What You Should Know Before Installing a Solar Roof
A Solar Roof is a great way to make your home more energy efficient. In a survey of U.S. adults in 2017, Pew Research found that 65 percent prioritized developing renewable energy sources over increasing gas and coal production. As a result, Solar Roofs are a popular option for many homeowners. But before you invest in a Solar Roof, it is important to understand how they operate and how long they take to install.
Tesla’s Solar Roof
Tesla’s Solar Roof uses a shingle-based design that is made of glass, polymers, fiberglass, and silicon to convert solar energy into electricity for your home. These shingles are rated for wind resistance of ASTM D3161 Class F, making them ideal for homes where wind speeds are less than 130 m.p.h. In tests, the Tesla Solar Roof was able to resist 110 m.p.h of wind for two hours.
Tesla launched the Solar Roof on October 16, 2016, and its first installation was in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. The installation process took about two weeks, and a $1000 deposit was required. Tesla used drone aerial photos to evaluate the installation site. Within two weeks, a team of 20 workers installed the roof. Unfortunately, rain hampered the installation for a few days.
Other solar shingle companies
GAF, the largest roofing company in the world, is expanding into solar shingles. The company is constructing a new, 450,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Texas, to meet the growing demand for solar shingles. Its new shingle, the Timberline Solar Energy Shingle, was launched in January. The new factory will double GAF’s capacity and total production to 300 megawatts annually, making it the world’s largest solar roofing manufacturer.
CertainTeed, formerly known as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company, makes solar shingles, concrete tiles, siding, railing, and gypsum. The company’s Apollo II solar shingle, introduced in 2013, has 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells, providing up to 60 watts per shingle.
Costs
Purchasing a solar roof can be a significant expense. The typical installation of a solar roof can run as much as $3,000, which can make the upfront costs seem quite high. However, new materials and lower costs are bringing the costs down. According to Elon Musk, solar panels could be more affordable than standard roofing in just ten to twenty years.
Another factor in solar roof installation is the mounting system. There are several types available, and which one you choose will depend on the materials and orientation of your home. Generally, a south-facing roof is best for maximum solar energy production. However, if you don’t have this type of roof, you may opt for panels that rest on external supports. However, this option comes with additional expenses related to cables and hardware.
Installation timescales
Installation timescales for solar roof systems depend on a number of factors. A good solar company takes into account the time required for permits and orientation the project timeline around this. Depending on the jurisdiction, permitting time can range from two to eleven weeks. If you need an estimate, consult the Solar TRACE tool provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Once you’ve obtained permits, you can schedule an installation date. In some areas, installation can begin within a week. Others, however, need to wait a few weeks to order supplies. Installation timescales for solar roof systems vary depending on the complexity of your project.
Warranty
If you have a solar roof, you will want to make sure that you understand your warranty. Many roof warranties do not cover solar panels, but they do cover the workmanship of the installer. The workmanship warranty is usually at least 10 years. This will cover the areas of the roof that the installer worked on, while the roof warranty will cover the rest of the roof.
The warranty you receive from the manufacturer should cover the materials and workmanship of the solar roof. Certain warranties may include a material or workmanship warranty, but the warranty should specify which one applies. Make sure that your contract specifies the way the panels are attached to the roof, as well as any securing pads.
