As more and more homeowners are turning to renewable energy sources to power their properties, there have been multiple impressive progressions in solar energy technology. One such improvement is roof integrated solar, which has myriad aesthetic and efficiency benefits as far as home solar is concerned. But what exactly are these benefits? And how can installing a roof integrated solar system help you? Let’s find out.
What is roof integrated solar?
Just before we dive into the benefits of this innovation, we think it’s important to explain what roof integrated solar is. They are panels that replace the tiles or slates on a roof panel, which makes the solar installation look like more of a natural integration into the roof. Traditional solar panels often look like a clumsy add on to properties, while an integrated solar roof is much more aesthetically pleasing. Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of roof integrated solar below.
The benefits of roof integrated solar
Maintenance
In most domestic settings, solar panels have a lifespan of approximately thirty years. After this time, you will probably need to replace or at least repair the panels that you have used for the past few decades. If you have a standard solar panel installation at your property, you will need to remove all of the panels before one of them can be replaced, as there are tiles behind the panels. However, with roof integrated solar, there are no tiles or slates behind the solar panels, meaning you can easily remove and replace individual panels, or even carry out ongoing repairs with relative ease.
Installation
There are strict industry regulations in regards to the fixing of solar panels to roofs on exiting buildings. In other words, attaching an above-roof solar system is far from easy. The installation team will probably need to crack some tiles to fix the panels to your roof, and attach the necessary holding brackets to keep the system in place. In stark contrast, roof integrated panels have been designed to fit seamlessly into a new roof. Specialist solar installers can slide the panels into the roof without delay, and it doesn’t require any uplifting of current tiles or slates. Therefore, not only are roof integrated solar systems easier to maintain, they’re actually easier to fit in the first place.
Fewer issues with nesting birds
When standard solar panels are fixed atop a roof, they provide a safe area for birds to shelter and build their nests. Although having birds around your home isn’t necessarily a bad thing, when they’re nesting around your solar panels they can increase the amount of maintenance required as far as cleaning the panels is concerned, and has even led some people to pay for technicians to come and make their solar panels bird proof. With roof integrated solar, there is no place for birds to get in behind the panels, meaning you’re unlikely to encounter this problem in the first place.
At AceOn, we have partnered with Viridian Solar to develop integrated solar projects around the UK. For more information about how you can benefit from roof integrated solar, or to ask any questions about an installation, feel free to get in touch with us today on 01952 293 388.
