Solar panels are becoming more popular and for a good reason. They offer homeowners a convenient way to generate their own green energy at home. Sometimes, they even allow you to disconnect from the public power grid. If you’re thinking of having solar panels installed on your home, you may wonder which type of roof material they can be installed. Metal is best – but there’s an even better option worth exploring. Keep reading for a more in-depth look.
Metal Roofs Work Well With Solar Panels
Technically, a contractor can install solar panels on many different roofing materials. However, it’s to your advantage to choose a roofing material that is very stable and has a long lifespan.
You don’t want to have the solar panels removed from your roof more frequently than necessary. If you install them on a less-durable roofing surface, you’ll need to have them removed every time your roof needs repairs. That means calling two contractors: your solar company and your roof company. Not only is this time-consuming, but it quickly adds to your costs.
Metal roofing systems are pretty long-lived and durable. So, you can have solar panels mounted to your metal roof and be reasonably confident you won’t need them removed for some time.
However, even a metal roof does not fully erase the challenges of these panels. Installing solar panels requires holes in the roof structure to mount the solar rack to the rooftop. This can accelerate the deterioration of your metal roof and lead to an increased need for repairs. You’ll also still be left with two contractors and two maintenance schedules: one for the solar panels and one for the roof.
If you want to remove these challenges altogether, there’s an option even better than metal roofing: The Tesla Solar Roof.
Tesla Solar Roofs: An Even Better Alternative
The Tesla Solar Roof is an increasingly popular alternative to standard, rack-mounted photovoltaic roof systems – more commonly known as solar panels. A Tesla Solar Roof does not sit on top of your roof; it IS the roof. In other words, your roof material and your photovoltaic system are all one structure.
The Tesla Solar Roof addresses many key challenges associated with standard rooftop solar panels. You won’t have to call a separate solar company to remove the solar panels if your roof needs work. You won’t have to worry about the weight of solar panels damaging your roof or about fasteners weakening your roof structure.
When you have a Tesla Solar Roof, you work with one company: A roofing company that has taken the time and initiative to become a Certified Tesla Roof Installer. That one company installs the roof, maintains it, and is responsible for any repairs you might need. If something goes wrong with your Tesla Solar Roof, you won’t be left scratching your head and wondering who to call. And you won’t have to coordinate with a separate roofer and solar installer.
How Tesla Solar Roofs Compare to Metal Roofs
So, the Tesla Solar Roof has some clear advantages over solar panels. But how does it stack up as a roofing system? It has some advantages over metal roofs in this regard, too. Tesla Solar Roofs are made from a highly durable combination of metal and glass. Unlike standard metal roofs, they are self-cleaning. Whenever it rains, the rainwater rinses the roof clean. The roof was designed this way on purpose; it has to stay clean to capture sunlight well.
The Tesla Solar Roof also looks nicer than a metal roof with solar panels. While there’s room for different style preferences regarding roofing, most people would agree that classic, rack-mounted solar panels on a metal roof aren’t aesthetically pleasing. The Tesla Solar Roof, on the other hand, looks sleek and high-end. It has a more modern look than your typical metal roof and looks lovely on homes of various architectural styles. It’s also backed by a 25-year, industry-leading warranty.
If you want to add solar panels to your roof, then a metal roof is definitely the way to go. However, we encourage you to go one step further. Do away with rack-mounted PV systems altogether, and go with a Tesla Solar Roof instead. Working with one material and one contractor is so much easier, and you can’t beat the low maintenance requirements and visual appeal.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Tesla Solar Roof or solar in general, reach out to Reliant Roofing in northeast Florida. We’re a Tesla Certified Installer, and we’d love to tell you more about this incredible solar roof system and its advantages.
