Watch out for 9 rooftop solar panel installation problems

Solar systems have become popular in the past several years, It is one of the best investments you can make. Installing solar panels on your roof is also a wonderful way to generate electricity for your home and business, as well as the grid, without increasing your impact on the environment.

While solar energy systems are relatively low maintenance, as with any product, problems can sometimes occur. To help you decide whether or not solar power is the right option for you, your home, or your business, we've put together a list of the top 9 things you need to take into consideration before you install those rooftop solar panels.

Solar panel faulty installation

One of the most typical but potentially biggest problems is inappropriate or inaccurate solar panel fixing. If the panels are poorly installed, then one can face issues like:

1. Faulty alignment of solar panels
2. Damaged roof while installation process
3. Roof water flow disruptions
4. Not meeting the power statistics expectations.

In order to solve/avoid such hassles, it's advisable to opt for a qualified, professional solar panel installer. Make sure they acquire the knowledge of best installation practices so that you can have a safe, reliable solar experience.

Installing new panels on an old roof

Ideally, the array's life and the roof life should be about the same. Your solar panels may generate power for 20 years, and your financing or Power Purchase Agreement could last just as long. Having such a system installed on a roof that only has about 10 good years left is asking for trouble. Many roof systems, such as a metal roof or cool roofing membrane, can last 20 years or more and are well suited to support a solar array.

The roof shape and slope direction

Roofs come in many different shapes and sizes. Before you go ahead with any installation, make sure that your roof has enough space for the solar panels. If there isn't enough room, you likely will not get the return you expect on your investment.

Solar panels require specific placement in order to generate the maximum amount of power. Most professionals say that the best placement is to have the panels face south while others say west. Regardless, this information is important for you to determine before the installation starts. Interrupting the flow of water.

Your roofing system is designed to shed water from the rooftop and away from the building. But, when solar panels are installed without regard for this, racks and wiring often interrupt the flow of water and keep if from draining properly. Water could even be forced upward, which usually results in a leak. Ballast material can also escape and clog drains. Repairing a roof can be much more difficult when there are solar panels installed, so it's best to make sure these issues are addressed right away.

How much weight can the roof hold

Installing solar panels will increase the weight on the structure of your roof. If the weight of these solar panels is too much for your roof to handle, there is a potential that it will collapse. This is very dangerous for many reasons, not to mention costly. To avoid both situations, it is critical to have a professional evaluate your roof to determine if additional support is required to complete the installation.

Nesting can result in serious damage

Most rooftops are free of human presence and this makes them perfect nesting grounds for a variety of members of the animal kingdom like rodents, squirrels, birds, and critters. For them, the solar panels offer excellent protection from the weather as well as predators. Naturally, they prefer to make their homes underneath panels.

Unfortunately, this doesn't work out well for the solar panels. Nesting can lead to structural damage and present a fire hazard. Accumulation of waste can bring down the efficiency of panels.

You can prevent this by fixing protective barriers to keep them from nesting under the panels.

Other surprises from nature

Part of maintaining your solar power system is dealing with severe weather like lightning storms, hurricanes, hail, and more. There is a potential for some solar power equipment to get damaged during these events. While some insurance will cover these types of events, it is something to consider, especially if you live in an area where this type of weather occurs often.

Buy the right insurance

Having the right insurance to cover both yourself and any damage to your home during installation is something you absolutely need to consider. Many problems can arise during the installation of your solar panels that you might not even think about until it happens. In addition, before the work can even begin many building codes, requirements for rebates, legal regulations and certifications require insurance. These rules and regulations vary by state, so it is important to contact the correct resources for your state before your project starts.

Not having a maintenance plan

Even without solar panels, a roof will need maintenance and regular inspections. But with solar installed, that need is heightened. You won't get the return on your investment if your panels are covered in layers of dust or sitting in a pool of standing water. Regular roof and solar panel maintenance is always recommended to keep small problems from becoming big ones.

Final thoughts

Solar panels are a great way to save money, go green, and consume clean energy. However, if not installed properly, they can turn out to be a headache.Some of the solar panel issues can be avoided by choosing a reputable manufacturer and a trustworthy solar contractor. Once it is installed, regular maintenance and periodical inspection can help them last their full life or even more.