PV Gap

Clyde Said:

Why are solar panels placed on the roof of houses?

We Answered:

Solar panels are placed on the roof because many times the roof has good exposure to the sun providing the roof is not blocked by trees or something else so that sufficient sunlight wouldn't be absorbed. Also the panels would more likely not get damaged on the roof opposed to being in the yard. If they were mounted on the windows, how could you see? And, the windows could easily break and then what would happen to the panels? Placing the solar panels on the floor would not be practical. A lot of sunlight is needed for the cells to produce electricity and how much goes on the floor? Most roofs are at an angle which could perhaps improve the amount of sunlight the panels would get, and roofs provide a lot of unused space. The roof is the best place. Furthermore, roof solar panels are available now to blend in better with the roof so that they are more pleasing to the eye. Even if you have a small roof, some panels could be placed there provided the roof is not blocked so that the sunlight it gets would be sufficient (about 4 or 5 hours of sunlight a day is needed). And, if you needed addition panels, they could be mounted in your yard as long as the mount was close to your power box and received sufficient sunlight.
I applaud your desire to use solar panels. You could possibly save 50 - 90% on your electric bill and help your environment at the same time! A Win - Win situation!!

Christy Said:

Solar Panels and Roof Repair?

We Answered:

The technology is still far from the point where I would be comfortable buying. Your concern is valid, major job to re-roof or repair with the panels up there. The cost recovery of paying for the panels should be looked at with a critical eye. Minimum 12 to 15 years. Will you be in the house that long? Your incentive should be for the environment, not the cost savings.

Francis Said:

How do you attach solar panels to the roof without increasing the chances for a roof leak?

We Answered:

..............pull old shingles where the mounting brackets would go counter flash it ,re-shingle it .and seal it. its always done this way for anything installed on the roof ...unless its tile or something.

Alice Said:

How much would it cost to place solar panels on 1,800 square feet of roof space?

We Answered:

Once your indoor lighting has been installed you will be able to use the lighting both night and day. During the day you may not need it except on cloudy days. During the night you should have enough energy from the solar power to last you through the night. It is becoming the latest in lighting barns on farms as well because there is no wiring needed to get lighting out to the barn. just the cheapest solar panels and thats all.

Joel Said:

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY 3 BEDROOM HOUSE USE IN THE MONTH? i WOULD LIKE TO PUT SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF. IF SOLAR?

We Answered:

If saving money is your goal, spending on insulation for the house and more efficient air conditioners is a better route to take.

To get your energy usage, check the bill from the electric company. Somewhere on there it should show how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used in the month. It is probably a lot, with that kind of appliances.

Since you mention appliances today, I assume you are connected to the grid. The most common kind of system today stays connected to the grid, and uses no batteries. That saves a lot of cost and maintenance.

As a guide, a 3 kW grid-tied system where I live will provide about 550 kWh on average per month. That would not be enough to support a house as you describe, unless the applicances were off most of the time. Such a system will cost about $9000 before rebates, $6000 after the federal tax credit, NOT COUNTING INSTALLATION. 3 kW in fact describes the system that we have had in place since 2006. It takes up 220 square feet, of the 2000 square feet or so of roof that we have.

There are kits sold at various places on the internet.

Clifton Said:

does anyone in Aylmer, QC install pool solar panels on a roof?

We Answered:

I have a swimming pool directory at my house...I am on the road now..but if you send a message to my website below I will have a local installer contact you! : http://www.swimming-pool-information.com…