Shanco is one of the nation’s top roofing contractors and we get asked this question frequently. Homeowners simply want to optimize their solar energy by installing solar panels everywhere.
Never mind the fact it could be an eyesore. There are reasons that we do not recommend replacing your entire roof with solar panels. However, we do recommend adding a rooftop solar system if you would like to generate clean energy.
Today is the best time to invest in a rooftop solar system. There are tremendous financing options available, lengthy warranties, and tax credits from the government to help offset the costs. Not to mention that solar technology is changing. There are products on the market today that did not exist 5-10 years ago that have radically evolved the solar markets.
These products include solar roof technology which includes a shingled solar panel. These panels allow roofing companies to provide solar installation. The shingled solar panel can install the same as a roofing shingle, making installation time shorter.
In this blog post, the team at Shanco will walk through;
The distinct types of solar power materials
What makes solar panels and solar roofs different
When you may use solar roofs and when to use solar panels
Solar Panels vs Solar Roof- Are They the Same?
Solar panels and solar roofs do the same thing; generate clean electricity. However, that is where the similarities end. There are differences that homeowners should be aware of that can make going with one product over another a distinct experience altogether.
What are Solar Panels?
Solar panels are the most common type of solar material on the market. They are typically a rack mounted system found over existing roof materials. Shanco recommends solar panels in the cases of newer roofs that are in excellent condition.
What is a Solar Roof?
A solar roof is an integrated solar system. That means there are solar roofing tiles integrated with asphalt shingles to make a cohesive roof. The integrated solar system mounts to the roof decking and not a rack on the roof. The GAF Timber Solar Shingle is a prime example of a nailable solar roofing shingle that integrates with a shingle of a matching color.
Solar roof shingles are recommended for homes that need roof repair or a replacement. We recommend them because they totally replace the existing roof and have a dual warranty as a shingle and as a solar panel.
Solar Panel Roof Installation
Herein lies the major difference between rack-mounted solar panels and solar shingles. It is all in the installation process. A rack mounted solar panel system is erected on your roof using a racking system that holds the panels in place. The rack system is recommended for homes with newer roofs or roofs that have a healthy life ahead of them.
Additionally, using a roofing company to install the solar panels is highly recommended. Many roofs have specific warranties. Leveraging a roofing expert to professionally install solar panels will only benefit the homeowners and protect their roof and solar investments.
A solar shingle roof requires removing the existing roofing materials and then replacing the material with solar shingles. The solar shingle nails directly to the decking and acts as a shingle and a solar panel.
Can my Home Generate Too Much Electricity?
You do not want to cover the entire roof with solar panels.
Why? The goal of your solar panels is to get as close to your monthly electric consumption levels of your home. Adding more panels than you require will not be worth the extra energy generated.
However, if your panels are sized appropriately, there is a chance that your panels will generate more electricity than you use. That is great! Net metering allows homeowners to sell the excess electricity generated back to the electric company for credit off your bill. Not all states have net metering so it may be worth calling your electric company to see if it is offered.
Net metering involves swapping out the old meter box with a meter box that has two-way capabilities. This new meter lets homeowners draw electric off the grid, like normal, and send excess electricity back to the grid to earn credit.
If net metering is not an option in your locale, it may be worth looking at a battery storage system. It would only work if it had power stored (or your panels were actively harvesting energy). Battery storage systems are good for off-season usage, power outages (if the batteries have power), and charging electric cars.
Curious if Solar is Worth It? Contact our Solar Company Today!
Getting rooftop solar is not difficult, but working with a roofing company that doubles as a solar installer will streamline the process. At the end of the day, a roofer is not a solar installer, and a solar installer is not a roofer. There may be instances where a solar installer is drilling holes when a roofer might have a different solution for your existing roof.
That is where Shanco steps in. We are an award-winning roofer that knows the ins and outs of proper solar installation. Whether you are looking for solar roof shingles or solar panels (or even roofing services), we have you covered. You can count on Shanco for expert solar installations, fantastic warranties, and superior service.
Our team will
Conduct a roof inspection
Review your most recent electric bill
Deliver a solar plan to fit the needs of your household
Call Shanco today to get the process started!
Tags
Subscribe to Shanco's Blog
Comments