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How Does A Roof Replacement With Solar Panels Work

Roofing

Are you interested in solar panels but not sure how they work? Would you like to learn about the benefits of adding them to your home or commercial building for energy efficiency? A roof replacement with a solar system can offer these perks, and more, which will help both your wallet and the environment in the long run. Solar installation is getting more and more popular because of the skyrocketing energy costs and the environmental benefits of using clean, renewable energy.

Let’s talk about roof replacement with solar panels installed, including what makes it such an effective combination of environmentally friendly technology.

Is Roof Replacement Necessary to Install Solar panels?

Many solar installers will require replacing the roof as part of the solar installation process. This is because the old roofing material may not be capable enough to attach the panels, and new roofs are more energy efficient than old roofs. This kind of roofing job should only be completed by an experienced roofer due to its complexity.

Some solar companies offer roofing services package that includes both solar panel installation and roof replacement, so you don't have to take on these two jobs separately which we discuss in what makes a successful solar installation. A new roof is necessary in case of the following.

  1. Discolored roof decking
  2. Damaged solar shingles, vents, or other areas
  3. Leaking and other possible water damage in the interior

Architectural shingles (or asphalt shingles) are the most common type of roofing material for homes in America today, while metal roofing is most popular in colder climates with heavy snowfall.

If an actual roof is already strong enough, there is no need for roof replacement, just use roofing nails or screws to secure solar panels firmly onto the roof. The solar system's wires must also run through the home's attic before being connected to the home's power grid.

Benefits of roof replacement with solar shingles

One of the benefits of solar power is that it is a cost-effective and renewable resource, meaning it won’t run out. As per a study by Lawrence Berkeley national laboratory, a roof with a solar power system increased the value of an average house by about $15,000 (pay attention).

Homeowners need to develop a financial sense regarding potential savings on electricity and long-term energy cost benefits and then do a cost-benefit analysis to see if installing a solar power system with new roofing is worth the investment or not. The more you pay attention to it, the more you get.

To save money, homeowners should consider solar power because of its sustainability, affordability, long lifespan, and other factors. When you replace your traditional roof/old roof with the most efficient one (more cost-effective) that includes solar panels, you can harvest the sun's natural energy by utilizing the unused space more effectively. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) also recommends the use of solar power for a green future.

Re-roofing by a solar company can be an excellent way for people to take advantage of solar energy and lower their carbon footprint while electricity cost-saving at the same time.

In Southern California, photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed on many buildings in order to produce electricity from solar arrays by roofing shingles. The same amount of electricity will be used as before, but now there will be no additional costs by the utility.

Things to do before starting your roof replacement with solar power

1. Choose the right time of year to start your project:

The best time to replace your roof is in the late spring or early summer when the weather is warm and dry.

2. Have your contractor do a thorough inspection of your roof:

Most homeowners will be able to make their own repairs, but it’s important that you understand what you are getting into. A roofing contractor will measure the square foot area (square footage) and provide you with an estimate of how much it will cost to replace your roof with solar panels.

3.  Ask for referrals from friends or family members:

It's always good to get multiple estimates before committing to any work, especially if the costs can vary greatly

4. Choice of Material:

The timeframe of roofing replacement depends on which materials you use. Usually, asphalt shingles are used with roofing nails to grip photovoltaic (PV) modules, other homeowners prefer metal roofing and PV modules. Although, Standing Seam Metal Roofs are durable and require less maintenance than asphalt.

5. Always buy Tier 1 PV modules:

Manufacturers offer various grades of solar panels, Tier 1 panels produce more power with a cost-friendly approach. If you've decided to replace your existing roof shingles with solar panels, then the experts' choice is the best grade Tier 1 Photovoltaic Modules as they're the most efficient and long-lasting.

Process of Re-roofing with solar panels

Measurements and cost estimation of roofing materials:

A roofing installation company will measure the area of your roof shingles (square foot) and provide you with an estimate of solar panel installation costs with various roofing options. They will then contact a solar panel manufacturer to order the correct number of solar shingles based on the measurement (square foot).

Removing existing roof shingles:

Now comes the phase of removing existing roofing materials. they may need to remove any insulation, vents, and flashing from your current roof as well as any old shingles that are still in good condition.

The removal process is done with hand tools such as a hammer and crowbar or power tools such as saws, drills, nail guns, and reciprocating saws. For the cost efficiency and long life, many people choose to invest in complete re-roofing.

Installation of new Roof:

After all of your existing roofing has been removed, it is time to put on your new roof by installing multiple roofing panels. Depending on what you are installing, it could be a metal roof or asphalt shingles. For example, if you have chosen to install a metal roof, once the installation team installs panels at each ridge line and other key points, they will run galvanized nails through pre-punched holes.

Roofing panels typically come in rectangular shapes, which makes them easier to install. Asphalt shingles are commonly used on residential roofs because they are inexpensive, easy to install, and do not require an additional step like tarring to seal leaks.

Solar Installation:

A great idea would be to consult with a solar specialist before making your decision so you can get personalized advice on the best way to make use of solar energy at your house. Both roofing panels and solar shingles are compatible with solar but with different mounting requirements. Homeowners prefer solar energy installation to get power while being eligible for huge money savings in the long run.

Solar panels as an alternative to a roof?

Roof Replacement can be done in a variety of ways, including full roof replacement with solar panels, partial roof replacement with the solar system, and the installation of solar panels onto an existing roof.

When installing new solar panels on top of an existing roof, it is important to make sure that they are secured correctly. The materials for your roof will also need to be taken into consideration, as many roofs are not strong enough for the additional weight of the whole solar panel system.

The solar panel system is cost friendly and easy to install but can't be used as a roof. The design needs to take into account the materials of the roof so that it doesn't come crashing down. There is a problem if you want to use solar panels instead of replacing the entire roof because then you have nothing left for weather protection.

Final words

The key takeaways are that solar panels do not only produce enough energy to cover the power usage of an average household, but they are still a worthwhile investment for households by reducing electricity costs. The ultimate money savings and reduction in costs are duly possible with roofing replacement and solar system installed in combination.

If you have any questions about how a roof replacement works, please contact us and we are happy to help.