Solar power is a completely clean, renewable resource that comes from the sunlight that naturally reaches the Earth. Installing a residential solar roofing system in Alexandria offers you many benefits, from reducing or eliminating your need to buy power as a utility to improving the value and eco-friendliness of your home. Solar roofing has come a long way since its earliest inception—today, lightweight solar panels can be integrated right into the structure of your asphalt roof for a seamless, stylish look that will save you money.
How Solar Panels Work
When you install photovoltaic solar panels on your roof, they will work from dawn through dusk to capture and convert energy from the sun. Solar panels contain numerous cells made from silicon, which generate electricity as energetic photons in sunlight strike the surface. Power is generated in the form of a direct current (DC); thus, residential solar roofing systems also contain a power inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current (AC), which is used in your home. As power is generated by your roof, it is sent into your home’s electrical system, supplementing or even completely replacing the power drawn from your residential power grid. In some cases, any “extra” electricity generated by your roof can be sold back to your power company for use elsewhere, further increasing the benefits of installing solar panels in your roof.
About Solar Panel Installation
Modern solar panels can be integrated right into your roofing system to lie flat with the surrounding material, rather than propped up on struts that require drilling or attachments to secure the panels to your roof. This design is superior in both appearance and longevity, as it minimizes the risk of damage to your roof and your solar panels over time due to leaks or rusting. The location of your solar panels will affect how much energy they generate—your panels should be located in a clear space with no overhanging branches or shade; solar panels are typically located on the southern side of a home to maximize solar exposure in both the summer and the winter. Your roofing contractor can help you evaluate your roof’s size and shape to determine how many panels you should install and where they should be placed.
Caring for Your Solar Roofing
Maintaining your solar panels will ensure they continue generating the maximum amount of electricity possible over their lifetime. Most solar panels don’t require cleaning unless they are excessively dusty—your roofing contractor can check the condition of your solar panels during your annual roofing inspection to let you know if any service is required. Monitoring your solar panels’ output can also alert you to the need for repairs—if output suddenly drops, your roofing company can perform an inspection to determine the best course of action. The best way to care for your solar panels is to care for your roofing in general by continuing to maintain your roof through regular inspections and repairs as necessary to protect the area surrounding the panels. Additionally, make sure to keep the trees around your home healthy and trimmed back to prevent debris or broken branches from affecting your solar panels or your roof, particularly during bad weather.
Are you ready to go solar in Alexandria? You can stop by our website to discover the residential and commercial solar roofing systems we offer, as well as our other roofing solutions and services. Don’t forget to check out our blog for more information about residential roofing, commercial roofing, and green roofing.
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