4 Tips For Installing Solar Panel Shingles

2023 Författare: Rebecca Molligan | [email protected]. Senast ändrad: 2023-11-26 18:51

Solar panel shingles, also known as photovoltaic shingles, are some of the most efficient tools for generating power from the sun. Solar panel shingles look like your regular roofing shingles except that in the case of the solar power shingles, solar power cells are incorporated into the shingles.

Installing solar panel shingles is relatively easy and even if you have not installed roof shingles in your life, you may be able to get the job done in just a short period of time. To help you install solar panel shingles on your roof, here are some tips for you.

Check Your Local Building Code Requirements

Different states have different building requirements so before you install solar power shingles on your roof; check the local building code in your area. If the local government unit in your area requires you to get a special building permit before you can install solar power shingles on your roof, get a checklist of the requirements and comply all of them. Never start any constructions without a permit to avoid penalties.

Make Sure that You Have Enough Roof Space for Your Solar Shingles

An average solar power shingle system will need at least 300 to 400 square feet of roof space to efficiently generate energy. If you have a fairly big home, this may not be a problem. However, if you have a small house with limited roof space, you should consider setting up your solar panels elsewhere.

Determine the Strength and Safety of Your Roof

Some types of roofs are not meant to hold heavy loads. To make sure that your roof is strong enough to hold the solar panel shingles check the rafters of your home. The rafters should be strong enough to support the additional weight of the shingles as well as snow and ice during the winter. If you live in a home that is more than 30 years old, double check the rafters and look for signs of weakness. Re-enforce the weak areas on your roof before you install the solar panel shingles.

If your home was built between 1940 and 1975, your roof may contain asbestos so before you install your roof solar panel shingles hire a licensed professional to remove the asbestos on your roof. Do not attempt to remove the asbestos on your own. Remember that this type of material can cause lung irritations and lung cancer so leave the removal of this substance to the experts.

Choose the Right Color for Your Solar Panel Shingles

For aesthetic reasons, you should get solar panel shingles that are of the same color to your existing roof. On the other hand, if you are planning to change the color of your roof, decide which color you want to use first before you buy your shingles. When choosing colors for your roof, you should opt for bright colors instead of dark ones. Remember that dark colors tend to absorb more heat that light colors so if you use dark colors on your roof, the temperature inside your home can be a bit high. To reduce the heat inside your home, use bright white roofing materials and solar panel shingles.