With around 98% of installations located on the roof and with a lifespan of 25 years, you have to consider the current state of your roof with a roofing contractor before opting to mount solar panels up there. Unsurprisingly, the number of solar panel installations is increasing across the US. Homeowners can increase the value of their property, generate their own electricity, and reduce the bills they pay. However, one often overlooked question that needs asking is, “when is the right time to install solar panels?”
Here are a few things to consider.
Repairing A Roof With Solar Panels Is Tricky & Costly
Any experienced roofing contractor or solar panel supplier will tell you that if the roof below your solar panels encounters a problem, it could be a costly fix. If you’re faced with a leak or any other roofing issue underneath your solar panels, then they’ll have to be professionally removed for the roof repairs to be completed.
This would mean hiring a solar panel expert to remove and store the panels while the roofing repairs are diagnosed and completed. Then, they’ll return to your property and reinstall the solar panels.
Not only are you impacted by the cost of hiring additional people, but you will also experience downtime in generating your own solar power, meaning your bills will be more expensive. Remember, the older and lesser maintained roofs will need repairs more frequently.
Will Your Roof Need Replacing In The Next 15 Years?
Before installing solar panels, we suggest you source reliable local roofing companies and roofing contractor to assess the current condition and lifespan of your roof. If you discover it will need replacing within the next 15 years, it is advisable to replace your roof before moving ahead with the installation.
When maintained correctly, solar panels will function at the optimum level for up to and over 25 years. As mentioned, you want to avoid having to remove your installed solar panels to replace your roof.
Deciding to replace your roof now will save you money and solar panel downtime in the future. It will also update the aesthetic and energy efficiency of your home.
Can You Install Solar Elsewhere?
This isn’t an option for the majority, as it requires a lot of land space. However, if you’re worried about the cost of installing solar panels on your roof, you could ask a roofing contractor about opting for a ground installation instead.
It will cost more for a ground install, but you won’t have the cost of removing them for roof repairs. Therefore, the overall lifetime cost is similar.
Call The Best Roofing Company
Have you decided to move ahead with a solar installation and need your roof replaced? Or do you need your roof assessed before making your final decision? Get in touch, and a roofing contractor will give an expert and trusted opinion.
