken a good, hard look at your roof recently? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget that your trusty roof might need some TLC before it can support your green aspirations. Over time, roofs wear down and might need some patching up or even a full makeover, a task that gets trickier and pricier if solar panels are in the mix.
Is Your Roof Ready for Solar?
You might wonder, “How old is too old for a solar-ready roof?” If your roof has celebrated its 20th birthday or has been silently suffering from issues you’ve kept on your to-do list, it’s time for some pre-solar intervention. On the other hand, roofs that are in their teenage years (10 to 20 years old) might be fine now, but don’t forget to factor in the inevitable roof replacement costs down the line. Roofs aged five to 10 years are more or less in the clear, though a little inspection wouldn’t hurt to ensure they stay strong under the sun’s embrace for years to come. If your roof is a newbie (five years or younger), and doesn’t have any glaring issues, it’s pretty much prime real estate for solar panels.
Size and Strength Matter
Also, before you jump on the solar bandwagon, let’s talk about the physical heft of those panels. Each one tips the scales at about 40 pounds and takes up a fair bit of real estate on your roof at approximately three by five feet. Add a few panels together, and suddenly your roof is hosting a heavy, space-consuming party. If your roof is on the smaller side (think less than 1,000 square feet) or isn’t quite the weightlifting champion, you might need to pivot to ground panels or look into panels that pack more power without packing on pounds.
