Successfully utilizing solar panels can lead to a major reduction in the amount that you are having to pay for energy. The decisions that you make concerning the placement of the solar panels will require significant consideration to avoid issues that could impact the durability or performance of the solar panels.

Avoid Blocking The Flow Of Water To The Gutters

If you are placing the solar panels on the roof, it is important to make sure that the solar panels are not positioned in a location where they can obstruct the flow of runoff into the gutters. Failing to consider this when placing the solar panels can lead to water pooling on the roof as well as water overflowing sections of the gutters. Placing the solar panels several feet from the edge of the roof can help to lessen these impacts, and the solar panels can be slightly elevated to allow water to run under the panels. 

Remove Branches That Are Near Where The Solar Panels Will Be Installed

Before the solar panels are installed, you may want to have any branches that are near the roof removed. Eliminating these branches can offer some important benefits to the solar panels. The most obvious will be that eliminating these branches will ensure the solar panels are getting the full amount of light. However, this will also reduce the risk of damage occurring to the solar panels as a result of falling branches striking them. Furthermore, it will also reduce the ability of leaves to fall on the solar panels and block out the light. A tree trimming contractor will be needed to complete this work, and it can be better to schedule this prior to the solar panels being installed to prevent falling debris during the cutting process to damage the panels.

Assess If The Roof Needs To Be Reinforced For The Solar Panel System

While modern solar panels are relatively light, a full solar panel system may add a considerable amount of weight to the roof. Depending on the age and design of the roof, it may be necessary to reinforce it so that the additional weight of the solar panels will be unlikely to cause structural issues This is particularly common for older homes, but it will be possible to reinforce the roof for minimal costs so that this will not add a substantial amount to the costs needed to add the solar panels to the home. Some solar panel installation services will be able to complete the necessary enhancements.

For more information, contact a solar panel installation company.

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