The sun is a resource available to everyone but in different quantities. The radiation coming from the celestial body has long been used as an alternative source of electricity. You can see solar systems on many rooftops, and the trend toward growing demand for solar panel installation is increasing every year.
Let’s figure out how solar panels on your roof will work, what will be necessary to convert solar energy into electricity, and what difficulties the owner of the house will face when installing solar power plants.
The specifics of solar systems
When choosing a rooftop solar provider, people say they prefer solar companies near me. But, no matter which installer you entrust with the construction of solar panels, they work according to the same algorithm:
- photovoltaic cells absorb solar radiation;
- batteries convert solar radiation into direct current;
- the inverter will change the direct current into alternating current;
- the generated electricity is suitable for powering electrical appliances.
If the solar panels on the roof generate more electricity than the devices in the home consume, the excess energy is sent to the power grid.
What types of solar systems are there?
Three types of solar power plants can be installed on the roofs, differing in the modes of accumulation and return of electricity.
- Conventional solar installation. The system is connected to engineering networks and the house. It differs by the absence of a rechargeable battery, which reduces the cost of batteries. If the energy generated by the panels is not enough, it is necessary to take additional power from the network. When a home solar plant produces excess energy, it can be sold to utility companies.
- Autonomous roof solar panels. This system is not connected to the utility grid and provides all the electricity needs of the house with only solar energy from the panels. The autonomous station includes large storage batteries that supply electricity when the sun is not shining.
- Hybrid systems. The most expensive option, combining a backup battery with a grid solar power system. When an excess amount of energy is generated, batteries are charged from it, and the rest is stored for later use.
An innovative option has appeared in the solar equipment market – solar roofs. This is a new technology that produces solar tiles as batteries.
The building blocks in the tiles are photovoltaic cells that are interconnected to create a solar module. They generate energy in the same way as panels. Silicon elements serve as manufacturing materials. The performance of a solar roof is 5% higher than that of panels. All edges are aesthetically finished, creating the structural integrity of the house covering.
Which solar system to install on the house depends on the financial capabilities and the needs of the household for electricity.
What are the advantages of installing a solar station on the roof
The popularization of solar panels for in-home use has many advantages:
- reduction of electricity costs – even if the owner partially uses electricity from the utility network, the bills will be minimal, and if you sell excess solar energy, you can earn from the first months of use;
- low operating costs – the structural elements and equipment of the solar station have a design for operation for up to 25 years. The inverter will have to be changed in a decade, there are no other maintenance costs, and ordinary cleaning several times a year is enough;
- reduction of carbon footprint – rooftop solar panel generates environmentally friendly energy without harmful emissions into the atmosphere;
- increasing the cost of home ownership – energy independence, full or partial, significantly adds to the value of the house.
The disadvantages of solar systems mounted on rooftops are:
- big initial price;
- it is possible to obtain maximum efficiency from the installation if the location of the house allows you to receive a lot of sunlight throughout the year;
- It is necessary to have sufficient free space on the roof.
Installing solar panels on a house will cost from 15 to 25 thousand dollars, depending on the state and capacity.
Which house is not suitable for installing a solar system
How does solar roof work has already been described, but is it possible to install solar systems on any roof? Even if a homeowner has the funds to buy solar panels, not all rooftops are suitable for solar panels. Restrictions apply to:
- flat roofs – energy production will be low due to the lack of direct access to the sun and the high risk of damage to the panels during heat and hurricanes;
- shaded – if the shade of trees or nearby buildings falls on solar panels, the performance of the modules will be minimal, and installation costs will not be justified;
- asphalt – this type of roof absorbs heat from the sun, and the battery will not be able to function effectively;
- leaky – you cannot mount solar panels on damaged, unstable roofs, they will cause double damage (the roof will deteriorate and the photovoltaic modules will become unusable if the roof collapses);
- with a small area – the electricity needs of the house determine the number of batteries capable of producing the required amount of energy, if there is little available space on the roof, installing a solar station is not practical.
An expert installer can determine whether a particular home is suitable for installing rooftop solar panels.
Do solar systems harm roofs?
During installation, it is calculated in detail whether the roof can withstand the load from solar panels. If the structure has a correct installation, then there will be no problems with additional load and rapid wear. Conversely, solar energy installation:
- minimum contact with the roof, which reduces the risk of damage;
- will protect a roof from fading under the influence of ultraviolet;
- protects from the influence of atmospheric precipitation.
The only thing that can cause damage to the roof during the installation of solar modules is unprofessional actions. Therefore, it is safer and more reliable if providers in the field of solar energy carry out the installation of solar panels. They will also take over the documentary part.
Installing a solar station on the roof is a great option to enjoy clean energy without taking up space around the house for installing a ground station.
