It’s estimated that solar power currently accounts for nearly 4.5% of total energy output. There are a lot of different reasons to love solar energy. Not only is it a cleaner form of renewable energy that reduces your carbon footprint, but it can also save you a lot of money on your monthly power bill.
However, some homeowners are understandably hesitant to invest. One common area of concern is whether solar panels will damage your home.
So do solar panels damage your roof? And are there any alternatives in terms of location? In this guide, we’ll be answering these questions so you get a better sense of whether or not the switch to solar is right for you.
Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?
Installing solar panels on a roof often involves drilling holes to install the frames. As such, many homeowners are worried about the panels damaging their roofs.
However, as long as you go with a qualified installer, you have nothing to worry about. Certified solar installers use flashing around these holes to make sure that no water gets into them.
What’s more, they also use strategic positions to make sure that the panels, or any potential snow, aren’t putting too much pressure on your roof. However, if you go with a solar installer who doesn’t know what they’re doing, there’s a good chance they could hurt your roof.
Also keep in mind that if your roof is already in bad condition, then solar panels could exacerbate them. As such, you want to get it inspected beforehand.
What Are the Alternatives to Your Roof?
If you don’t like the idea of installing panels on your roof but still want solar power, there are some alternatives for you. For example, if you have a lot of land, you can take advantage of ground-mount systems.
Or, if you have an unused shed, you can use its roof to install some solar panels. Commercial providers should also consider solar structures like parking covers that also contain solar panels.
All of these options come with their pros and cons, so we recommend that you read about solar installation options before making a decision.
How to Find a Good Solar Installer
We recommend making a list of two to three solar installers in your area. Take a closer look at their reviews to get a better sense of what past clients’ experiences have been with them.
Next, verify their credentials. Make sure they’re licensed and qualified to work on solar panels for roofs.
Lastly, bring them out for an inspection of your property. They should be able to tell you whether your roof is strong enough to support a solar system.
Appreciate Learning About Solar Energy? Keep Exploring
We hope this guide helped you answer the question, “Do solar panels damage your roof?” As you can see, as long as you choose a qualified installer, your roof should remain fine when choosing to go green.
So skip the DIY route and start looking for a good contractor today. We have plenty of similar advice for homeowners which you can discover if you keep on reading.