Even though metal roofs are becoming more common, they are still much less common than asphalt shingles, and many contractors aren’t that familiar with either the roofs or solar panels. Good news! One of the best roof materials for solar panels is metal. Learn more about solar panels on metal roofs by reading this article.
What Are Solar Panels
A solar panel is a collection of silicon-based photovoltaic cells with a glass top that are used to produce energy that is sustainable, clean, and friendly to the environment.
Each cell depends on sunlight’s photons to start a reaction that creates a direct current (DC). This is changed into usable alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses to power equipment and appliances by a nearby solar inverter.
Electricity generated in excess of what is needed is sent to the power grid.
An array is a collection of solar panels; the system’s capacity to produce energy increases with the number of panels installed.
Types Of Metal Roof
Metal roofs are frequently used on residential buildings, new constructions, and commercial buildings; as a result, their shapes and designs vary widely.
For each type of metal roof, there is an effective installation technique and bracketing system.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
A series of flat, large metal panels are crimped together to create this type of roof’s continuous, hidden join. Between each of them, there is a vertical leg; this is the raised seam.
When used in conjunction with the advised underlayment, this type of roof is not only lightweight and resilient but is also watertight.
It almost seems as if solar panels were the sole purpose of metal standing seam roofs.
Metal Tile Roofs
There is still another way to install solar panels that don’t involve drilling holes or breaking through metal. For typical asphalt tile roofs, there is also a comparable system.
Metal tiles are already attached to the mounting rail. Aligning them with existing tiles and replacing them is a straightforward process. The panel attachments are made simple by using guiding metal rods, which click into place when the unit is assembled.
Corrugated Metal Roof
Solar panels cannot be installed onto a corrugated metal roof without drilling holes; every precaution is taken to keep them watertight.
Straddle blocks are a type of bracket that is used in a unique mounting system for this. They firmly adhere to the top ridge, leaving the lower crest, where the rain gathers, without any holes.
Thick rubber gasket seals on premium brackets are used to seal the holes; they are more efficient and less messy than using sealant gum.
Advantages Of Solar Panels On Metal Roofs
Durability
The life expectancy of your investment will greatly influence the results when considering solar energy. Solar PV panels have a 25–30 year lifespan.
The lifespan of the type of roof you intend to use must be longer than that of the PV panels you intend to use in order for you to produce solar energy at levels that are cost-effective.
The kind of durability offered by metal roofs is essential for producing solar energy at a reasonable price. Metal roofs can last for 60 years, according to a 2014 Metal Construction Association study.
By choosing metal roofs, you can prevent the long-term cost of your pursuit of renewable energy from costing you an arm and a leg because you will eventually need to replace your roof material.
Energy Efficiency
The reflective paint that is applied to metal roofs keeps your home cool in the summer. Installing solar panels on metal roofs with such a paint coating contributes to further reducing the energy required to control indoor temperature.
As a result, using solar panels and metal roofs together can help you achieve higher levels of energy efficiency and the associated cost savings.
Sustainability
The fact that metal roofs are made of recycled materials makes them a compelling choice over other types. Utilizing metal roofs will help you encourage environmental sustainability because you’ll be able to use recycled materials more frequently, which will reduce pollution.
Solar Panel Type Flexibility
Specifically, silicon and thin-film photovoltaic panels are the two different types of PV solar panels. Compared to thin-film photovoltaic panels, silicon panels are more flexible and larger. Metal roofs allow for the installation of both types of solar panels, giving you a variety of options.
The use of solar laminates on metal roofing is an additional option to these. Another alternative method of collecting solar energy is to use PV solar laminates, which are available in strips and adhere to the surface of metal roofs.
Resilient To High Winds
Metal roofs hold up well in strong winds, unlike other kinds of roofing. Be sure to use brackets to properly and securely fasten the solar panels you use.
Installing brackets over the highest point of metal roofing and creating a seal between the brackets and the metal sheets are the proper ways to secure solar panels.
In order to take advantage of the metal roof’s resistance to strong winds, this arrangement makes sure that the solar panels are anchored to the roof securely.
Types Of Solar Panels Suited To Metal Roofs
The most popular kind of solar panel in North America is crystalline, but thin-film PV solar laminates should also be taken into account.
The production methods for thin-film panels are different, despite the fact that they function very similarly.
Additional distinctions include:
Crystalline Solar Panels
- They are suitable for metal and shingle roofs with specialized mounting systems and produce twice as much energy as thin-film panels.
- They sometimes need to be installed through the roof, which could lead to leaking in the future.
- They are the bulkier option; they take longer and are more awkward to install.
- For at least 25 years, they produce electricity before their capacity gradually declines.
- Solar panels made of crystalline material are more expensive and take longer to pay for themselves.
Thin-film Pv Solar Laminates
- No drilling or penetration is required because it is ideal for standard-seam metal roofing panels.
- They require little time to install, are portable, and use cutting-edge peel-and-stick technology.
- Because of their slim profile, many owners think they are much more aesthetically pleasing. They are neat and mess-free.
- Reduced emissions are produced during manufacturing.
- Compared to conventional panels, they are less effective; a larger roof area is needed to produce at comparable levels.
- The fastest payback time of all systems, they have a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years.
- They are the most affordable style of the solar energy system.
Conclusion
Solar power is a reliable and inexpensive energy source, but it needs solar panels installed in order to produce electricity. It is the renewable energy source that is most friendly to the environment.