A roof replacement is a major project. Adding solar panels to the mix can cause a few complications. By being prepared, you can easily conquer any challenges, whether you already have solar panels or need to install them. If you want to know how a roof replacement with solar panels will work for your home, here are a few things you need to know.
Why Choose To Use Solar Panels?
Solar panels have many benefits, but the price is a factor for most individuals. The system and its installation will cost around $15,000 to $25,000. That does seem like a steep price, but solar panels will provide savings over time. If you decide to keep them for several decades, these panels will pay for themselves.
Solar panels will produce their own power. For that reason, many people use them to decrease or eliminate their electric bills. Take a look at your current costs. Are you paying a lot of money for electricity? If the answer is yes, you will definitely want to switch to solar for your energy needs.
In addition to that, if your home is located in a region that receives a lot of sunlight, it would make sense for you to use solar panels. You can harness the sun’s energy as you lower your electrical costs. A new roof with solar panels is also a great idea due to government rebates and incentives. You could be eligible for tax credits or other incentives to install these panels on your roof to use them as an alternative energy source.
Should You Get a Roof Replacement First?
Before you can begin the solar panel installation, you need to make sure the roof will hold up to the increased weight. If you have an older roof, it is imperative to check it out before considering an installation. You want to contact a professional roofing company for the job. While you may want to tackle a new roof and solar panel installation separately, consider having these projects done at the same time. You can get a new solar panel system and roof in one shot. After a replacement, adding solar panels will also help your roof have a longer lifespan.
If you plan to add a solar panel system later, you might have to re-roof certain sections of your home. That can be frustrating, especially when spending money on a new replacement. You will lose time and money when you take on these projects at separate times. Completing the roof replacement and solar panel installation at the same time is an efficient way to upgrade your home.
What To Know About Replacing a Roof With Solar Panels
If your home currently has solar panels and needs a roof replacement, there are a few things to take into consideration.
1 – Solar Panels Need To Be Removed
As previously mentioned, you will have to remove those solar panels before you can replace sections of your roof. You will not have access to renewable energy during this time, which means you will rely on utility grid power. Be prepared to have a higher energy bill than normal. When the installers remove the solar panels, you might even have a few minutes of power outages. Make sure you are prepared for those interruptions.
Keep in mind that many roofers will not handle the removal of your solar panels. Yes, some have the skills and training to take them down, but you might have to call a solar installation team to remove the panels from the roof. Taking down the solar panels will require at least a day of work. When it comes time to reinstall them, it is usually another day of labor. Add a couple of days to your roofing project’s timeline with that in mind.
2 – Select the Right Roofing Materials
Many people want to change the existing materials when it comes time to replace a roof. You might want to switch to more durable or energy-efficient materials for your home. However, not all materials use the same brackets, and you may have to replace those components. Before changing the roofing materials, speak to your solar panel installation team. In many cases, you might be able to use your current mounting hardware to save a few dollars. If you need new hardware, schedule it to be delivered to coincide with the reinstallation of the solar panels. You can stay on schedule by having everything installed at once.
3 – Choose Solar Installers and Roofers Who Can Work Together
While your solar installation team and roofer might not work directly with each other, they need to coordinate to keep the project on time. You might have to do some liaison work between the two companies. Remember that you are in control of the project. You need to set guidelines about what, when, and how everything gets done. You can make the project move faster by choosing a roofer who can work directly with your solar panel installation company. When these two providers can collaborate on the project, it will be a less stressful endeavor for you.
4 – Avoid Any Extra Costs
If you consider switching over to solar energy, you will need a roof inspection. These inspections will determine whether your roof is strong enough to handle the installation of the solar panels. You don’t want to install solar panels and then find out you need to replace the roof. With a professional roof inspection, you can ensure that the roof is sturdy enough for the panels. If you need a roof replacement, that can be handled all at once, saving you thousands of dollars in costs and cutting down on disruption to your time.
Need a Roof Replacement?
Whether you need a roof replacement or inspection, we can help at RGB Construction. Our technicians have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to complete your next roofing project. Along with that, our team can even offer a professional hand with your siding and window projects. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
