Installing a solar panel system on your roof is a great way of generating electricity, reducing usage of fossil fuels, and becoming less reliant on the local power grid. But will the solar panel weight on the roof be too much for the structure to handle? Photovoltaic solar panels are made to endure harsh weather conditions and can be quite heavy as a result. However, whether or not its weight will surpass what your roof can support will vary based on the circumstances. Let’s review what homeowners should know about solar panel weight on roofing and whether theirs are fit for an installation.
How Heavy Are Solar Panels?
Although the exact weight of the panels can vary by manufacturer, they commonly weigh around two to four pounds per square foot. Factoring their weight per square foot is essential because it takes into account the weight distribution of the panels over a wider area. For example, while the typical 72-cell panel might have more pounds than the 60-cell panels, the larger surface area of the former means the two can weigh around the same. After you identify how many square feet of solar panels will be on your roof, multiply it by four to learn how much your roof will have to withstand.
How Much Weight Can My Roof Support?
Now that you’re familiar with how heavy solar panels are, it’s time to determine the capacity of your roof. Learning how much weight a roof can support isn’t particularly easy, as there are many factors that can influence capacity. While a large percentage of roofs can support solar installations, confirming that yours will be able to is important. Contacting a professional for a roof evaluation is a surefire way to determine its weight capacity, but there are a few ways you can determine whether yours will have a hard time supporting solar panels.
Age
The first trait you should look at when determining whether solar panel weight on your roof will be too much is its age. If your roof is old, then it may impact its strength and ability to support panels. Additionally, if you install panels and the roof goes past its lifespan, then you’ll have to remove the panels in order to perform the roof replacement.
Structure
Damage will also weaken a roof’s structural integrity and make it more difficult to withstand the weight of the panels. With that in mind, it’s best to have any repairs performed prior to a solar installation.
Materials
Different construction materials have different weight capacities, meaning that certain types of roofs will be better at supporting solar panels than others. Also, some roofing materials make panel installation easier than others and provide other benefits. If you’re installing a new roof, it may be beneficial to use different materials if you intend to install solar panels as well.
Why Knowing Your Roof’s Weight Capacity Is Important
If you’re thinking about installing a solar system, reviewing the effect of solar panel weight on your roof is one of the first steps. This knowledge is crucial for your safety for a number of reasons. If the panels are too heavy, the roof could collapse. This would lead to expensive repairs and, more importantly, threatens the safety of occupants.
For More Information on Solar Panel Weight on Roofs, Call Zenergy Solar Today
If you’re searching for a professional solar company in the Delaware Valley, contact Zenergy Solar. We offer a variety of services, including solar panel battery storage and solar panel roof installation, to help make your home more energy efficient and remove your reliance on the local grid. For more information and to schedule an appointment, check out our solar estimate to determine how many panels you’ll need and give us a call today.
