Common Solar Devices Installed on Arizona Rooftops
The main reason to consider a solar device on your roof is to save money on your electric bills by using an alternate power source. Your most sustainable option for electricity is solar energy. The installation of solar panels is a good investment for any home. Solar panels consist of mostly solar cells in a specific order with supports constructed from insubstantial metals like aluminum. Solar panels are suitable for both residential and commercial rooftops here in Arizona.
In most cases, protection from the environment such as rain, monsoons, dirt, wind, and heat is achieved with glass covers. This enables the solar panels to function correctly. A grid of integrated wiring is placed on the back of the cells to transmit collected energy. There are several different types and models of solar panels available in Phoenix, Arizona, offering you an excellent option to save money.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
The best-selling option on the market is currently monocrystalline solar panels. This type of solar panel has been popular on Scottsdale roofs, and it has just one continuous crystal structure. The solar cells have rounded edges with a dark and uniform appearance. The advantages of monocrystalline solar panels include:
• Since these panels offer a high rate of pure silicone, your efficiency rate will exceed 20 percent.
• This type of panel is more durable, with better temperature resistance. This means your solar panels will last longer. The majority of manufactures give a warranty of 25 years for monocrystalline solar panels.
• Many homeowners prefer monocrystalline solar panels because not as much space is required, which frees up more space for Arizona skylights and other rooftop peripherals.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
More recent technology is used for polycrystalline Solar Panels. The appearance is a speckled blue with uncut angles. The manufacturing process is less expensive due to the use of melted raw silicone, ensuring you will pay less.
Thin-film Solar Cells
This type of solar panel is flexible, portable, and lightweight. The efficiency is seven to 10 percent. Thin-film solar cell panels are easier to manufacture, decreasing your cost. The technology required is classified as the second generation. Production requires silicon, referred to as a-Si or amorphous silicon. CIGS is the material used by manufacturers due to the semiconductor properties. Your benefits include:
• The thin-film offers very appealing aesthetics.
• These panels are less expensive due to fast and straightforward mass-production.
• Due to the flexibility, these panels are easily customized for different applications.
3rd Generation Solar Panels
Concentrated PV cells and Cadmium Telluride solar Cells are the most recent production phases for solar panels. Despite the advantageous efficiency of 3rd generation solar panels, they have not yet been fully released to the general public.
How Solar Installs Could Leave Your Roof Vulnerable
When your solar panels are installed, holes are drilled directly through the material of your roof. Your roof becomes vulnerable to the intrusion of water. There are techniques used to eliminate any potential leaks. Before scheduling a solar panel installation in Phoenix, look at the warranty for your roof. You need to know how many years are remaining.
If your warranty is close to or has already expired, you should seriously consider replacing your roof before installing solar panels in Phoenix. If the underlayment or material of your roof is curling or cracked, your roof is most likely middle-aged or older. If your roof is older than ten years, you will need to consider the condition before installing solar panels. If you’re only installing panels on a specific section of your roof, you might be able to replace just that section.
If your roof has a low slope, you probably have a waterproofing membrane. This type of membrane seals every crevice, crack and seam to protect your roof from heavy rain and hail between 20 and 30 years. If your roof is steep enough, you may have a water-shedding system reliant on steepness and gravity to manage water effectively. Although both tile roofing and shingles are incredibly effective for a steep pitch, the effectiveness decreases with lower slopes.
Water seepage can also be prevented with flashing. These are pieces of impervious and thin material preventing water from causing damage to your roof. Flashing is installed on your roof over the joints. To be effective, flashing must be made using the correct type of material. Materials resistant to corrosion are best due to an average lifetime of over 30 years.
With the climate in Phoenix, galvanized steel is generally reliable for just 10 to 15 years. Has your roof inspected after installing solar to make sure there are no issues?
Average Cost for Solar Panel Roof Inspections In AZ
The typical cost for inspecting your rooftop with solar panels starts at $250. We inspect the roof to check for cracked, broken, slipped, or missing tiles. We also inspect the underlayment to ensure it is in good condition or identify possible bird or pest issues under the panels.
Contact Jim Brown and Sons Roofing at info@jbsroofingaz.com for any questions or an estimate for a solar panel installation today!
