Residential solar energy is more affordable and popular in Denver than ever before. Wider access to solar panels means more homeowners are enjoying the energy and cost benefits of panels, but they’re still many questions regarding panels and how they work on the modern roofing system.
One of the most common questions for solar panels is will they work on certain types of roofing styles like metal or wood shake. Let’s review the most common residential roofing materials around Denver and what those materials mean for solar installation.
Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential Denver roofing, representing close the three-quarters of residential installs. Luckily for homeowners, the most common roof type is one of the easiest types of roofs to install solar panels. Customers with asphalt roofs shouldn’t expect excessive charges for difficulty or installation unless the asphalt roof is sloped steeply.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
Many Denver homes are outfitted with clay, concrete, or stone-coated metal tiles. Extra charges depend on what type of tile and what type of installation system are utilized but because solar panels on tile roofs require specialized brackets, homeowners can expect slight upticks on labor charges.
Wood Shake and Shingle
Wood shakes and shingles are one of the more tedious roofing materials to work with regarding solar installation. Most often a contractor will be required to install additional material on a wood shake roof to make solar panels viable. Wood shake homeowners should expect a substantial increase in labor costs for installing panels on wood shake.
Flat Roofing
There are many types of flat roofing in but the most common are single-ply membranes like TPO or EPDM and tar and gravel built-up roofs. Solar installation on single-ply membranes might require a ‘tilt-up’ system for required angles but is normally not more expensive than traditional solar installation.
Built-up roofs, due to their layered structure, may require additional brackets or supports depending on the layers and the roof’s current condition. Homeowners with built-up roofs will likely need to pay more in the material in labor charges than a homeowner with a single-ply membrane roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs and solar panels are natural partners. Due to the numerous support systems of the modern metal roof, solar panel installation is efficient and shouldn’t cost the homeowner much in extra charges.
Getting a Solar Quote for Your Roof
Solar panel installation costs vary depending on the material they’re being installed on, but homeowners don’t have to guess their costs when they get a free estimate. Any reputable Denver solar installer will be able to give you a no-cost quote for solar panels regardless of what you have installed on your roof.
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