Solar panels constitute one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries today. This increasing popularity reflects the ever-growing demand for more environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. As a result, about 10% of the total electricity generated in the country in the last year originated from solar photovoltaic cells. In addition, more than 30% of Australian households have solar panel systems, a number that continues to rise.
While there are numerous benefits of switching to solar power, there are some seemingly inconsequential yet vitally important and easily overlooked factors to consider. The structural aspect and a roof’s compatibility with solar panels are top among them.
Can I Install Solar Panels On My House?
A common misconception is that all you need when installing a solar panel system is a roof and the right tools and panels. However, this assumption overlooks numerous considerations you have to account for that determine the viability of the solar energy installation.
So, before you begin your solar energy commitment, here are a few questions you must ask to establish if your roof is fit for solar panel installation.
What Is Your Roof’s Structure?
Your roof’s structure dictates its suitability for solar panels. Therefore, you have to examine various aspects of your roof’s design to assess the viability of purchasing solar panels for your home, including:
- Orientation – the roof orientation that allows for optimal solar panel operation is either a north-facing angled roof or a flat one.
- Roof material – your roof must be free of any asbestos-containing materials. The presence of asbestos presents significant health and safety hazards that may prevent solar panel installation on your roof.
- Angle – solar panel angles determine how effective they will be. The sun’s rays must hit the solar panels at a ninety-degree angle for optimum electricity generation. Therefore, an approximate 35-degree roof pitch is best for an Australian home to attain this ideal placement.
- Size – your roof’s size determines the number of solar panels you can install. Therefore, having a small roof may hinder your efforts to convert your house into a primarily solar-powered home as its size limits how many solar panels you can have.
- Loft space – a complete solar panel installation includes a solar inverter. This device converts the solar energy your panels trap into usable electricity that you rely on to operate appliances and lights in your home. Therefore, you need to have a space where you can store the inverter. The ideal space is a loft under your roof.
Therefore, scrutinize your roof’s structure while taking note of the points above to gain a better understanding of your roof’s suitability for a solar panel installation.
Is Your Roof Exposed To Sunlight?
Next, take a step outside and consider your home’s position. For example, are there other nearby buildings, or do trees surround your house? All these obstacles may mean that your roof’s light exposure is limited. This outcome presents a problem as the lack of access to direct sunlight during significant portions of the day will hinder your extracting maximum gain from the use of solar panels as your system’s collection outcomes will not match its generation capabilities.
So, if that is the case, you may have to take measures like cutting away branches from surrounding trees. However, if a building is your primary obstacle, unfortunately, there is no resolution to your dilemma.
Solar panels offer you a clean and environmentally friendly energy source that allows you to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Therefore, their value is significant. If you have established that your home is viable for solar panel installation, don’t delay contacting a reputable solar installation firm to help you start down the path.
