Hawaii homes are exposed to an abundance of sunshine year-round, and adding solar panels will provide your family with a clean and inexpensive source of alternative energy. While a solar power system will save you money in the long run, it’s an investment in the short term, so you want the system to be suitable for your roof and work properly for years. Keep these factors in mind before calling a contractor for installation.

Logistics of Installing Solar Power

1. Repairs & Replacements

Depending on the material of your roof, it may need to be replaced completely in as little as 20 years from the time it was installed. If you put panels on a roof that you plan to tear off in a few years, you’ll have to pay for their removal and reinstallation, increasing the expense and amount of work for you and your roofing contractor. Check when your roof was built and calculate when it’ll need to be replaced. If a replacement is in the near future, wait until after it’s finished to install solar panels.

2. Weight

Solar panels are heavy and can easily collapse an unstable roof. You should discuss the roofing structure with a contractor to determine whether any reinforcement is needed. Also, inspect the wood frame for any signs of rot, termites, or other conditions that might weaken the structure.

3. Location

Your solar panels need to face either south or west to get enough sunlight throughout the day. Look at the shape and slope of your roof to see if there’s an area large enough for your panels. Also, make sure that section of your roof isn't shaded for a significant portion of the day, and if it is, you may need to trim back nearby trees.

If you want to install solar panels on your home, contact the trained team at Solar Help Hawaii in Honolulu. These professionals sell, install, and repair a wide range of solar equipment to help Oahu homeowners make their residence more comfortable, energy efficient, and affordable to live in. This local company is dedicated to customer service and will help you find a solution to lower your energy bills. View their services online, or call (808) 548-4357 to schedule an appointment.