My roof is pointing directly West (90º off South), will it still work?
Yes, see question above. A typical roof that faces directly West or directly East will still earn up to 87% as much as the same roof pointed directly South.
My roof has a lot of fancy peaks and strange angles. Is that a problem?
It certainly makes our job more challenging but we can usually find a layout that will work with most rooftops. A small older home often has more room for panels than a newer larger one does. A simple roof will be cheaper to have panels installed then a complicated one.
How much roof space do I need?
About 60 sq feet per kW or 600sq/ft for an average 10kW system. Installing systems smaller than 4kW is probably not worth your hassle. If you’re trying to do the math yourself, then figure each panel as 66″ x 40″. We mainly install in portrait mode, but occasionally in landscape if we’re bolting into purlins …
What if my shingles aren’t in very good shape?
Get them replaced first. Remember that these systems will last 20 to 30 years. If we have to pull them off so that you can replace your shingles, it will be at your expense. If you can’t afford to re-do your entire roof right now, then see if you can just do the area where …
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How are the panels attached. Will they damage the roof?
This is a great question and one that more people need to ask when considering a solar installation. It is a critical part of your system but since it is out of site under the panels, few people give much thought to it. A full size system can mean up to 90 roof penetrations and …
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Will my roof handle the weight of these solar panels?
Very likely. The weight of the solar panels and mounting system adds less than 3 pounds per square foot, which is pretty low when you think about it. A good quality layer of asphalt shingles weighs 2.75 pounds per square foot. If your roof is still standing after the ice storms of the past winters …
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