According to Solar Energy Industries Association, the United States has over 2 million solar installations between residential and commercial properties. Although the number of residential and commercial solar installations has been continuing to grow, there are some limitations based on roofing requirements that prospective solar users should be aware of.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of solar energy and the considerations you must keep in mind when pairing roofing and solar.
How Do Domestic Solar Systems Work?
A domestic solar system is made of an adjustable rack and photovoltaic panels. The rack will be affixed to the roof and positioned to receive the optimal amount of sunlight. While soaking in the sun, the photovoltaic panels absorb the sun’s energy.
The panels will then convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity without releasing carbon emissions. If you produce an abundance of solar energy you can even stockpile it in batteries.
Benefits of Leveraging Solar Power
Solar is the world’s premier form of renewable energy. Unlike greenhouse gases and fossil fuels, solar’s supply is not easily depleted and doesn’t produce harmful greenhouse gases.
Solar systems also help to curb the cost of your home’s utility bills. Once you have paid off your system, you will be able to start saving month after month. There are even private and public incentive programs to help ease the start-up costs of switching to solar.
In addition to its financial and environmental benefits, solar energy has quickly become the most accessible form of renewable energy. This is due to the research which has been poured into the domestic solar industry.
Roofing and Solar Requirments
The United States Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reports that solar panels work best on roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees. This slope will optimize your roof’s ability to harness the sun’s energy.
A general rule of thumb is that every square foot of roofing has the potential to generate 15 watts of solar energy. This factor is very important to consider to see if a solar panel is a worthwhile investment for your home.
You can even use a sunroof mapping tool to calculate your home’s solar energy potential. These maps use satellite technology to analyze your roof’s surface area and exposure to the sun to determine if you would benefit from solar panel installation.
These roofing guidelines are helpful to assess whether switching to solar is the right fit for you. Solar installation experts, like those at Blue Raven Solar can help make an assessment of your roof’s solar potential.
Make the Switch to Solar Energy
Domestic solar systems are truly a roofing and solar partnership that improve the functionality of your home. By installing solar panels you can optimize your home’s solar energy potential. If your roof allows it, solar panels are a great way to make an economically sound and environmentally-friendly choice.
Liked this article? Browse our site to read more like it.