UNDERSTANDING YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM OPTIONS:There are several different options when it comes to choosing a system. Most photovoltaic systems produce about 10 watts of power for each square foot of photovoltaic module. This means that you can install a small starter system on as little as 50 square feet of roof space, or as large as 1,000 square feet for a more powerful system. A typical two kilowatt system will need 200 to 400 square feet of unobstructed area.
No matter how large—or how small—your system is, you’ll need to decide where to locate it. The most common choice is to position the modules on your roof. The system, or array, can be mounted above and parallel to the roof with a space between the roof and the array to allow for cooling. The modules are typically positioned parallel to the roof so that they blend in as much as possible. If, however, your roof is flat, a PV array may be installed at an angle to optimize the amount of sunlight it receives.
Solar System Options To Consider A PV array can be built onto any type of roof, but the installation cost can vary based on the type of roofing material. For example, composition-shingle roofs are quite easy to work with, while slate roofs are much more difficult. Your PV installer should be able to work with all roof types and should discuss any problem areas with you. One area that you’ll want to look at quite closely is the age and condition of your roof. If your roof is old and will need to be replaced soon, you may want to consider replacing the roof and installing the PV system at the same time. This will eliminate having to take down the PV system and re-install it in the future. Another option, if you have to replace your roof due to age is, instead of installing a photovoltaic panels, you install solar shingles instead.
If you are considering a new roof or are building a new home, you should investigate a roof-integrated system. This option incorporates the PV modules into the actual roofing material, so the roof acts as the solar collector. A roof-integrated systems are available as roofing shingles or metal roofing products and are great because they’re designed to look like traditional roofing materials. You do need to take extra care to make sure they’re installed properly, so be sure to discuss this with your installer. Lastly, you can install the array for your PV system as a ground-mounted structure, or you can even mount the array off the ground as a shade or patio cover. NO MATTER WHAT THE SYSTEM, YOU CAN CHOOSE ONE WITH BATTERY BACKUP OR ONE WITHOUT. A battery backup system stores energy so your home can be powered when the sun isn’t shining (really cloudy day), at night, or during a utility outage. The amount of energy your battery system can provide will depend on the storage capacity of your system. Systems with battery backup are more expensive, however the incremental investment is worth considering if you want to have power for critical loads during outages and the added reliability is important to you. A GOOD RULE OF THUMB: If your roof isn’t made of composition shingles, then it will most likely require a flashed penetration to ensure that it’s properly sealed against rainwater. Make sure that your PV installer offers a written guarantee that the roof will not leak as a result of the PV system for at least five years.
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