Fact: Metal Roofing is Compatible With Solar Panels
A growing number of homeowners are focusing their attention on how they achieve a good level of environmental sustainability with their choice of construction materials.
With that in mind, you might have been surprised by the statement of fact in the headline that metal roofing is compatible with solar panels. The volume of solar installations is increasing annually, primarily driven by the tax credit and other incentives available when you choose to go solar. However, a lot of homeowners seem to think that metal roofing is not compatible and it won’t be possible to combine the two.
Installing solar panels is generally considered to be a smart move all around, the same could be said about having a metal roof, for a number of compelling reasons.
Here’s what you need to know.
Answering the question of compatibility
The bottom line is that metal roofing panels are very compatible with solar panels. However, it is always wise to get professional installation guidance, especially when you are investing good money in upgrading your home to make it more energy-efficient.
Your metal roofing supplier will probably recommend that you choose standing seam roofing panels in conjunction with a solar energy installation. This mainly due to the fact that you won’t need to make holes in the roof when attaching the panels.
This type of metal roofing is distinguished by its vertical ribs at the edges. This allows a solar mounting system to be attached without drilling holes.
As you might expect, making holes in a metal roof could compromise its weather-resistant properties. If you already have a different type of metal roof, like a corrugate version, for instance, solar panels can still be attached using mounting brackets.
The majority of metal roofs are perfectly suited to accommodate solar panels or can be adapted with ease where necessary.
Your choice of metal roofing can also improve energy efficiency
Another positive reason for considering metal roofing is that this type of roof can help maximize your energy efficiency potential at the property. It has been shown that choosing a lighter color for your metal roof will deliver the best energy savings.
If you choose a lighter shade of metal roofing such as white, light gray, or beige, for example, this will allow your roof to be more efficient at reflecting the sun’s rays. Darker colors are more absorbent and tend to reflect less than 20% of sunlight, compared to anywhere between 50% and 90% with lighter colors.
Achieving a good level of solar reflectance with a light-colored metal roof will prevent your roof from being exposed to intense heat. That will have the impact of putting less strain on your AC system and keeping your energy bills as low as possible.
As you can see, solar panels and metal roofs make great companions for a variety of convincing reasons. Talk to your installer about how this compatibility can be used to your advantage in creating an energy-efficient home.
