Any roof replacement project is bound to be a stressful process that requires time and great skill. But when you add solar panels to the mix, the project can be even more complex. Luckily, the professional roofers at Legacy Roofing have it all figured out. We have a team of solar installers who came together to compile the ultimate guide for how to reroof your home while installing solar panels during the process.
Getting ready to install a new roof with solar panels? Here’s what the process; will entail:
- Assessment of the Current Roof for Solar Panel Compatibility
- Planning and Design of the Solar System
- Preparation for the Roof Replacement
- Roof Replacement Process
- Installation of Solar Panels
- Testing and Commissioning of New Solar Panels
Are you ready to install solar panels on your new roof? Read on to learn more about the process. At the end of our guide, you will also learn about the benefits of using solar panels on your property.
How To: Roof Replacement & Install Solar Panels
Reroofing a home is often met with many moving pieces that must come together seamlessly for the result to be effective. This is why a professional roofer and solar panel expert must be on hand for the entire process, from start to finish. From assessing the current roofing structural integrity to the replacement of the roof to the final testing and commissioning of the new solar panels, this process will require more than just elbow grease for it to go smoothly.
Assessment of the Current Roof for Solar Panel Compatibility
Before any work or planning can begin, a thorough assessment must be conducted. This part of the process involves checking the condition and structural integrity of the current roof. It is very important to ensure that the roof’s structure is strong enough to hold the weight of the solar panels, regardless of the weather conditions that will come through the region for many years to come.
You will also need to have the roof inspected to ensure that it receives enough sunlight for the new solar panels to be efficient. The local climate is a strong consideration of the effectiveness and efficiency of solar panels. Luckily, Arizona’s year-round, sunny weather makes your roof the perfect candidate for solar panel installation.
Planning and Design of the Solar System
Once the existing roof has been assessed and determined that you can move forward with the plan for replacing your roofing and solar panels, it is now time to put together that plan and design. You will need a solar panel installation expert to help you choose a suitable solar panel system.
The planning and design of the solar panel system will also include the design of the new roof, which will need to be strong enough to hold the panels. A roofing company will be excellent to weigh in on this part of the design, and if the company also has solar installers, the process may go smoother.
Preparation for the Roof Replacement
Once a plan is in place, the solar installers and roofing company will be ready to schedule the roof replacement and make all the necessary preparations. Sometimes, preparation for the installation of solar panel systems requires obtaining permits. If local regulations require it, the customer service team of your installation company will be able to walk you through that process.
The goal of the prep work that goes into installing solar panels and replacing your roof is to ensure that everything meets the standards of local building codes. At this time, your roofer will also secure roofing materials for the new solar roof.
Effective planning and preparation also ensure that the quality of the installations of both the solar panels and the new roof is cost-effective, efficient, and helpful for enhancing your home life.
Roof Replacement Process
With the preparation work complete, it is time to remove the old roof and begin the replacement process. The roofing contractor will begin by removing the existing roofing materials. This process is done very carefully to ensure that the home’s structure is not damaged.
Once the old roofing materials are removed, the roofing contractor will inspect the roof decking and underlayment to ensure they are in good order. When the underlayment is determined to be in solid condition, the contractor will begin installing the new roofing materials. These new materials will be chosen specifically to accommodate the new solar panels.
Installation of Solar Panels
When the new roof replacement is complete, the solar installer can then begin mounting hardware before they can begin adding solar panels to the surface. This process will include connecting the panels to inverters and electrical systems of the home.
One of the most important parts of this process is to ensure that the solar panel mounting hardware is waterproof and sealed properly. This is important for upholding the solar panel manufacturer’s warranty and for avoiding early solar panel removal and replacement.
Testing and Commissioning of New Solar Panels
With the new roof replacement and solar panel installation complete, the solar installation technician will run a series of tests to ensure that everything has been installed correctly. This process includes coordination efforts with electricians who will ensure that the solar panels are connected to the grid or the home battery storage system.
This final check will also ensure that the solar panels are functioning as designed and according to the local regulations. At this time, your roofing contractor or solar installation crew will present you with a routine maintenance plan to ensure the longevity of the new roof and solar panels.
Benefits of Combining Roofing and Solar Panels
There are many reasons why you would want to consider adding solar panels to your new roof. The benefits of installing solar panels are numerous, from energy savings to reduced environmental impact.
Reduced Energy Costs
Solar panels do not use electricity as they use energy from the sun to generate electricity. Thus, you will see a great decrease in your electric bills. Some homeowners are even able to sell energy back to their grid if they are generating enough of an energy surplus on their property!
Environmental Impact
Nothing is more important these days than clean energy production. Because solar panels use a clean and renewable energy source, your home will not be contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. You will get to enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle while contributing to a healthier future for our planet. Trust us, future generations will thank you.
Roof Protection & Durability
Some might see this as an unexpected benefit but solar panels offer an additional protective layer for your roof. As a result, your roof’s longevity will be far longer, and you won’t need a roof replacement for a long, long time. Plus, solar panels provide additional insulation which helps your home be even more energy efficient.
Government Incentives & Rebates
Local, state, and federal governments offer tax incentives and rebates regularly for those who choose to switch their homes to solar power. These incentives will help offset the cost of installing solar power in your home.
If your home generates excess energy thanks to the new solar panels, your home may even qualify for net metering credits. These financial benefits are hard to refuse!
Energy Independence & Security
Adding solar panels is seen as a great choice for your home because solar is normally a more reliable source of electricity. Solar power is especially useful when there are grid outages because your home will not be affected by them. Thus, you will have a measure of independence and peace of mind knowing that your home will continue running smoothly, regardless of what’s going on outside.
Solar panel installation during a roof replacement does not have to be hard! The process is complex but with the right experts in your corner, you will get through it efficiently.
Types of Roofing Systems We Install & Service
Interested in Installing Solar Panels on Your New Roof?
Many homeowners find the benefits of solar panels appealing. If you’re exploring this possibility for your property, turn to the local experts at Legacy Roofing. Our team of roofers and solar installers will be happy to walk you through the process and make it simple and stress-free.
Contact Legacy Roofing today!
