Simply put, you can go solar and keep your current roof. There is a lot of talk about whether you can combine a solar array with an old roof, but the answer is yes – most definitely. One thing to remember is that solar power works best when it’s combined with an energy efficient home. The efficiency you save on your home will be used for things other than powering the solar system which increases the yield of new installation or lowers the cost of adding new panels.
You may have heard that your existing roof might be in the way of going solar, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Solar panels are designed to work with a variety of roof types, including those with skylights or vents. The only thing you need to worry about is whether your roof can support the weight of the solar panels.
If you’re worried about what will happen if your energy bill doesn’t decrease as much as you’d like, we can make sure that it does by using only high-quality panels and components. Our team takes care to ensure that every panel is perfectly aligned and connected so that they produce maximum power for you.
You can go solar with metal, tile, asphalt and other types of roofs.
It’s a common misconception that the only types of roofs that are compatible with solar panels are those made from metal or tile. You can actually go solar and keep your asphalt shingles, wooden shakes, clay tiles and more.
The three most common types of rooftop solar installations are grid-tied, grid-tied with battery backup, and off-grid (not connected to the utility grid). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If your roof needs to be replaced, it could save you money if you get a solar electricity system installed at the same time.
If you’re building a new house, or your roof is relatively new, you may be able to install solar panels on your roof without replacing it. However, if your roof is older than 15 years and needs to be replaced anyway, it can make sense to get a solar electricity system installed at the same time.
Here’s why:
The cost of installing solar panels can often exceed the cost of replacing an existing roof, especially if the old roof is in good condition. But if you’re replacing an old roof anyway, then there’s no additional cost for installing solar panels. The savings from lower electricity bills will pay for both projects over time.
Your current roof might not be ideal for a solar electricity system. If it has too much shade or needs too much repair work before it can support a solar energy system, it makes sense to replace that portion of your home’s exterior before installing new solar panels on top of it.
There are lots of options for going solar while keeping your existing roof
The best part is that you have lots of flexible options when it comes to solar. You don’t have to change your roof at all, or you can select a style of roofing that blends in with your existing home. You also don’t have to choose between solar panels and solar shingles. For many homeowners, the only thing holding them back might be familiarity—but explaining the benefits is easier than you might think, and can play a big role in transforming the way they think about going solar.