Solar Panels

Solar Panel Installation in Fort Worth

As a homeowner or business owner, you might have concerns about your carbon footprint. Additionally, you may worry about the rising energy costs. It saves energy while simultaneously protecting the interior spaces from the outside elements. Furthermore, it is durable and withstands wind, rain, and other environmental factors. At Texas Select Construction, our experienced professionals use only quality materials and tools to install solar roofing on homes and businesses in Fort Worth.

Thinking about change? Let us help you switch to clean, renewable energy and do something positive for the planet. Call us for a free solar consultation today at 817-770-0744 to learn more.

Components of Solar Panel Roofing

Before choosing the type of solar panels to install on your commercial or residential property, it is important to understand how solar roofing works. Solar roofing contains these three primary components:

Solar Panels

When exposed to sunlight, a solar panel generates electrons to produce electricity for the interior space of a home or office. Notably, since they run entirely on light from the sun, they don’t release greenhouse gases or carbon.

Solar efficiency, which refers to the amount of electricity solar panels generate from sunlight, has an average efficiency rating between 15% and 17%. Nevertheless, the rating can exceed 20% with higher-end models.

Inverters

Here, it’s important to note that home appliances operate on an alternating current (AC). Conversely, solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. Thus, an inverter converts DC electricity into AC electricity.

The two types of inverters are:

• String inverter – Solar panels connect to a string inverter attached to a wall.
• Microinverter – Each solar panel has a microinverter attached behind it.

Although microinverters produce more energy, string inverters are less expensive.

Mounting Racks

The roof is one of many places you can install your solar panels. Alternatively, you can also install them on the ground or mount them on poles. Mounting racks secure the panels where you choose to install them.

Two types of mounting racks are available:

• Fixed mounting racks – Fixed mounting racks stay in one position after installation. They’re low-maintenance and less expensive to install.
• Tracking mounts – After installing tracking mounts, you can adjust the angle and height. It allows you to angle your panels to get the most direct sunlight as the sun’s position in the sky changes.

Types of Solar Panel Materials

You can choose from various materials depending on your budget, location, and needs. The three types of solar cells commonly used in solar panels are:

• Monocrystalline – The most efficient type of solar panel contains monocrystalline. This material’s efficiency ratings are among the highest on the market. It also handles high temperatures effectively, has a long lifespan, and takes up less space.
• Polycrystalline – Solar panels with polycrystalline are more efficient than other materials. However, they don’t produce as much power as monocrystalline solar panels. Polycrystalline isn’t as effective in low-light or high-temperature conditions. Although polycrystalline has a shorter lifespan than monocrystalline, it is less costly.
• Amorphous silicon – A thin layer of silicon makes up amorphous solar panels. They’re more lightweight and flexible than polycrystalline and monocrystalline. The material absorbs a broad range of light spectrum, making it ideal for low-light conditions. Its reliable performance in high temperatures is also ideal.

Roof Designs Ideal for Solar Panels

When it comes to performance, the characteristics of your roof will affect how much energy your solar panels produce. The top six characteristics contributing to solar production include:

• Orientation – The direction your roof faces is called orientation. A large unshaded south-facing roof is ideal for solar production. You can generate less energy if you have a multi-faceted roof mostly facing east or west.
• Size – The larger your roof, the more solar panels you can install. The average size of a solar system for a home is five kilowatts. That requires 12 to 13 panels with a 400-watt rating. You’ll need around 15 square feet for each panel, meaning your roof should be big enough to fit at least 13 panels.
• Shade – The sun must shine directly on solar panels for them to work. Powering the interior spaces will be difficult if tall trees or large overhanging branches surround your home or office space.
• Material – Although asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, you can install solar panels on any type of roof, including slate, metal, or tile. However, some materials complicate installation, which can increase the cost.
• Age – Your roof’s age will affect solar production. Most materials last decades before requiring total replacement. However, you should consider replacing your roof before installing solar panels if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
• Pitch – Your roof’s slope can impact solar energy output. A 30-degree angle is most suitable for maximum power generation.

Even if you don’t have the perfect roof design, you can increase your solar output by customizing your panels. For example, if your roof isn’t large enough for 16 250-watt panels, increase the wattage of each panel to 400 to achieve a comparable output.

Average Cost of Solar Roofing

Although solar panels can save you money in the long run, understanding the upfront price tag is crucial to planning your budget accordingly. The cost of installing solar panels depends on factors such as:

• The number of solar panels installed
• The size and weight of each solar panel
• The solar roofing company you hire
• The size of the roof
• The amount of sunlight reflected on the surface of the panels
• The amount of energy the home or office uses

A 5-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system costs between $12,500 and $20,000. The price you pay includes the installation and the materials needed for the roofing project, including:

• Solar panels
• Mounting system
• Batteries
• Inverter

How Much Does Solar Roofing Save on Energy Costs?

You can save a significant amount of money by installing solar panels on your building, residence, or office roof. The savings will depend on numerous factors, including the size of the solar panel system, the angle of your roof, and the hours of direct sunlight the panels receive daily.

Advantages of Solar Panel Roofing

Undoubtedly, a solar roof offers a range of benefits whether you install one on your residential or commercial property. The most common advantages you can enjoy from solar panels include:

• Lower energy bills – You will save money on your energy bills regardless of the type and size of solar panels you select. Instead of using the energy grid to power your home or office, the panels use energy from the sun. You can also sell the electricity you don’t use back to the grid.
• Environmentally friendly – A power grid uses fossil fuels to keep the electricity running, producing harmful gases. By pulling energy from the sun, your solar panels utilize one of the cleanest forms of energy, reducing your dependency on fossil fuels and lowering your carbon footprint.
• Energy cost protection – Energy bills constantly change. With solar panels, you eliminate rising energy bills for the lifespan of your roof. Besides the initial installation cost, you spend nothing to power your home from one year to the next.
• Higher value – Many people purchase a new home with energy efficiency in mind. Finding something on the market that already comes with solar panel roofing is like hitting the jackpot. You can increase the value of your home by going green and installing solar panels.

When You Should Install Solar Panels

Timing-wise, winter emerges as an ideal season for solar panel installations. Surprisingly, despite colder temperatures, the demand drops, leading to potential savings. The process is also much faster because roofing companies complete fewer projects during the off-season. 

Why Hire Texas Select Construction

You should hire a roofing company with specific traits to ensure you receive dependable services. Not all roofers are familiar with solar panels. Some only specialize in standard roofing projects. Others know how to install solar panels but don’t have enough experience to guide homeowners and business owners on the proper types and materials to meet their needs.

The most reputable solar installers have these traits:

• A reputation for quality customer service and excellent workmanship
• More than three years of experience in solar roofing
• Access to the most update to date and reliable equipment and materials
• Solar installation insurance and licenses

At Texas Select Construction, our team of installers checks off all the necessary boxes to provide top-notch solar panel installation services you can trust.

Solar Roof FAQs

Switch to Renewable Energy with Help from Texas Select Construction

Consider installing a solar roof on your residential or commercial property if you prioritize saving the environment. It provides the same benefits as other durable roofing systems while reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills.

At Texas Select Construction, we understand the importance of using sustainable materials to power your office or home at a fraction of the cost. Call us today at 817-770-0744 for a free consultation to get started on your solar roofing installation.

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