Solar Panels | PJsRoofing

July 27, 2023 in Solar Panels

Is Your Roof Right for Solar Panels?

Are you considering installing solar panels? It’s an excellent way to harness the sun’s clean energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your power bills. However, before you jump on this eco-friendly bandwagon, you need to make sure your roof is suitable for them.

Orientation and Sun Exposure

One of the most critical factors in determining if your roof can accommodate solar panels is the amount of sunlight it receives. If yours faces south, that’s ideal because it gets the most exposure. Solar panels are also a viable option for homes with east or west-facing roofs, but they might produce less energy. If your home faces north, be aware, these receive the least sunlight, and might not be able to accommodate solar panels.

Age and Condition

Solar panels require a sturdy structure that’s capable of supporting them for many years. If you have an older or damaged roof, it might not be able to withstand the added weight. That can lead to complications in the future. It’s vital to have a professional check its integrity before you pull the trigger on solar.

Material and Weight Considerations

Asphalt, metal, and tile can support the added weight and accommodate solar panels. However, installing these on an unsuitable roof can lead to structural damage and safety concerns. Consult with an expert to be sure yours can support the additional load.

Shade and Obstruction

Trees, buildings, or other structures block the sun and reduce the effectiveness of solar panels. To maximize the amount of energy generated, this needs to be limited. Trimming or removing trees and other obstructions helps to optimize their effectiveness.

Warranty and Long-Term Considerations

Before installing solar panels, you should take the time to review your home warranty. Make sure your warranty doesn’t have any clause stating that these panels would invalidate your policy.

Another factor to consider is these panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, and they might outlive your roof. Long-term planning and regular maintenance are crucial for a seamless integration.

Conclusion

You need to know how suitable your roof is before installing solar panels. Consider its orientation, age, condition, and long-term implications. Consult with professionals to see if solar panels are a good fit for your home. For more information on maximizing the benefits of solar energy while ensuring the safety and longevity of your roof, contact PJ’s Roofing today!

December 16, 2021 in Roofing, Solar Panels

Top 7 Roofing Design Trends for 2022

As we enter 2022, one thing is certain: roofing design trends throughout this year and beyond will embrace the concepts of environmentally friendly, energy efficient materials and designs. What do these designs mean for your new roof in 2022?

1. Money Saving Materials

With the prices of utilities going through the roof (pun intended), you will see more and more designs and materials used with the purpose of reducing energy bills and environmental impacts.

These can include solar roofs, cool roofs coated in energy reflecting and/or absorbing materials, and synthetic shingles made of more affordable recycled products such as plastics and rubber.

2. Simplistic Designs

The days of complex rooflines are behind us, with more homeowners turning to simplistic, clean designs that can also be incorporated with energy saving features such as solar panels.

These roofs not only provide cleaner lines to your roof, they can also be less expensive to design since they use less materials.

3. Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are a great option for any home. They can be another eco-friendly choice because they incorporate recycled materials while lasting decades longer than other traditional roofing choices. Metal roofs are less prone to leaking than asphalt shingles, and they encourage snow and rain to just slide off slanted surfaces far easier than their asphalt counterparts.

4. Green Roofs

Similar to a cool roof, green roofs (also known as garden roofs) provide an extra layer of energy efficiency. These are flat roofs that are covered with vegetation, providing shade to the structure underneath them and an efficient use of rainwater.

5. Solar Roofs

Solar roofing is a trend that has been growing over the past few years, but 2022 will most likely see these roofs gain even more popularity. And why not? Solar panels generate electricity without the pollution of traditional energy sources, eliminate the need for fuel, and produce no noise as they generate power.

6. Recycled Synthetic Roofs

Synthetic roofs require no petroleum products in the manufacturing process, making them far more eco friendly and affordable than traditional roofing materials. One of the more popular synthetic options is synthetic slate, offering a clean and classical slate appearance to any home.

7. Skylights

As energy prices continue to soar, homeowners are looking for ways to use less electricity to save on utility bills. Skylights are a great way to enhance the natural lighting in your home. Available in star-gazing skylights or tubular versions that add some light to your space, skylights are a great way to help trim your electric bill.

PJ’s Roofing Has the Experience You Need to Keep Up with 2022 Roofing Trends

Whether you’re looking to replace your roof now or sometime in 2022, call PJ’s Roofing to get an estimate and guidance in choosing the right design and materials for your project. We handle both residential and commercial roofing needs, from flat roofs to gables, asphalt shingles, synthetic slate, and everything in between. We also specialize in gutter replacement and skylight installation. Contact us now to schedule an appointment for your free estimate. It’s your first step in making sure your roof is the trendiest one on the block in 2022.

March 13, 2019 in Solar Panels

What to Know Before Installing Solar Panels on Your Roof

If you are interested in using alternative forms of energy for your Maryland home, there is a good chance you’ve considered the possibility of adding solar panels to your home’s roofing. Solar panels come along with plenty of potential benefits, but there are a few things to think about before you make the move and go ahead with the project. Let’s take a moment to examine some key points that you’ll want to keep in mind.

You’ll Need to Be a Good Candidate

Solar panels are a great technology, but they do not work well in all applications. For example, if you have a home that is surrounded by large, leafy trees, there may not be enough sunlight getting through to the panels. Of course, trees grow as time goes by, so take note of any small trees near your home which may present a solar problem down the line. You don’t want to incur the cost of adding solar panels to your home only to find that they are going to be able to deliver what you were expecting in the end.

What About the Rules?

If you live in a community with an HOA, you’ll want to confirm that you are actually allowed to add solar panels to your home. Again, this is about getting all your ‘ducks in a row’ before you write that big check. Spending the money on solar panels may not be a wise move if you’ll immediately be in hot water with your HOA as a result.

Connecting the Dots

Adding solar panels to your roof is only the start of the process. With panels in place that can absorb sunlight and turn it into energy, the next step is to connect your power supply to the grid. This is something that varies wildly from place to place, so you will need to start doing some research before you get too far along. Some of the points to address include whether or not there is a fee to connect to the grid and how long you should expect that process to take.

Are You Going to Buy?

Did you know that you don’t necessarily need to purchase the solar panels that will go up on your roof? While you do have the option to buy these panels, you could also lease them. The pros and cons here are quite similar to when trying to decide whether to buy or lease a car. The lease has some short term appeal, but the numbers typically favor a purchase in the long run. Every situation is different, so do the math in your case and make the decision that is best for you and your family.

It’s an exciting proposition to think about adding solar capabilities to your home, but this is not something that you should rush into without doing plenty of homework first. Give yourself plenty of time to gather the fact and then make your choice with confidence.