Written by  Bret Engle

Residential solar continues to grow in popularity. This is largely due to the fact that solar power, as well as other types of renewable energy, is quickly becoming more affordable for households throughout the United States. What’s more, it’s also becoming increasingly abundant. This article will discuss the advantages of using residential solar, as well as which roof types are ideal for panels and how the installation process works.

THE BENEFITS

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest advantages to using solar power:

It provides you with energy independence.

One of the most appealing aspects of solar power is that it provides freedom and control of your electricity. Many components of the US power grid are outdated, and it has resulted in increased outages over the last decade-plus. By installing solar panels along with a home battery unit, households can have enough electricity to power their home day and night — no matter what is going on with the grid in their neighborhood.

It’s clean and renewable.

Environmentally speaking, solar energy is ideal because it’s completely clean and renewable. The need for coal, natural gas, and oil is significantly reduced, which helps to mitigate the harmful impact these fossil fuels have on the air, water, and soil. No pollution is caused by solar power, and as more people use it, it can help to protect the earth from global warming.

It now makes sense financially.

Another appealing part of solar energy is that it’s beginning to make more sense for the average American household to invest in it. Residential solar costs have dropped more than 70 percent over the last 10 years, and home battery units have become more affordable as well. Plus, solar panels are low-maintenance, they can help you save on your monthly utility bill, they come with tax benefits, and they can raise your home’s value.

If you need help getting the funds to install solar panels, there are financing options available. According to Redfin, if you qualify for the FHA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage program, it will incorporate the costs of installing panels into your mortgage. The program also provides assistance for other home modifications that benefit the environment.

THE BEST ROOF TYPES

Most residential solar panels are mounted on the roof of a home because it takes up the least amount of space. While pretty much any type of roof can be used for panels — given that the roof is in good condition — there are a few kinds that work best. For instance, asphalt shingles are strong and durable, and it’s fairly easy to mount panels on this type of roof.

While tile roofs typically require brackets to be installed along with the solar panels, installation should still be pretty simple. These kinds of roofs come at a higher price, but they ultimately require little maintenance and typically last longer than some other types. Like tile roofs, metal roofs are long-lasting and low-maintenance. They also make for the fastest solar panel installation, and that can save you some money on labor.

INSTALLATION

Installing residential solar is a process. Typically, an engineer will come to evaluate your home to ensure that it’s compatible with a solar system; the engineer will also make sure the roof is in good condition. Then, there’s a lot of paperwork, though most of it is handled by the installer. The paperwork includes applying for solar incentives and permits, and it’s important to have a basic understanding of each document.

After that, you’ll be ready to consult with the installer to choose and order the equipment (e.g., solar panels, inverters, etc.), and then schedule the installation. This process includes things such as roof preparation, electrical wiring, attaching racking to the roof, putting the panels on, and connecting the inverters. You can expect the entire process to take about one to three days, depending on the type of roof and the size of the system.

Changing to solar energy comes with a lot of benefits. However, be sure to consider what kind of roof you have, and make sure you’re prepared for the installation process. Most importantly, continue to educate yourself on residential solar so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

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