Thinking of installing a solar roof on your home or commercial space in Central Florida? There are a few pros and cons to weigh before making your final decision!
Here at AGU Roofing & Solar in Orlando, we know that property owners from Tavares to Kissimmee have questions about whether solar is the right option. And, if you’re on the fence about it, we’re here to make the process easier. Here are a few advantages and potential disadvantages to installing solar on your roof!
Here in the Orlando Florida area, we enjoy somewhere between 230 and 260 sunny or predominantly sunny days per year, on average. That’s more than many major cities elsewhere in the US. And it’s simply great news for anyone interested in switching to solar.
Of course, Central Florida is no stranger to dark and cloudy days, and that can mean gaps in energy production. High winds and flying debris can also be a threat to solar panels, leading to damage and malfunction.
Luckily, there are solutions for these weather-related downsides. Installing a battery system can mean that you’ll be able to bank energy for low-UV stretches. Or, as we’ll mention later on in this article, you can rely on net metering to get you through the cloudier months.
When it comes to weather damage, opting for modern designs that are more durable and damage-resistant is key. Our team at AGU Roofing & Solar can recommend solar roof designs that are well-prepared for our unique Florida storms.
One of the most appealing benefits of installing solar panels is the potential to reduce your reliance on grid power, which is a growing concern given that electricity costs are set to rise over the next few years. And this is especially true for us Central Floridians who rely on air conditioning during the dangerously hot summer months.
To be sure, installing solar panels on your home or commercial space is an investment, and comes with an expected payback period of about 5 to 10 years. Exactly how much you will need to invest in solar panels will depend on the size of your property and energy needs, but AGU Roofing & Solar can provide you with a quote so that you can consider your options.
Property owners here in Florida can enjoy tax credits, rebates, and even financial support for opting to transition to renewable energy.
Florida also offers a net metering system, which allows you to add your excess solar energy to the grid for future credits. In other words, if your solar panels generate more power than you use in a month, Florida Power & Light will give you credits that you can use during the months when you generate less power than you need. This is also called solar buyback, and it’s one of the many incentives that makes solar energy so appealing here in Florida.
Many buyers are looking for property that already has a solar energy system built-in, which makes homes with solar panels more marketable. If you’re looking to boost your property value and sell your home faster, switching to renewable energy is a great investment. This is especially true in areas of Orange and Lake Counties that are already experiencing rising market values, such as Winter Park, South Eola and Clermont.
In fact, it’s not just the energy saving that makes a solar roof more appealing. Over the past few years, advances in solar panel design have made them sleeker and more efficient. That means that there are more options for property owners who want low-profile solar panels that don’t detract from their exterior aesthetic.
Many of the roof structures here in Florida are great for solar panels. But, if you have a roof with many obstructions such as skylights and vents, or if the design is too ornate, your installation team may have trouble finding an appropriate surface for the panels. Likewise, roofs that are too flat may need additional structures in order to maximize the panel’s exposure to sunlight.
Roofing material can also impact the suitability of your existing roof for solar panel installation. Clay, natural stone, or composite roof shingles, for instance, can easily break during installation or provide a less stable surface for your solar panels. Typically, metal or asphalt shingle roofs are the best materials for solar panel installation.
Finally, there’s the weight factor. If your home’s roof is on the older side or is already burdened by heavy shingles, adding solar panels could lead to structural problems. It will be important to have a professional roofing team assess the integrity of your roof structure before installing the panels. If your existing roof is deemed to be unsafe for solar panel installation, it is possible to bolster the roof structure for additional support.
Now, none of these problems are deal-breakers. But they do mean that you may face additional costs in order to ensure that your solar panels are properly and safely installed.
We’ve worked with homeowners and property owners throughout Orange and Lake counties to find solar solutions that work for all kinds of businesses and residential lifestyles. Whether you want to install a solar roof on your warehouse in Orlando, make your short-term rental in Mount Dora even more profitable, or boost the curb appeal of your Minneola home, we can help.
Our team here at AGU Roofers & Solar want you to have all the information you need to feel comfortable moving forward with your decision to switch to solar power. So, give us a call with your solar roof questions!
