So you want to go solar on your roof. Great! Your local solar company will love you and your local roofing contractor too.
There is no doubt that using solar energy is a part of “going green”, which is the future. Eventually, it will come to free renewable, clean, and efficient electricity for all. But there’s a time and place for everything, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is not quite there yet.
Solar panels on the roof
By installing solar panels on the roof, you will save money on energy bills and get a tax credit as financial support from the government. But there are other factors and costs to consider. And here is what you need to know.
What are the benefits of going solar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
Up to 30% of the total solar panel installation costs are refunded to homeowners in tax credits. In other words, you can factor in a significant discount on the project. For example, if your solar panels’ project costs 40K, you can expect a 12K check from the government to your name in the near future.
Free solar electricity for your home. When you get the estimate for the solar panels installed on your roof, the following key factors should be considered:
- How much electricity does your household use on average per year?
- How many sunny days are in your area?
- What roofing slope will you put your panels on, and how many solar panels will you need?
In addition, installing solar panels on your roof is a great way to get solar energy for your home or business with no negative impact on the environment.
What to consider before moving forward with the project?
How old is your current roof? If your roof is damaged, the best advice is to get it repaired first. The best time to install solar panels is when the roof is being replaced, or a new one is being installed. Your roofing contractor will work together with your solar company to take a few extra steps to ensure the roof is ready for installation. Your solar company will help you choose the most efficient solar panels, but still, all of them are bulky units; therefore, significant foot traffic should be expected on the roof when panels are installed. A new roof will be able to withstand it with no problems. If your roof is 12-15 old, heavy traffic is likely to damage shingles. Significant granules loss or mechanical damage like broken or dented shingles can cause additional problems and costs. Also, solar panels installed on an old roof drastically reduce the lifespan of the shingles.
Solar panels are heavy; not all roofs can withstand the weight of them
On average, Pittsburgh has 175-185 sunny days throughout the year, which is less than the national average of 205-215 days a year. At least 1/3 of a year your solar panel won’t work for you. Many roofs in the Pittsburgh area are very steep and hard to navigate, so maintenance maybe be costly. Are there any tall trees growing around your house, and how big is the available “sunny window”? Homes surrounded by trees will require seasonal maintenance for the solar systems as the leaves, branches, and other accumulation on the roof must be cleaned at least once a year before the winter. In addition, birds or squirrels will try to make nests underneath the panels as it will be a perfect shelter for them. Bees and wasps are quite a common issue as well.
So these are just a few quick points for you to consider before going solar on your roof. Again, every house is different; you will have to weigh all the pros and cons before moving forward. Make sure you spend a few hours educating yourself on the topic in general, study the benefits in your area and calculate twice before committing to it.
