Solar panels need a clear, south-facing area on your roof.
If the roof is gabled, the panels are at the mercy of your roof angle and may not be as effective as they could be. On a rooftop, the panels can be turned and angled towards the sun to the south.
Find a place that is not shaded. And because the panels are installed in your home could be there for 25 years or more, be aware of the trees around them that could shade the panels in the future.
Although not much, the weight of solar panels is about twice that of typical shingles. Be sure to ask your architect, contractor, or structural engineer if your roof can support the weight of solar panels.
If you think solar is only possible in places like Arizona, think again. Solar panels require light, not heat. A cold, sunny place works as well as a warm, sunny place.
Technically, the panels do not have to be located solely on the ceiling. Any sunny spot within 1,000 feet of your home works just as well. If some annoying neighbors complain about the appearance of the panels, you can hide them on your property instead of putting them on the roof.
Several manufacturers produce solar cells designed to be integrated into the building. The most popular are solar panels designed to function as shingles. Although their cost is about 20% more than regular solar panels, solar shingles blend seamlessly on your roof, which means most neighbors won't realize they exist.
Authors: Val
