Installing Rooftop Solar Panels

The cost of the electrical grid is continuously rising, while the benefits of installing rooftop solar panels on your Garner NC homes roof can potentially save you money. However, there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge into becoming energy self-sufficient.

 Many studies have shown that $0 down often leads to more than $20,000 in lifetime savings on electricity. This looks good on paper, but what are the costs and benefits of installing rooftop solar panels?

 To begin, there are different components that one must understand before installing rooftop solar panels.

The Components of Rooftop Solar Panels

The first component is the fan or pumps used to cool the air inside the attic. When rooftop solar panels are installed, this air-conditioning mechanism must operate at a greater efficiency level. In addition, the fan is most likely located on or near an exterior wall of your home, so it will be exposed to higher temperatures from the direct sunlight coming from the rooftop solar panels.

The second component is humidity levels within your home. Solar energy produces electricity; however, this process also absorbs heat. When the ambient temperature of the rooftop solar panels is greater than that within your rooftop enclosure, heated moisture will be released into your attic and walls at a faster rate.

To control these humidity levels, most manufacturers suggest adding ventilation to an already existing soffit and ridge vents. These areas should be at least 1 square foot in size and open to the exterior of your home.

The third component is insulation within your attic. Since there is less solar energy allowed into the rooftop enclosure, this means that heat will stay within your roof cavity rather than passing through it and convecting out, so more insulation is needed to control heat loss.

There are many factors to consider before taking the plunge into becoming energy self-sufficient with rooftop solar panels; however, there are also huge benefits that outweigh all of these potential costs. The more you know about what’s involved before installing rooftop solar panels, the better your chances will be of not only maximizing your savings but also of doing so in an environmentally responsible way.

7 Factors To Consider Before Installing Rooftop Panels:

#1: Solar energy can be costly, especially when you include the installation and related expenses.

#2: Rooftop solar panels may not provide enough electricity during peak times to prevent larger bills.

#3: Higher humidity levels within your home increase the risk of mold and mildew forming on surfaces such as drywall and insulation.

#4: Rooftop solar panels must be installed to specific standards or you could experience problems with your roofing integrity, water leakage, and even fire damage within the walls of your home.

#5: A qualified electrician must install rooftop solar panels because a lack of knowledge on the part of a non-professional can result in property damage and even personal injury.

#6: Rooftop solar panels can raise your electrical bill usage in the summertime.

#7: You can’t expect to return 100 percent of your investment when you install rooftop solar panels since the benefits tend to take between 10 and 20 years before they pay off.

Solar energy should be considered as a long-term investment for homeowners that are willing to live with the drawbacks of installing rooftop solar panels. For example, you need to research your home’s energy usage patterns to determine how much money you would save by adding rooftop solar panels.

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