As a homeowner in Florida, you are lucky enough to enjoy plentiful sunshine all through the year. It comes as no surprise that an ever-increasing number of residents in the Sunshine State are keen on installing photovoltaic (PV) systems in their modern homes. Why Florida alone? Based on a study conducted by the GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association, Q3 of 2013 was notable for increased PV system installation throughout the US. However, there is one notable trend— people pay no heed to the choice of roof material under which the panels will be installed. This could be a costly mistake. If you are considering the installation of solar panels for your home in Tampa, consider the efficiency and advantages of metal roofing before embracing this alternative form of energy.
Steel Roofing for Storm-Prone Areas
Installing solar panels on a damaged roof equates to building your house on a decaying foundation. Ignoring the importance of roofing will only delay the installation process. Installing a PV system on an inferior material affects the structure, and the entire roof may require expensive repairs. This is the reason why steel or any other metal roofing is beneficial when you are planning to go solar. The racks supporting the panels last for years and are manufactured to sustain heavy rainfall and high winds. Therefore, it makes sense to install solar panels on metal-roofed Florida homes that are vulnerable to storms. It is not unusual for tropical storms to pull down trees and power lines in the Tampa Bay region. So, you can imagine how your roof may be affected by such devastating winds.
Besides, metal roofs also offer a better warranty match. The durability of PV systems is approximately 20-25 years, and asphalt shingles last for about two decades or so. But there is a problem. Even if asphalt materials last for many years, their warranty is not free from loopholes. It will not protect your roof and panels from hurricanes or tropical storms. And when it comes to extensive repairs, it involves complete deconstruction and reinstallation of your PV system.
Energy-Efficient Home
Did you know that a metal roof helps in heat reduction and cooling loads on buildings, especially in sunny, warm climates? This happens because of less emissivity and high reflectivity of roof solar radiation. In fact, many roofs meet the requirements for Energy Star Cool Roof Program by reflecting more heat from the sun. When you have metal roofing, it reflects the heat and reduces the rooftop temperature for enhanced PV system performance and efficiency.
Environmental Benefits
When you install a metallic roof, you benefit by earning points through the LEED certification program. A PV system scores LEED points based on the percentage of a building’s energy consumption the system manages to offset. If you embrace metal roofing, it will also help you earn green building certifications like Home Innovation National Green Building Standard (NGBS), Energy Star, and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
If you are planning to install solar panels in your Tampa home, make sure that you consider metal roofing seriously. Choosing the right material plays a crucial role in the proper installation and performance of your rooftop PV system. A metal roof with a solar array will make your home more energy efficient, cut down your monthly electricity costs, and ensure that the solar cells achieve increased productivity. In fact, installing a PV system on a metal roof will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. Besides, you will also contribute towards building a safer and cleaner environment; and that’s no mean a motivation considering the dramatic climate changes due to global warming.
