How Long Does a Solar Roof Last?
Introduction: Overview of Solar Roofs and Average Service Life
A solar roof is a perfect blend of functionality, reliability and aesthetics. It is a viable and affordable alternative to conventional shingles, allowing homeowners to reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources. Solar roofs are made from photovoltaic cells combined with durable materials like thin-film, polycrystalline silicon, or monocrystalline, which can be integrated into a structure’s frame and covered with conventional roof covering materials. Solar roofs are designed to last for an extended period of time and typically come with a warranty of 20 years or more.
Service Life Expectancy of Traditional Shingles
The most common type of roofing material, asphalt shingles, have an average life span of 15-20 years if they are well taken care of. The life expectancy of asphalt shingles depends on the quality of product used and the environment they are subjected to. Asphalt shingles typically require little maintenance, but may need to be replaced after hail or severe weather events.
Benefits of Solar Shingles over Traditional Shingles
Solar shingles are more durable and more appealing than traditional asphalt shingles. They are made from a combination of photovoltaic cells, protective materials and a permanent roof coating. Solar shingles have a much longer life expectancy than traditional asphalt shingles and are more resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as hail or wind damage. In addition, solar shingles require less maintenance, don’t need to be replaced often and produce clean, renewable energy.
Quality Installation Practices for Getting the Most Out of a Solar Shingle Roof
Installing solar shingles requires precise measurements, highly precise roof materials and quality installation practices that must be followed to ensure the system runs optimally. To ensure the highest level of installation quality, homeowners should hire a certified solar installation professional to install and maintain the solar shingle system. This expert will have the expertise and experience to install the components safely and properly.
Understanding Warranties of Solar Shingles
Solar shingle systems come with a wide range of warranties. The length of the warranties varies by manufacturer and are typically for a period between 15 and 25 years. Before buying a system, it’s important for homeowners to understand the different types of warranties that are available and be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions as some warranties can include limits on coverage.
Components and Materials That Affect a Solar Shingle Roof’s Lifespan
The components and materials that make up a solar shingle roof will ultimately determine its lifespan. Quality of the materials and components used such as the photovoltaic cells, leads, junction boxes, wiring, inverters and racking systems will all impact the longevity of the system. Quality installation practices are also key, as improper installations can reduce the life expectancy of the system.
Maintenance Practices for Maximizing Life Span of a Solar Shingle Roof
Due to the durability of solar shingles, there’s no need to worry about the performance of the system in the long-term, however proper maintenance practices should still be followed for optimal performance. Putting in place a regular inspection schedule on the system, including any wiring areas and parts, should be done. Additionally, it is important to clean any areas that accumulate dirt and debris, such as pathways between units to prevent any areas from becoming blocked or cluttered which will reduce air circulation and cause the system to perform at a lower capacity.
Conclusion
Solar roof shingles are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly and efficient roofing system. With quality installation and regular maintenance, solar shingles may last up to 25 years, making them a very viable long-term investment. Many people opt for solar shingles because of their impressive lifespan, performance and durability in tough conditions, not to mention the added benefit of generating renewable energy. Furthermore, quality warranties help to protect homeowners from any potential problems down the road.
