Thinking of Adding Solar to an Existing Residence…. (Hint: Maybe Don’t Put it on Your Roof!)
Cost savings, increasing your home value and environmental benefits are usually motivators for wanting to explore solar power. However, many homeowners remain skeptical (I’m sure we have all driven by some unsightly installations). But solar panels can be chic if you get creative!
There are many ways to add solar to your property without going on the roof, which is my recommended first choice.
Creative Locations
The most common locations are on the ground, in a garden, on a carport or on your roof. When building a new home, it is easier to build the panels into the roof so it looks like the roof itself and the roof will be designed for the systems from the start. See photos for design inspiration.
Tips
Putting solar panels on your existing roof is a bit tricky as most solar systems are installed by professionals that are not roofing contractors. Attaching the panels to the roof can create issues with water intrusion, the weight of the panels on the roof and the long-term roof performance. It is well worth it to pay your roofer to evaluate any systems proposed for roof installation and have them present during installation.
While roof orientation for maximum sun exposure is ideal for energy generation, it may not always be the best location for the roof system. You most likely have vents, chimneys, air conditioning equipment or utilities located on your roof, that will need to be reviewed, so that combined with solar panels, water will still flow off your roof. Make sure you thoroughly prepare before you dive in, to prevent potential complications.
Pictures say a thousand words, so enjoy these ideas!
Trudi
