Are you thinking about going solar? How is your roof looking? Does it need repairs? These questions will leave you wondering, “Should I replace my roof before going solar?”
Don’t worry, keep reading, we’ll tell you what you should do first if you’re thinking about going solar!
The short answer is yes. If your roof needs repairs, we recommend doing that first because removing and re-installing solar panels is an extra expense you should avoid.
Labor is a big part of the solar installation because it requires a multiple person crew and a bucket truck to move equipment up to the roof. Although the cost varies from company to company, studies show that installation labor, on average, is 11% of the total cost of going solar.
For example, say the total cost of your solar system was $20,000. If you take the average of 11% for labor from the study, that will put the cost of labor for 1-2 days (depending on how it takes to install the panels) at about $2,200.
Do you really want to spend more money on labor than is needed?
No, that why before installing solar panels, you should evaluate your roof and its condition.
It is ideal to have at least 15 years of life left in your roof before going solar. Otherwise, soon, you’ll have to pay extra for the removal and re-installation of the solar panels.
You might be wondering, “How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced?” Here’s what to look for:
- missing shingles – this is commonly caused by severe wind and easy to spot
- damaged shingles or tiles – curling shingles or cracked roofing are easy to spot from the ground
- several shingle granules washing away – if you find shingle granules caught in your gutters, that means the asphalt is drying our, and it’s time for a new roof
- damp spots in the attic – if there are any water stains, that’s a positive sign of needing a new roof
If you’re still asking yourself, “Should I replace my roof before going solar?” don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! At Sunlight Solar, Inc., we’re experienced in both solar and roofing so we can inspect your roof before we install your solar panels. Go green. Go solar. Contact us today to get started!
