Metal roofs are incredibly valuable and offer a relatively lower lifetime cost of ownership. It is this phenomenon that has led people to make the switch to metal roofing. All homeowners prefer a long-sighted perspective on the significant investment they have made in their home. Solar panels also have a long-term payback and can be installed on residential or commercial metal roofs.
How do solar panels work?
Solar installations consist of solar panels that absorb sunlight and convert that into energy that is delivered to the property below. Excess electricity can also be delivered back into the local grid in some municipalities. Solar batteries are combined with solar panels, and store the electricity while also providing backup power in case of a power outage.
Understanding solar installations on metal roofs
Metal roofs are known to offer durability, energy efficiency, design versatility and long-term savings. The reliability aspect of metal roofs provides an excellent foundation for the investment you are making in solar. The brackets required to secure solar panels can be added to metal roofs.
Reasons why the metal roof-solar panels combination works
# 1 Cooling Benefits
Solar panels can deliver electricity to run air conditioning for homes with metal roofs. And although metal roofs typically absorb sunlight, solar panels take this a notch further and turn the sunlight into energy.
# 2 Different Panel Types
Note that there are different styles of solar panels out there, including photovoltaic panels and thin-film solar silicone sheets. Photovoltaic solar panels are installable on any roof, but many property owners go for the thin-film solar silicone sheets for their appearance and smaller profile. Both will work on metal roofs.
# 3 Eco-friendly
Metal roofing and solar panels, when combined, make for an ecologically responsible choice. The combination makes for a great way to promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, metal roof manufacturers mostly use materials such that the entire metallic roof is recyclable. Add solar panels, and you get the added benefit of a cut in fossil fuel consumption.
# 4 Easy to install
It is relatively easier to install solar panels on metal roofs than on other types, say asphalt. Asphalt roofs adding solar panels may involve drilling, extra flashing or sealing.
#5 Savings that solar panels can offer you
British Columbia offers the Alternative Energy Sources PST Exemption clause. It covers solar thermals and other equipment required for installation, including wiring, controllers and tubing. This could offset the higher cost of putting in a metal roof.
Your Metal Roofing Experts
Nielsen Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd has been specializing in metal roofing since 1946. We will come onsite to discuss your solar and metal roofing needs, whether residential or commercial, and give you a quote. Give us a call!