Snow and your solar system panels

Though hopefully winter weather is over for now, one question we hear often in winter is “how does the snowfall affect my solar system panels?” Many homeowners who are considering solar installation may also think of this question, given the sometimes heavy snowfall we receive here in New Jersey and Pennsylvania . Don’t worry, even when snow prevents us from doing much outdoors, it really doesn’t hinder your solar system panels from generating electricity for your home.

With roof mounted solar system panels, generally the easiest (and often safest) option is to do nothing. Don’t risk injury or a fall while climbing the roof to clear your solar panels, because it’s really not necessary. Your solar system panels will clear themselves in just a short time. During a light snow, it’s ok to brush off your panels if conditions are safe to access your panels.

Even with a thick layer of snow piled up on top, your solar system panels are still absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet rays. As the panels are collecting solar energy, they naturally heat up, which melts the snow and ice which may be sitting atop them. Solar system panels which are darker in color stay warmer for longer periods of time, continually melting the snow. Usually, the panels will have melted all the snow and ice cover in about a day.

Snowfall doesn’t necessarily hinder your solar system panels from producing energy during the winter months. In fact, the snow surrounding the panels and your home may cause your panels to generate extra energy. Have you ever noticed how bright a sunny day can be with a snowy landscape? The sun’s rays reflected off the snow can direct more energy towards your solar panels for absorption.

While heavy snow may seem like a burden for your solar system panels, your panels can clear the load themselves in most cases. They actually do a very good job at clearing the snow effectively in little time on their own. If you have questions about how the weather can affect your solar system panels, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Smith Sustainable Design; we are here to help with all your solar power needs.

Want to talk about solar installation?

If you’re looking into solar installation for your home, chances are you have some questions. Smith Sustainable Design’s design and installation representatives are available to answer any questions you may have- just give us a call. So we can give you a better idea of specifics for your home’s solar information, it is helpful to have the following information available during your phone call.

Know your roofing information. We’ll need to know your roofing specification in order to assess if your roof can be used for solar installation, or if ground mounted panels would be an option. Let us know the age of your home’s roof, as well as the type of material used. We will need to know if you have asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or other roofing materials.

Check your utility bill. Look on your previous statement or call your utility provider to find the current energy costs. Your utility company may also provide information on your home’s average usage. This is helpful in determining how much solar energy your home will need to provide power for all your needs.

Think about your future. Your new solar installation will be powering your home for years to come, and a lot of changes can occur during this time. It is best to account for these changes during the initial solar installation, rather than altering the system later. Consider these factors:

• Will your family be growing, or a child moving away from home?
• Do you plan to add on to your home in the future?
• Will you purchase electric appliances when it is time to replace current ones?

Being prepared with this information will help our team learn more about your needs so we can present solar installation options that are appropriate for your home. Smith Sustainable Design is here to address your concerns and questions anytime. Contact us today to learn more about solar installation for your home.

Solar power energy is affordable

Probably the most common misconception about solar power energy is that the system cost isn’t affordable. In reality, the cost of a solar system has been dropping for years. With advancing solar technology becoming more widely used, solar is much cheaper now than in previous years. If you think solar power energy is too expensive for your home, think again.

If you’d rather own your solar panels and system flat out, the price for installation is lower than in years past. You can purchase quality solar power energy equipment and receive reliable installation from experienced solar providers at a price which is more affordable. The California Public Utilities Commission found in 2012 that the cost of a residential solar system had fallen 28% since 2007.

The main factor lowering a system’s overall cost is a drop in solar system panel pricing. Residential solar power energy systems are typically quoted by the watt for equipment and installation. A few years ago, the solar panels cost about double what they do now. Thanks to developing technology, solar panels can be produced for less, lowering equipment costs. Professional installers have also responded to increasing competition by perfecting design and lowering labor needs, bringing installation prices down even farther.

Solar power energy has become accessible without the significant upfront cost thanks to solar financing arrangements. These arrangements allow you to pay monthly over time, rather than pay the total system price upfront. There are also solar lease agreements available, where the lease provider will install and maintain their solar panels on your roof; you pay for the energy the panels generate, at a much lower rate than electric utilities offer.

Don’t rule out solar power energy based on cost assumptions- get the facts. Smith Sustainable Design’s professional design and installation team can show you the real cost to utilize solar power energy at home, whether it be through purchasing and installing a system or solar lease options. Call us today and discover how affordable solar power energy really is.

Will solar system panels affect my roof?

Solar system panels are usually installed on the roof of a home, or can be installed on the ground. Often, the roof is the best location for mounting solar panels, allowing the panels to be placed where they will have maximum sun exposure. Many homeowners have questions about how the installation of solar system panels will affect their roof.

One worry is about the weight of the panels, and whether or not their roof is strong enough to support all the equipment. Solar system panels are probably lighter than you assume, ranging from 25 to 40 pounds each on average, and the average home may need 12 to 20 solar system panels to produce the right amount of energy needed. Regardless of the weight, don’t worry that your roof may collapse due to your solar system panels. Our installation experts will calculate the load capacity of your roof to make sure the panels will not overload the roof.

Mounting solar system panels properly plays a big role in protecting your roof from damage. We mount the panels using the rafters to provide strength and support. The rafters of your roof are like the studs in your walls, you want to utilize them because they are strong and durable.

Solar system panels can provide protection for your roof. They absorb the sunlight beating down on your roof- this sunlight damages roofing materials, causing them to wear out over time and require replacement. They also block heat from being absorbed through your roof into your home which can cause you to turn up the air conditioning, using excess energy. Solar system panels can save you money on cooling costs as well as roofing maintenance.

The installation team at Smith Sustainable Design takes great care to protect your roof during solar system panel installation. We take every precaution to ensure safe installation which preserves the integrity of your home’s roof. Contact us today for more information about installing solar system panels for your home.