Important Things To Consider Before Having Solar Shingles Installed
Solar shingles are becoming quite common in the roofing world. These shingles serve two purposes at once. They form your roof and offer all of the protection that a roof should offer. Plus, they capture sunlight and convert it to electricity, basically in the same way that solar panels would. Solar shingles can, indeed, be a good choice for many homeowners. However, there are a few key things to consider before you "pull the lever" and have them installed on your home.
Electricity Production Depends on Sun Exposure
In order to produce electricity, your solar shingles do need to be exposed to sunlight. So, be honest with yourself about how much sunshine your roof actually receives. In a really sunny area, solar shingles are a truly amazing choice since they'll likely produce enough electricity to fully power your home. They can be a good choice in partially shaded areas, but it's important to understand that in such an area, you may still need to supplement with electricity from a local utility company.
You'll Need to Have the Installer Continue to Work on The Roof
Not every roofing company installs or works on solar shingles. If you do have this sort of roof installed, you will usually need to have the company that installed it continue to work on it when it needs repairs and maintenance. Working on solar roofing is not a DIY job.
There May Be Rebates and Tax Credits Available
Sometimes, homeowners are initially turned off by the cost of a solar roof. They're not cheap! But you should know that there are often rebates and tax credits available in order to keep costs down. Talk with a local accountant to learn about tax credits available in your state and county. Also, ask your utility company if they offer any rebates for solar roofs; many do.
You'll Need a Battery for Off-Hours Use
If you want to use the electricity from your solar roof during the evening and on cloudy days, then you will need a battery. This battery will store extra electricity produced on sunny days so it can be used at other times. Make sure your roofer includes a battery in your estimate.
With this information in hand, you can make a more informed decision about installing a solar roof on your home. If you're still uncertain, have a roofer come give you a quote. Having a number in mind can make this choice easier.
For more info, contact a local company like Aero Residential Contractors, Inc.