Comparing the Best Roofing Material for Solar Panels

Going green, helping the environment and leaving a better world for our children is possible while also helping yourself. Solar energy is taking over the world in strides, and the technology behind it has moved away from experimental to affordable. With solar panels on your roof, you will notice how your quality of life drastically improves, and you will be helping Mother Nature. While solar panels are universal, roof types are not, and different roofs require a bit more fiddling. Don’t worry, we are here to help.

1. Metal roof

The first and easiest roof type for solar panels is the metal roof. Since solar panels convert heat to electricity, metal roofs help greatly with that process. A metal roof is long-lasting when combined with solar panels, plantation shutters, and good landscaping, which will all add to the overall property value of your home. Metal roofs are durable because of the material and offer the easiest way to install solar panels, as they provide structural support. With all that in mind, if you have a metal roof, the logical extension is to install solar panels and capitalise on your investment.

2. Asphalt roof

Next, we have the asphalt roof, which is available, cheap, durable and easy to install. As standard asphalt roof lasts between ten and thirty years, it’s important to invest a bit and get a good and reputable roofer. By doing so, you get a premium deal. The reasoning is that you want your asphalt roof to last as long as your solar panels. Good roofers and installers will not hamper the personal style of your home and will install them with ease. Look out for those who put extra care into filling the gaps beneath and install metal frames as the support for solar panels. Asphalt is durable, but when solar panels pile up, they need all the help they can get.

3. Classic tile roof

Some styles are classic and timeless for a reason. Your tile roof is probably your pride and joy as it crowns your home. When you wish to install solar panels to it, you need certified classic slate roofing experts to do the job! Tyles have to be removed, and the base has to be reinforced. Everything around also needs drainage and other methods to keep the solar panels in place.

All of this may sound like it will demolish and ruin your great roof, but in practice and when done right, it adds to your overall value, and solar panels fit in seamlessly with the overall house design. Everything we listed so far adds up and can cost more than other options, but all investments made, go towards preserving your classic look and ensuring that solar panels will last as long as your roof.

4. Gravel and tar

Rugged, durable, rustic and cheap, these two options can go the extra mile when you add asphalt. The biggest job around installing solar panels on a gravel and tar roof is tilting them to a thirty-degree angle. Most roofs using tar and gravel, are flat or near flat but don’t worry, as tar, gravel and asphalt all offer an excellent base for the installation of just about anything, including solar panels. Why do many people opt for the usage of all three elements?

Because when you have grave and tar, you have insulation and protection, but asphalt is there to seal any pores and offer an additional layer of protection. You can’t go wrong with the combination of all three, and it will create the perfect groundwork for your solar panels. A bonus to consider is that this option lasts up to thirty years. Eventual damage to your tar and gravel roof is easy and quick to fix.

The modern way of living requires us to incorporate natural and efficient methods. Mother Nature is an inspiration for us all in every aspect of our lives, culture and industry. Solar energy is free and readily available, as the Sun won’t be going out of juice for the foreseeable future. It’s about time we put that great energy to use and start harvesting it. The sooner you change your view around your roof, the sooner you can start reaping the rewards!