| Solar roof mounts (a.k.a. solar panel systems mounted | | | | There are two basic types: ballasted and penetrating. |
| on the roof) are by far the most popular solar solution | | | | Ballasted panels, which are especially suitable for flat |
| to high energy bills, and are backed by great rebates | | | | roofs, are held down by weights to your roof. In this |
| and 25 year warranties. However, your roof is pretty | | | | way, they offer minimal disruption to the roof. |
| important, so you'll want the full scoop on what a solar | | | | Penetrating solar panel systems are attached your |
| panel system means for you and your roof. Here are | | | | roof, making them more suitable for situations in which |
| some common Q&As to get you started. | | | | wind or seismic conditions require more stability. |
| 1. What are the most important factors in determining | | | | Penetrating solar roof mounts may affect your roof |
| whether a roof is suitable for solar? | | | | warranty; ballasted generally will not. A good solar |
| There are two really major requirements your roof | | | | consultant can lay out the pros and cons of each for |
| needs to satisfy. One has to do with the direction it | | | | your particular situation. |
| faces and its access to sunlight in the daytime. The | | | | 4. How much roof space will a solar panel system |
| other is the likelihood your roof will outlast your solar | | | | take? |
| roof mount (30+ years). If your roof isn't in great shape, | | | | The size of your system depends to a great degree |
| now is the time to replace or repair. Before you install, | | | | on your energy usage, how much you intend to offset |
| a professional solar consultant will inspect your roof | | | | with solar energy, and how much space is available. |
| and determine whether your roof needs to be repaired | | | | An average residential system is generally between |
| or replaced and whether it will be able to support the | | | | 400-700 square feet. However, smaller and more |
| additional weight of the racks and solar panels (at least | | | | inconspicuous systems (e.g. for a solar patio or a |
| 4lbs per square foot). | | | | garage) are also possible. |
| 2. Which types of roof are best for installing a solar | | | | 5. What qualifications should my solar installation |
| roof mount? | | | | company have? |
| No roof type will disqualify you from going solar. Solar | | | | As with all solar installations, your installer should be |
| installation companies have successfully installed solar | | | | well-established, registered with the BBB, and have all |
| roof mounts on metal, asphalt, tile, slate, and gravel | | | | the necessary licenses for both electrical and solar |
| roofs. It's difficult to generalize about which type of | | | | work. Experience is a must, especially in roofing: solar |
| roof is best because it varies by individual situation, | | | | installers that have had experience as roofers can be |
| building type, building height, climate, and seismic factors. | | | | counted on to treat your roof carefully during |
| 3. What are my options for a roof mount? | | | | installation. |