If you’re an environmentally focused individual, you want to discover more ways to conserve energy in your home. One option you can consider is the installation of solar panels that will allow you to reduce your household’s carbon footprint—and your costs. But before you take the leap, learn how to know if your roof can support solar panels.
Check Roof Size and Position
One thing to consider before installing rooftop solar panels is whether your roof is the right size. Usually, you want your roof to span between 400 and 600 square feet so that you can install more than 20 panels. Each one can take up approximately 18 square feet.
You should also learn where your roof is facing in relation to the sun so you get the most energy output from the solar panels. It is best to have the panels facing toward the south so they can soak up the most sunlight.
Look at Your Roof Materials
You will also know if your roof can support solar panels by looking at its materials. Some roofing materials that allow for easy installation of the panels include asphalt shingles, metal, clay tile, tar, and gravel. However, slate or wood shingle roofs make the installation more challenging since they are so brittle.
Determine the Strength of Your Roof
It is also essential for you to determine the strength of your roof. Since the panels will add extra weight to the roof, you want to ensure that it can hold them and not risk your home’s safety with a collapse. Usually, the panels can weigh between two and four pounds.
In this case, you should hire a roofing service to check out your roof and see if it can support the extra weight. If it passes the test, you can feel content and safe as you take the next step in making your home even greener than it was before.
Adding solar panels to your home can be a wise investment if you do the proper research ahead of time and ensure your roof can support them. Otherwise, you may waste your time and money instead of helping the earth.
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