Many homes and businesses choose solar panels and solar power systems as an alternative to conventional energy sources. This has become important, especially due to the rising energy cost nationwide. With many more seeing the benefits of solar panels, it has become important to learn more about solar panel roofs and their effects on your building structure.
Most solar panel installers recommend installing the panels on the roof for space conservation. Being an important and expensive part of the building, you’re right to be worried about your roof. In the next section, this article talks about the disadvantages you may experience putting solar cells on your roof.
Disadvantages of installing solar cells on your roof
May compromise roof health
As a homeowner, protecting your roof from damage is an important step to take. It’s better to prevent these roof problems than spend a fortune on repairs and replacements. However, your drive for an independent energy source could bring this problem closer to home.
Untrained or unprofessional solar panel installers may make mistakes during the installation process. Their mistakes may compromise your roof health, causing cracks or other damages. These cracks may leave room for water seepage, leading to leakages and roofing problems.
Dealing with a roof problem after your solar panel installation can be difficult. For extensive damages, the roofer may charge an extra amount to remove the solar panels before inspecting and addressing your roof problems.
You may also need to spend more on re-installing your solar panels at the end of the roof repair or replacement process.
Can cause uneven aging or wear
The roof is expected to wear out uniformly, especially because it is exposed to the same weather conditions at all times. However, this may be a major issue for people with solar cells installed. With solar cells installed, a part of your roof begins to degenerate or age rather faster than the other.
The part of the roof where your solar panel is installed is shielded from direct sunlight, thus reducing its exposure to UV rays and reducing the damages caused. On the other hand, the other side is fully exposed to these rays, causing it to age faster and lose its strength. This uniformity may be baffling, especially when one side of your roof appears faded compared to the other.
Expensive to install
Solar panels are a great way to enjoy independent energy production while saving costs in the long run. However, the project is capital intensive in the initial stages. Most homeowners only get to pay off their initial investment after over ten years of using their solar system. Other factors like maintenance costs may complicate this calculation.
Why install solar panels
Although solar panels can affect your roof, the damages are nothing compared to the benefits of this alternative energy source. Some reasons why homes and businesses now choose solar power systems to include;
Reduced energy costs
Solar power systems leverage naturally available resources to generate energy for daily use. Homes and businesses can significantly cut their energy costs by leveraging the sun’s power. Most people with solar power systems installed can either rely solely on the energy they generate or pair it with conventional energy sources, thus greatly reducing their energy cost. You can ask reputable solar panels Florida companies to figure out how much you will be saving in the near future.
Renewable and environmentally friendly
The sun shines every day or every other day. This means that solar power users can rest assured that they’ll get the resources needed to generate energy with each new day. By leveraging this natural energy source, users can significantly reduce their dependence on fossil fuel burning, which is environmentally harmful.
The mass adoption of solar power systems is expected to drive down greenhouse gas emissions further and protect the environment from drastic climate change.
Increases property value
Homes or businesses with solar power systems installed have automatically increased their value. Property owners can command a higher price for their buildings simply by installing solar power systems on them. Many people understand how expensive this add-on can be. They also understand that it is a significant investment towards their comfort and peace of mind.
In the real estate world, homes with solar power integrations are more likely to sell faster and at a higher value compared to others.
Low maintenance cost
One of the biggest advantages of installing a solar power system is the low maintenance requirement. Users who follow strict usage rules can expect their solar power system to last for years. A minor maintenance practice that may be necessary is annual solar panel cleaning.
This cleaning task is to ensure that the panels are working at full capacity and aren’t blocked by dirt, dust, grime, etc.
