Solar panels help you reduce your electricity bills. They also increase your home’s resale value.
Solar energy is a clean and green source of power that does not produce harmful emissions. This is compared to fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, which emit greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change.
Reduced Carbon Dioxide Emissions
When homeowners choose to install solar panels when they replace their roofs, they can save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. This is because solar power energy enables them to turn away from finite fossil fuels and their associated greenhouse gas emissions and, instead, generate electricity directly from the sun.
While solar energy does produce some emissions during production, it also has a much smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuel-based energy sources throughout its entire lifecycle. The only significant sources of emissions from solar energy are related to mining the metals and rare earth minerals required for production and transporting these raw materials and finished panels.
Once the solar panels are installed, they generate zero-emissions electricity, which can be stored later or transmitted over long distances to customers through power lines and transformers. No emissions are associated with operating PV and concentrating solar systems, making them an environmentally friendly energy source.
Solar panel roof replacement project is the most convenient way for residents to reduce their carbon footprint. The installer will determine if the building is a good candidate for solar, such as if it has sufficient roof space and is correctly oriented (south-facing roofs are ideal). Combining this roofing job with a solar panel installation ensures that the panels are removed and reinstalled simultaneously, saving considerable time.
Reduced Water Consumption
When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they release carbon dioxide and other pollutants that can cause various health problems. Solar energy, on the other hand, does not create such emissions and therefore helps protect human health and the environment.
Although the manufacturing process of solar panels involves some water use, modern methods help reduce this amount significantly. Installing solar panels on a roof is also designed to limit the risk of leaks.
The solar energy system installers will visit your property before you go ahead with a roof replacement and installation to determine whether the roof is suitable for solar panels. They will examine several factors, including how much sun the building gets (south-facing tops are best) and whether any trees or other structures might block the solar panel installation.
If you get a roof replacement and solar installed simultaneously, you can avoid the extra cost of removing and reinstalling your solar panels. This is important because you want to ensure that the original brackets and mounting hardware will work on your new roof.
If you are thinking about upgrading to a solar power system, talk to roofing and solar experts. They can check to see whether your roof is compatible with solar and ensure you take advantage of all federal and state incentives for going green.
Increased Property Value
A new roof and solar panels can add significant value to your home, especially if you install them during a roof replacement. According to Rocket Homes, homeowners who go solar experience a 13.3% faster sale and can sell their homes for 14.7% more money than those without solar.
In addition, solar energy is a more environmentally-friendly option than other forms of electricity. Fossil fuels must be extracted, refined, and transported, significantly affecting the environment. Solar energy, however, requires little more than the sun to function.
Suppose you decide to have your roof replaced with a solar system. In that case, it is essential to talk through the process with your roofers and solar panel installers to ensure that your existing mounting hardware will be compatible with the material of your new roof. This will prevent any extra expenses that may be incurred later on.
A good solar installation company will be able to visit your property before your roof replacement starts and assess the current state of your roof and your existing solar system. They will then be able to provide you with a detailed report on your options for removal, reinstallation, and other details. This will allow you to make the best decision for your needs.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As you know, solar energy reduces your home’s carbon footprint. You can see the immediate results on your electric bill, and you’ll be helping to make a dent in the national carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming.
Fossil fuels like coal and oil must be dug up, refined, and transported from overseas, which takes a significant environmental toll. On the other hand, the sun’s power is free. Energy from solar panels is also renewable, which means it won’t run out anytime soon.
Not only do solar panels help the environment, but they also protect your roof. The panels absorb sunlight that the shingles would otherwise absorb, which helps keep your roof looking better and lasting longer. They also shield the shingles from rain, snow, and debris, which can also extend their life.
Adding solar to your roof replacement is one of the best ways to save money while significantly contributing to your country’s environmental goals. Millions of homeowners need a roof replacement each year in America. If even a fraction of them opt to add solar while at it, we can move significantly closer to the climate change decarbonization goals. The installation process for a solar panel roof replacement may seem daunting, but most of the work is done outside, except for drilling holes in your roof to mount the panels’ racks. These holes are then covered with flashing, a thin roll of moisture-resistant metal that closes the gap and seals wind, rain, and other elements.
Featured Image by Colin McKay from Pixabay