With so much talk going on today about the state of the planet, people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Solar panels have become increasingly popular as a way to do this. These attachments can generate electrical energy from the sun, which can then be used to power your property.
Did you know that, through 2021, solar power in America was able to offset over 140 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions? And that’s just in one country! The rise of solar power has been nothing short of meteoric. It also shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you’re considering solar panels for your home with a metal roof, one question you should consider is whether they can be installed on a metal roof.
Is It Possible To Put Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?
Can you put solar panels on a metal roof? Yes, solar panels can be installed on a metal roof. Solar panels placed on a metal roof can even power an entire house. In fact, installing them on a metal roof can actually be advantageous in several ways.
Metal roofs are very durable and will last for many years, making them an ideal surface on which to install solar panels. That’s why metal is one of the top roofing materials used in American homes.
They are also good at reflecting sunlight, which can help to increase the efficiency of the solar panels. Solar panels can be mounted directly to the roof or attached with special brackets. Metal roofs should be inspected by a professional before installation. That way, they can ensure the roof is strong enough to support the weight of the solar panel system.
Concerns When Putting Solar Panels on Metal Roofs
These are some factors to consider when putting solar panels on metal roofs:
Heat
One of the main concerns when putting solar panels on any roof is heat. Metal roofs can get very hot, which may cause the melting of solar panel components. The heat may also damage the sealant that connects the panels to the roof.
However, there are some ways to mitigate this problem. One way is to use a special type of metal roofing that has been designed to reflect heat. Another way is to use a mounting system that keeps the solar panels slightly elevated so that they don’t get as hot.
You want to make sure that the roof can dissipate heat. The temperature of panels on metal roofs will be about 20-40 degrees hotter than ambient air temperature. The ideal situation is to have a cool roof. A “cool roof” is designed to reflect sunlight, and radiate heat back into the atmosphere.
If you live in an area with a hot climate, you can still install solar panels. Just make sure there is enough ventilation to ensure that heat doesn’t build up, and damage panels.
Security
A sloped roof can also bring about issues with securing the panels into place. With a metal roof, the panels can be screwed or bolted down. However, this can present a problem with the roof’s waterproofing and cause leaks. It is important to make sure that the fasteners used will not penetrate the roofing material and void any warranties.
If you have a standing seam metal roof, you might be able to install solar panels without penetrating the roofing material. This would void any concerns about leaks.
Check with the metal roofing manufacturer to see what their recommendations are for securing the panels. Some metal roofs have special clips that can be used. These attach to the seams in the roof and provide a strong but adjustable grip for holding the panels in place.
You want to make sure your panels remain secure even with rains and high winds. If the panels are not properly secured, they can be ripped off of the roof, taking shingles or metal sheets with them and causing serious damage to your home.
Maintenance
You may also have issues with the maintenance of solar panels on a metal roof because you will have to be more careful when cleaning the panels or making repairs. It’s important that you use the proper cleaners and equipment that are compatible with the metal roofing material.
Maintaining solar panels entails regular cleaning and inspection to ensure they are free of dirt, debris, and snow. Metal roofs can be more difficult to clean than asphalt shingles because you can’t just use a power washer on them. You have to take extra care not to damage the roof when cleaning the panels, which may mean having to clean them manually.
Cost
The cost of putting solar panels on a metal roof can be expensive. The average price for installing a solar panel is $3 per watt. This means that the average homeowner may need to spend $9,000 to $12,000 to install just one 300-watt solar panel.
However, you have to remember that the initial cost can offset the long-term returns. In other words, you’ll make up the installation costs through energy savings.
With solar panels, you can save as much as $600 per year on your energy bills. This means that your solar panels will pay for themselves in just 15 years.
Other Adjustments
There might be other adjustments to consider when fitting solar panels to metal roofs, such as the building’s orientation to the sun, shading from trees or other structures, and snow accumulation. All of these can affect how well solar panels work. You might need special brackets or clamps to secure the panels to a metal roof, which could add to installation costs.
Takeaway
Solar panels allow you to save on energy costs by harnessing the power of the sun and converting it into usable electricity for your home. Fortunately, you can install these attachments on any type of roof, including metal ones. If you’re ready to install solar panels or want more information, reach out to Atlasta Solar Center today!