Installing Solar Panels On Older Roof

In this video this old house energy expert ross trethewey installs solar panels.

Installing solar panels on older roof.

On the roof lay out the locations of the stanchions that will support the solar panels. The typical roof lasts about 20 30 years. Putting solar panels on your roof costs as much as a car but the cohort of experienced buyers is far far smaller. However there are many things that you need to consider before you jump in and start the installation process.

If the roof structure is old you may need to get a structural engineer to verify the load imposed by the solar system is adequate. If your roof is old please put a new roof on before installing solar on it. Learn about diy solar. If you don t have that handy contact your roofer.

While you may be able to squeeze out a few extra years on an older roof the best scenario for installing solar panelsis on a roof that is in good condition and will not need replacement for a while. For standing seam roofs the solar panels simply clamp onto the seam where two panels are connected. Suntegra offers its clients two solar products. Ideally you have records from your last roofing job that identify the manufacturer and product line of your shingles so that you can look up the warranty information.

Solar shingles and solar tiles. Fed up with your utility power company. When installing conventional solar panels on asphalt shingles the solar panels are simply bolted through the shingles to the roof joists providing a very strong sturdy attachment. The former can be installed on top of your existing roof while the latter serves as a replacement for concrete tiles.

Before you install solar panels on your asphalt shingle roof it s important to identify the type of shingles you have. Since they don t offer a non photovoltaic option they are integrated with conventional shingles and tiles. Installing solar panels on your roof is also a wonderful way to generate electricity for your home and business as well as the grid without increasing your impact on the environment. Solar systems last at least 25 30 years or longer.

Also be sure the stanchion flashing fits beneath the roof shingles to prevent leaks. You ll need to weigh the convenience with the cost to see if it s a better option to just replace the roof before the panels go up.