After choosing to power your home or business with solar energy, the next step is to dig into the details. Considering that the Soleeva solar panels will be installed on your house’s or commercial building’s roof, the type of roof is important to understand how the roofing materials could be reflecting rather than absorbing all the heat and making your building harder to cool.

Generally, solar panels can be installed on almost every type of roof. However, not all roofs are created equal. This means that not every rooftop will be able to produce the same amount of energy. There are several roofing options which are more energy efficient and will help with insulating and cooling your home or business.

One of the premier choices for a roofing system is metal roofing. “Metal roofs have proven that they can last up to 50 years when properly installed, and with their interlocking panels, they provide excellent resistance to wind and nasty weather.” (Homeguardroof.com) Most metal roofing is made out of recycled materials making them more eco-friendly than other options. They are light weight relative to other panels which would reduce stress on the building. “These types of roofs also reflect a significant amount of sunlight where it is not absorbed by the solar panel, which leads to a cooling effect.” (solar.com)

One of the most common roof types is tile roofing, this can be found in almost any neighborhood. “Tiles, themselves, can be made of different materials, and that is why it is important to accurately determine what materials your tiles are made out of before proceeding.” (solar.com) In general, tile roofs have a unique advantage over other options, especially when it comes to installation. “Since air can easily circulate under the tiles themselves, energy can be conserved during both warm weather and cold weather.” (homeguardroof.com) Tiles roofing is among the top for longevity, making them a good investment, as well as increasing energy efficiency.

Composite or shingle roofing is one of the most common roof types in the country. “Because of this, there is a large number of individuals who are looking to install solar panels on their composite roofing” (solar.com). It is important to take into account that there are asphalt shingles sold which are not energy efficient, there is a large difference between the energy efficient shingles and other types. “The energy-efficient varieties are actually made with special granules, this could even make a difference of 100 degrees fahrenheit on the surface of the roof.” (homeguardroof.com) Composite roofing could be a good option because of the cheaper cost, different looks and colors, and importantly the durability.

As a home or business-owner, at the end of the day if you want to install solar panels on your roof, there is always a way. If the structure and roofing materials are not capable of creating an efficient system, “there are many ways in which you can adopt a roof to meet the requirements.” (solar.com) If you decide to bundle the roof replacement with solar panels you can be eligible for a 30% tax credit. Don’t miss out, contact Soleeva and get a free estimate!

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