San Diego Roofing | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
Is Your Roof Equipped for Solar Panels in San Diego? Solar panels can be installed on most properties in the county, from Pomona to Imperial Beach, but the state of your roof will have a big impact on the ease of the job. The shape, size, and even the direction your rooftop faces will inform the advice you get from your solar provider and the bid you receive. A lot of Southern California roofs have signature clay tiles in keeping with a Spanish aesthetic, but your San Diego home may have asphalt, slate or other materials on top. Before you start shopping for solar panels, get a consultation from a San Diego roofing company. A professional team will be able to point out any potential obstacles to solar on your roof and construct a creative workaround. At the end of the day, with some planning and perseverance nearly any San Diego roof can turn our 266 annual days of sunshine into a renewable energy source. Deal with Obstacles on Your Roof The first and most obvious thing to check on your roof is the presence of clear obstacles to a panel installation. Do you have a chimney, skylights, vents, or a television satellite that could get in the way? Some things, like a chimney, can’t be moved to accommodate solar panels. Other issues, such as a tall neighboring shade tree, can be altered to make room for your new solar system. If you have limited roof space due to skylights and other obstacles you may want to go with more efficient solar panels, which tend to be smaller. In any case, it’s vital to have an inspection of your roof to identify any obstacles so that you and your solar provider can create a game plan and order the appropriate materials from the start. Eliminating as much shade as possible is important to yielding full power from your panels. Talk About Roof Shape with Your Provider Most homeowners don’t take the time to learn it, but your roof shape has a name. There are three main types of roofs: hip, gable, and flat. Some roof types are more conducive to using solar panels than others, but a good solar provider will take your roof shape and make it work. Each type has its own pros and cons: Hip Roof: A hip roof is a style in which the roof slopes on all four sides and create a tall peak at the top. The slopes work in favor of solar panels, because they provide the necessary tilt, but the surfaces can be on the small side depending on the design of your home. These roofs can also have an unusual shape with some unusable surface area. Gable Roof: A gable roof is sometimes called a peak or pitch roof, and it has two sloping sides that meet in the middle to create a triangle shape. Solar panels typically have plenty of surface area to work with on a gable roof. These roofs also shed water easily, so your panels will never experience pooling water underneath. Flat Roof: Flat roofs are common on some home types in San Diego -- primarily condo complexes. While solar panels don’t work best when installed flat, your provider can use tilts to position solar panels at an advantageous angle on a flat roof. You shouldn’t rule out solar if you are working with a flat surface area. Use a Solar-Friendly Material for Your San Diego Roofing Some roofing materials are better for solar panels than others. Fortunately, the most commonly used roofing materials in San Diego are ideal for solar panel installations. The only shingles and tiles to avoid are brittle materials like wood and slate, which can easily break while affixing solar panels. Your solar provider will advise you about whether or not your roof is currently covered in a surface that is compatible with solar panels. Spanish Clay: Spanish clay tiles are great for solar panels. They’re also everywhere you look in San Diego County. Standard mounts can penetrate this type of tile, so they’re a good choice for a home that goes solar. Many installers can even create a special mount built into clay to make adding solar panels even easier. Asphalt: A roof with asphalt (often a flat roof) can also work with solar panels. A standard panel mount will easily attach to an asphalt rooftop. Asphalt/composite shingles are also quite popular on slanted rooftops, and you shouldn’t have an issue adding panels to these shingles. Metal with Standing Seam: Metal roofs with a standing seam are very friendly to solar installation. In many cases the panels can be clamped to the seams so providers don’t have to attach the panels to the metal roof itself. Fix Bad Tiles and Other Roof Problems If your roof is old, it may not be ready for solar panels just yet. Imagine investing thousands of dollars in a solar setup, only to have your roof reach the end of its life within two years: You would have to remove the solar panels to fix or replace your roof and then install them all over again. It’s better to ensure that your roof and solar panels have a similar life cycle whenever possible. A good rule of thumb is that any roof more than 10 years old could need repairs or replacement prior to going solar. The good news is that Spanish tiles could last on your San Diego roof for up to 50 years, and new solar panels could last for about 40 years. If you get a roof replacement and solar installation now, you’re probably set for your entire ownership of the property. Aside from broken tiles and leaks, you should also address any punctures and penetrations, issues with ponding water, and cracked flashing. Orient Solar Panels For Maximum Sun Exposure The best direction for solar panels to face is true south. If that’s not possible, southeast and southwest orientations can still yield excellent and reliable solar power. You can also position your solar panels facing east or west, but you may not be able to enjoy the full potential of your renewable energy. While you can’t rotate your home, there may be some things you can do to prepare your roof for solar panels so they face the best possible direction. As mentioned previously, installers can install a stand that tilts the panels. This may help a panel on an eastern roof point closer to the southeast. You could also to remove obstacles on a south facing part of your roof to make room for the panels. Make Sure You Have Enough Space for Solar Panels It would be a shame to get your heart set on a brand new set of solar panels only to discover that you just don’t have the square footage on your roof. As a general rule, for every Kw of solar generated for your home, you need 100 square feet of roof space. Most homes can thrive with a 5Kw system. If an original assessment determines you don’t have enough space for solar panels, you have a few options. You can get a smaller system and rely partially on regular grid power, consider covering a skylight or addressing other obstacles, or look into installing ground-mounted solar panels. Installing solar panels in your yard isn’t as common as using roof-mounted setups, but if you have the property to spare it could solve a lot of issues. Ground panels can not only compensate for a lack of adequate roofing, they also help if you have too much shade on your roof that can’t be changed (such as from a tall building next door). Ready to update your San Diego roofing with some shiny solar panels? You’re not alone! Becoming energy independent is more and more popular in the Golden State. In fact, most new-build homes will be powered by solar beginning in 2020. Get ahead of the trend by installing solar now (and taking advantage of one of the last years for the Solar Investment Tax Credit). Contact Semper Solaris today to learn more about getting solar panels in San Diego. You can receive a no-pressure bid, and our experienced team will talk to you about the state of your roof along with the potential of solar. We are also ready to help you with a roof replacement if you need it!
In San Diego, the vast majority of solar panels are installed on rooftops. This makes sense, as roofs offer lots of surface area with unobstructed access to the sun. If you are considering investing in solar panels, the state of your roof will factor into your decision. If your roof requires repairs or is nearing the end of its life, you may first need to address these San Diego roofing issues before moving forward with solar panel installation. Here are some of the most common roofing questions we get from San Diego homeowners interested in solar panels. Will I Have to Buy a New Roof in Order to Get Solar Panels? Ideally, the life of your roof should match or exceed the life of your solar panels. Today’s top solar panels offer 25-year warranties, but some industry experts predict that solar panels can continue to operate (albeit with declining efficiency) for up to 40 years or more. One of the most popular San Diego roofing types is Spanish tile, which has among the longest lifespans of any roofing system. You can expect your Spanish tile roof to last up to 50 years, which means that if your roof is less than 10 years old, it may be a great candidate for solar panels. Slate and other forms of tile roofs also boast a 50-year lifespan, while wood shake roofs will give you 30 years of life, and asphalt shingles will only last 20 years on average. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, it makes sense to replace your roof before installing solar panels. New roofs are expensive, but it will cost you even more if you have to take down your solar panels after just a few years and then re-install them on your new roof. Additionally, older roofs may not be structurally sound enough to safely support a solar panel system. Will It Be Possible to Repair My Roof Once I Get Solar Panels? A roof is much more than the tiles or shingles that we see from the outside. A roof is actually a complex system that includes important components, such as the underlayment and flashing. All sorts of roofing issues can arise, such as cracked tiles, punctures in the underlayment, or warped flashing that causes water to collect on the roof. In a best-case scenario, you want to address and repair any major roofing issues before you install solar panels. A quality solar installation company should perform a full roof assessment and let you know if any issues exist before they start working. If your roof is already damaged or weakened, installing solar panels can make the problem much worse. What happens if you discover roofing damage after your solar panels have already been installed? In most cases, it is possible to repair roofing problems after solar panels have been installed, but it isn’t always easy. The solar panels may need to be detached from the roof and then re-installed after the damage is repaired. This can end up costing thousands of extra dollars, and the more time workers spend on your roof, the more wear and tear they cause! It is a good idea to get a full roof assessment from a roofing contractor in San Diego before moving forward with your solar panel installation, especially if your roof is more than 10 years old. Are Some Roofs Better Than Others for Solar Panels? If your roof is too old, has damage, or is structurally unsound for another reason, it may not be possible (and definitely not recommendable) to install a solar system. Assuming that your roof is in good shape, there are certain factors that make some roofs better for solar panels than others. By “better,” we simply mean that the solar system will be more efficient, generating more energy per panel. Orientation South-facing roofs get the most sunlight in North America, which will increase the energy efficiency of your panels. At the same time, west-facing panels tend to generate energy when the demand from homeowners is highest. For this reason, most solar installers will try to install south- or southwest-facing panels. If you have a northeast-facing roof, not to worry. You can still benefit from solar panels, but they may be less efficient, which means you may have to purchase a bigger system. Shade/Obstructions Another factor to take into consideration is the amount of shade that hits your roof. If a large tree in your backyard casts shadows across your solar panels, that will affect the efficiency of your system. It would probably be a good idea to trim the tree. If your house is up against a hill, or your neighbor just added a second-story addition that throws shade on your single-story roof, those will be more difficult problems to address. Pitch The pitch of your roof also plays a role in how well your solar system operates. The pitch refers to the slope of your roof. Steep roofs make installation difficult, while flat roofs require more racking so that panels can be angled to catch as much sunlight as possible. The ideal pitch of a roof is 30 degrees. Size Bigger roofs give installers more options on where to place solar panels, so they can get as much sun and produce as much energy as possible. It’s also important for installers to avoid installing panels in a way that interferes with the flashing on the roof and to keep panels away from heat vents and roof ledges. Smaller roofs offer fewer options and may not have enough space for a full solar system. In these cases, homeowners may need to purchase more efficient solar panels, which will be smaller, but can also cost a premium price. Don’t let these different factors scare you away from solar panels. The truth is that there is no perfect roof. If you have a north-facing, super steep, small roof, a solar panel system should still provide you with significant energy savings. Just be sure to speak with a solar installation expert to understand how your roof’s characteristics will affect the cost, efficiency, and size of your solar system. Will Solar Panels Ruin My Roof? Maybe you’ve heard a horror story from a family member or a friend who had solar panels installed only to discover that the installers left behind major (and expensive) roof damage. Unfortunately, this does happen, especially when homeowners don’t pick an experienced and well-regarded solar installation company. The truth is that many solar companies don’t have specific roofing experience or knowhow. They may crack or damage tiles, drag racks across your shingles, drop tools that puncture the underlayment, on install solar panels that block your roof’s flashing system, which can then cause water to puddle on the roof. In other cases, a solar company may not recognize pre-existing roof damage and then exacerbate that damage when they install your solar panels. Experienced solar companies know how to install a solar panel system without damaging a roof. It is up to you as a homeowner to do your homework before choosing your installer. One of the best things you can do is read reviews from a company’s previous clients. Solar and Roofing Services in the Same Place Your roof is the foundation of your solar panel system and plays an integral role in how well your solar panels operate. Often, Roof Installation or replacement go hand-in-hand with solar panel installation. That’s why you should consider hiring a solar installation company that also has expertise in Roof Installation and replacement. At Semper Solaris, we are experienced and licensed roofing contractors in San Diego as well as solar installers. Many of our clients appreciate that we can provide a roof assessment, Roof Installation, and even roof replacement as part of our solar services. By using the same company for your San Diego roofing needs and solar installation, you can save time, money, and headaches on these important projects. Want to learn more? Take a look at our roofing and solar discounts, and then contact us for a free roofing and solar consultation.
Did you know there are unique considerations to take when it comes to San Diego roofing? Although the city is known for its ideal, sunny weather, the climate may vary depending on the area of San Diego you live in. Inland residents often experience higher temperatures, while those living coastal experience daily marine layers that burn off throughout the day. And while San Diego is technically a desert, rainfall is still a factor that influences rooftop decisions. If you live in San Diego, take the following considerations into account for your roofing needs. Heat-Friendly Rooftops The warm climate is one of the major appeals of living in San Diego. Roofing, because of this, needs to be able to handle the constant sun and hot temperatures in the summer, especially for inland regions like East County. Make sure you have a heat-friendly rooftop, also known as a “cool roof,” which helps to cool the home more efficiently. They usually are lighter in color so, as darker colors tend to absorb heat, and are often made of materials that reflect the sun. There are a few different ways to make a roof a “cool” roof. Clay and terracotta tile roofing is ideal for desert climates because it blocks heat. Slate tile is another good fit for your roof because it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It comes in light and earthy colors that are naturally reflective and durable. Energy-Efficient San Diego Roofing San Diegans can bask in sunnier-than-average climate. And they can capitalize on the sun by installing solar panels on their rooftops. Solar panels soak up the sun’s energy and convert it to power for the home. These panels should be durable and use the latest technology, so when you have your solar panels installed be sure to communicate these needs to your solar installation company. It's also just as important to ensure that your roof has proper insulation. Since 25% of heat in a home leaves through the ceiling, your roof is a key player in stopping this during the colder winter days in San Diego and at night when the temperatures drop significantly. Properly insulated San Diego roofing equates to energy-efficient homes, so you save on your utility bills. Poorly ventilated rooftops are not ideal for hot weather. They can transfer heat into the living areas and increase air-conditioning consumption, if you’re using one. For those living inland who turn on the AC in the dog days of summer, this can be especially a concern. Proper roof ventilation also helps in the winter, working to prevent moisture damage — especially if you live near the ocean or bay. Timing of San Diego Roof Installations Luckily, San Diego’s mild climates year-round make Roof Installations easier to execute. Fall is usually the busy season for Roof Installations and costs tend to go up due to demand, so consider getting the repair work done in the off-season if it can wait. Another benefit to having your Roof Installationed in the off-season is that it can make for a less stressful situation, because you won’t be behind a waiting list of customers. This is particularly important when making major decisions that involve your roof; a clear mind means the proper steps and considerations can be taken when consulting with your roof installation and repair company. San Diego Roofing with Wildfire Protection Wildfires are an unfortunate reality San Diego homeowners may face. The Southern California region experiences wildfires from time to time, and the dry desert climate further fuels the potential for fire to spread rapidly. Homes located on or near slopes of hills and valleys have a higher risk of getting affected. While location is hard to change, one thing these residents can do is install outdoor sprinkler systems. These sprinklers work to prevent the spread of embers when they come in contact with a house, keeping it protected and safe. Roofing Maintenance in the Winter Although San Diego has mild winters in comparison to other regions of the U.S., it occasionally experiences significant temperature drops. Winter nights can drop to 40- or sometimes 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which can create frost and condensation when it warms up during the day. These conditions can cause mold to grow on your roof during the winter months, especially on flat roofs. Leaves may pile up on your rooftop when the wind blows, and these piles then collect moisture from winter frost. This combination can eventually cause organic growth to form on the roof surface. To prevent mold from forming, make sure you regularly clean your roof and sweep away the leaves. Making Smart Decisions for Your Roof While you may not think the weather in San Diego would have an influence on how you should go about roofing matters, think again! The signature climate does call for special considerations to be made to ensure that your rooftop is both energy-efficient and long-lasting. Plus, doing so will help you avoid having to make extra repairs to your roof. For further information on how different types of materials, installation, and maintenance impacts your roof, check out some more details on San Diego roofing, and see how Semper Solaris can help you meet the needs your roof requires.
San Diego gets an average of 261 days of sunlight a year, so it’s not surprising so many Southern California homeowners and businesses are embracing solar installation as a way to save serious money on their electricity bills and lower their energy footprint. Making the investment in solar panels is a big decision. In this article, we’ll walk you through some important ways you can prepare for your solar panel installation at three major milestones: before your consultation, after your consultation, and before the installation. Before Your Solar Consultation Before you set up your initial consultation with a solar contractor, there are a few things you can do to make sure the first meeting goes smoothly and that the solar contractor has the information needed to make the best recommendations possible. Determine If You Have the Right Roof Unfortunately, certain roofs are just not a good match for solar panels. Roofs need to be at least 200 square feet to offer enough space for solar panels, and ideally your roof will be at least 400 square feet. At least one side of the roof should face south or southwest to have access to the most sunlight possible. Certain roofs with a very extreme pitch may also make it difficult to install solar panels. If you suspect your roof might not be ideal for solar panels, not to worry! Installing solar panels on the ground may also be an option. Figure Out Your Energy Usage A solar installation specialist will need to know how much energy your home uses on average throughout the year in order to recommend the ideal solar panel array size for your home. You can help the specialist by presenting a year’s worth of electricity bills, which will include monthly usage. Most electric companies have online customer websites. Create an account or log in to access your previous bills. Estimate Future Electric Usage If you know that your electric usage will change in the coming years, then it’s a good idea to invest in a solar array that will give you all the juice you’ll need tomorrow rather than just what you’re using today. For example, do you want to purchase an electric vehicle in the next year or so, or do you have plans to install a hot tub? These items will require a lot of electricity, so make sure you let your installation specialist know about potential future electricity needs during your consultation! Choose the Right Solar Contractor The most important decision you’ll make when it comes to installing solar panels is the contractor you hire. Your contractor can make the process stress-free or leave you feeling completely frustrated. The ultimate success of the installation will depend upon the training and expertise of your solar contractor as well as their understanding of your budget and your solar needs. Don’t skimp on doing your research to make sure you find an experienced, highly regarded, and honest contractor. There are many great solar contractors in San Diego, including Semper Solaris. After Your Solar Consultation During a solar consultation, the solar specialist will assess your roof, make a recommendation on the solar panel array that is right for your needs, give you financing options, and answer your questions. Many homeowners and business owners come out of the consultation excited and ready to schedule the installation. However, there are important steps you’ll need to take first to prepare for the installation. Decide If You Want to Lease or Buy Your solar installation specialist will lay out your financial options during the consultation. The two most popular options are to buy the solar panels or to lease them. Leasing solar panels often requires little to no upfront payments, which might be the right option if you are working on a limited budget. However, you’ll be paying a fixed rate for your electricity, and the solar company can take back the panels when the leasing period is up. Buying your solar panels will require a significant upfront payment, but then you own the panels. Ideally, the array will pay for itself and more over its lifetime. You’ll need to look at your finances and your personal preference to determine what is the best option for your situation. Address Roof Problems It’d be a shame if you went through the entire process of installing solar panels only to have to replace your roof two years later! Before installing solar panels, ensure that your roof is structurally sound enough to hold the extra weight. If your roof is old, leaks, or has damaged shingles, you’ll need to repair all of these things before your solar installation. Consider that solar panels last roughly 20 to 25 years. If your roof is aging, even if it’s not falling on top of your head yet, it may be a good idea go ahead and replace it. It’ll be a big investment, but a new roof will increase the value of your home and allow you to get the most out of your solar panels. Get Permissions and Permits If you have a home owner’s association, you’d better bet that they will want to know if you are making major changes to your roof. Additionally, the city and public utility company will need to know that you intend to change the way you power your home, especially if you want to give excess electricity back to the grid. Your solar contractor should handle all these requirements, from receiving permission from your HOA to pulling an electrical permit, filing the right documents with the city utility, and getting the necessary electrical inspection completed. Before Installation You’ve decided how to pay for your solar panels, your roof is ready to go, and your installer has permits and HOA permission in hand. Now can you start? You’re almost ready. Here are the last two things to prepare for before the work gets started. Make a Decision on Metering or Battery California’s utility companies have done a good job of embracing the solar panel revolution and allowing homeowners and businesses to send excess energy back into the grid in exchange for credits. In order for this to happen, the utility company will need to install a production meter to measure the amount of electricity your new panels produce and feedback into the grid. Your installation company should take care of this process. Alternatively, you may decide that you want to keep all of the electricity your solar panels produce, thank you very much! If this is the case, then you’ll need a way to store the excess power, like Tesla Powerwall, during the day so that you can use it at night or on overcast days. Your solar contractor can recommend the right battery option and even build a utility nook to house the battery, along with the other extras that you’ll need, including electrical inverters and integration equipment. Develop a Family Plan for Installation Day Solar panel installation day is exciting… and also loud. People will be walking on your roof all day long, as well as drilling and hammering. If you have skittish pets or young children at home, you’ll need a plan to either keep them calm during this time or to remove them from the home during the installation. You’ll also need to be on call during the day in case the installers have questions or run into unforeseen challenges. It also doesn’t hurt to alert your neighbors of the coming commotion as a curtsey. With a little planning, you can make sure your installation goes quickly and smoothly for every member of your family! Hopefully this article gives you an idea of what to expect as you begin your solar panel planning. A huge component to a successful solar array installation is choosing the right contractor. We know you have the choice of many solar contractors in San Diego, and we hope you will consider allowing us to compete for your business. At Semper Solaris, we are dedicated to providing you with the best customer service, the highest quality solar panels, and the best installation possible. Please schedule a free onsite energy analysis when you are ready to get this process started.