Solar will Make Your Roof Leak! Top 7 Rooftop Solar Myths

There are many myths Oregon homeowners run into when researching solar. Some of the most persistent solar myths are about how solar can affect your roof.

Green Ridge Solar receives these questions often, and we are dedicated to dispelling the many solar myths we run across. Here are 7 of the most common rooftop solar myths you should beware of.

SOLAR WILL CAUSE MY ROOF TO LEAK

Installing solar on a roof often requires holes to be drilled into the roof. While this might sound scary to a homeowner, the solar industry has extensive experience dealing with roof penetrations. Solar panels installed by professionals will not cause your roof to leak.

To prevent any leaks, special water-tight flashings are installed under the shingles or over the metal sheeting and the bolt holes are sealed with sealant. This eliminates the potential for water to leak into the roof.

If you have a flat roof, a common option to avoid roof penetration is a ballasted roof-mount. Ballasted roof-mounted solar involves installing solar panels on a racking system that is weighed down by concrete blocks.

Thankfully, Green Ridge Solar has a consistent record of successful rooftop solar installs without instances of leaks. Contact us today to learn more.

SOLAR PANELS ARE TOO HEAVY FOR MY ROOF

Some Oregon homeowners wonder, “Will solar be too heavy for my roof?” The answer is generally no.

In general, solar panels weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. If 20 solar panels weighing 40 pounds each are installed on your roof, that’s 800 pounds. This system would total approximately 350 square feet. 800 pounds divided by 350 square feet comes out to 2.3 pounds per square foot. Most standard roofs are capable of holding 20 pounds per square foot or more.

Roofs are designed and built to withstand great pressure, and solar panels barely come close to their weight limits. Most solar panels are only 1\4 the weight of an average American male, so if solar installers can walk on your roof, solar panels will be no problem.

Of course, it’s important to consider the age and condition of your roof before installing solar. You want to ensure your roof’s structural integrity can hold up to solar panels, which leads us to our next myth.

MY ROOF IS TOO OLD FOR SOLAR

Looks can be deceiving. Some homeowners think their house is too old or too structurally unsound for solar.

The good news is that most houses are great candidates for solar, they might just need a bit of work.

Trustworthy solar companies, like Green Ridge Solar, will physically come to your house to inspect the roof and its underlying structure before we agree to install. If the shingles are getting near or past time for replacement, we will advise the roof be reshingled. If the underlying structure needs reinforcement, we can work with you to ensure the structure will be able to hold up solar panels.

Are you curious if your roof is a good candidate for solar? Contact us today to find out.

MY ROOF DOESN’T FACE SOUTH, SO I CAN’T GET SOLAR

Solar provides the best energy productivity on south-facing roofs, but that doesn’t mean other roof orientations won’t work with solar.

East- and west-facing roofs are also good candidates for rooftop solar. While such roofs might not have the ideal amount of sun exposure throughout the day, they generally get an average of 20% less sun. This can be easily remedied by adding additional modules to your system.

In some cases, an east- or west-facing roof might be better for your solar installations. Read more in our blog titled “Does Your Roof Need to Face South for Solar Panels?”

Not sure of your roof orientation? Uncertain where your solar panels could go? We can help. Contact Green Ridge Solar today for help.

SOLAR PANELS WON’T LOOK GOOD ON MY ROOF

Some homeowners who want to install solar are hesitant because they are concerned how solar panels will look on their roof.

Thankfully, solar technology now allows more options for homeowners who want to install solar. One of these options is to install black-on-black solar panels. These solar panels have a black backing instead of a silver backing, giving the solar panels a sleek and uniform look.

RODENTS WILL DESTROY MY SYSTEM

Anytime you have exposed wiring outdoors, it’s important to consider how nature might affect those wires.

One of the major concerns when it comes to solar panel wiring is squirrels. These pesky rodents can get into the nooks and crannies of a house and cause serious damage. However, when it comes to solar panels, squirrels and other rodents can be prevented or deterred from getting into wiring. 

If you want to be safe and deter squirrels and other rodents or birds from getting under your solar panels, a wire mesh can be installed around the bottom of the solar panels. This material is often called Critter Guard, and it can be installed by your local solar company.

SOLAR PANEL RACKING WILL DAMAGE MY SHINGLES

Some homeowners wonder if the addition of solar on their roof will damage their shingles. The opposite is actually true.

Solar panels act as a barrier on your roof, protecting shingles from UV radiation, heat, and other potential elements that could degrade your shingled roof.

SOLAR WILL HEAT UP MY ROOF

With the sun beating down on a roof for 8+ hours per day, solar panels can get really hot. But do solar panels also heat up your roof?

The simple answer is no, solar panels do not heat up your roof. In fact, solar panels actually keep your roof cool!

Solar panels have a gap between them and the roof. This air gap prevents the transfer of heat from the solar panels and the roof material. So not only do the solar panels produce energy, they also reduce the amount of energy you need to cool your home!

If you are interested in learning more about solar and how you can start generating your own electricity, contact Green Ridge Solar today!

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