Solar power has never been more accessible. Solar panels are now more affordable thanks to technological advancements. Many homeowners lease solar panels, eliminating their financial responsibility and any maintenance-related costs. They also reduce their energy bills.
According to GTM Research and Solar Energy Industries Association’s study, the third quarter of 2013 marked the highest for photovoltaic or solar installations. The fact that:
Utility companies in all states except a few credit future bills to homeowners who generate excess energy.
Solar power is an essential feature of sustainable homes and developments that strive to achieve net-zero standards or Passive House.
The percentage of energy that a PV system offsets will determine how many LEED points it receives. Note: This point total increases when a cool metal roofing is added.
Appraisal Journal states that every dollar saved by solar energy systems in a home increases its value by $20.
There are many benefits to PV systems. But consumers should also consider another aspect. The cost-effectiveness and efficacy of a solar electric roof system are entirely dependent on its quality and durability.
When installing solar panels, the quality of your roof is important
A roof past its prime can be compared to a cracked or crumbled foundation. It’s only a matter of time before the home’s structure will be compromised, and the entire foundation-structural unit will require severe repairs and replacement. If you plan to convert a home to solar energy, metal roof options, and steel are the best choices.
Racks holding solar panels are highly durable and designed to withstand strong winds, extreme rain, or snow. Installing them on a roof with a similar warranty and lifespan is a logical choice. In the U.S., however, most homes are constructed with asphalt or composition shingles.
There are better roofs than these for installing a solar panel system. This is especially true if you’re retrofitting a design on an older top. Roofs over seven years are at risk of failure long before solar panel racks. Combining the costs of a roof replacement or renovation with the labor associated with removing the solar frames can be costly.
Metal roofs are the best choice for PV systems
Metal roofs can be used to install photovoltaic panels.
These panels are better matched to your warranty. Solar panels have an average lifespan of 20-25 years. The warranty on long-life asphalt shingles may be as extended as twenty years, but it is riddled with loopholes and excludes things like hurricanes, high winds, or other extreme acts by Mother Nature. They don’t cover labor costs for repairs or replacements. In addition, significant maintenance and shingle replacements could require the deconstruction of the solar array.
Metal roofs are designed and manufactured to fit the climate and location of your building. They are also covered by warranties that can last up to 40 years. Your roof will last longer than the solar panels. This eliminates the need to remove and reinstall solar racks or panels.
Standing seam metal roofs can be easily fitted with racks. Standing seam metal roofs, or concealed fastener roofs, are popular because they look good. The fasteners, hidden under the panels, make them an excellent choice for homeowners. Solar racks are a great match for this type of roof, as they offer fasteners that can be locked onto the standing seams. With rack locks fastened to the seams of the concealed metal roofs, there is no need to make any penetrations which could lead to water leaks and premature wear.
Laminates can also be used on metal roofing. The laminate solar panel is another option. It adheres to thin-film solar cells to the roof surface with an adhesive backing. They don’t generate as much energy as crystalline solar panels but can still offset electricity usage in homes exposed to the southwest and sunny climates. These systems can also be attached directly to metal roofs using a lighter rack instead of adhesives.
Additional benefits of metal roofing
Metal roofs are a convenient and durable way to install solar panels and offer many other benefits for eco-conscious home builders who want to create a sustainable home.
Additional energy savings. According to energy.gov, more than half of the household’s energy cost is attributed to heating and cooling. However, a cool metal roof can reduce cooling costs by up to 40%. A cool roof uses a reflective coating that reflects UV rays into the air. The reflective properties of a metal roofing system, coupled with its inherent permissiveness, allow for significant energy savings and reduced solar gain.
Extreme weather durability. Metal roofs are designed to resist hurricane-force winds, heavy snow loads, and ice. GALVALUME and other protective coatings make metal roofs virtually impervious against water, UV rays, or environmental toxins. Metal roof manufacturers can offer up to 40 years of warranties because they know their products will last.
They can help you achieve green building certification. Installing an excellent metal roofing product will earn you points under the LEED certification, but it’s not the program that only recognizes metal roofing products for their environmental benefits. Metal roofs can also help you achieve green building certifications like the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Home Innovation National Green Building Standard, and ENERGY STAR.