Month: July 2022

One of the biggest reasons why homeowners are hesitant to install residential solar panels is the risk of roof damage, which can add repair costs to the already hefty investment installing solar panels represents.

What cautious homeowners don’t realize, however, is that as long as solar panels are installed correctly, the risk of roof damage is minimal and can instead provide additional protection to your roof.

In this short article, we’ll explain why you shouldn’t worry about roof damage when working with EZ Solar to install solar panels on your home.

Why People Worry, and Why They Shouldn’t.

It’s pretty easy to understand why people worry about roof damage. After all, solar panels need to be fixed to your roof one way or another, and when people picture the process, they assume a lot of drilling and hole-punching will take place during the installation.

This, of course, could lead to leaks and potential water damage, a fact that professional solar panel installers know well, which is why they keep these risks to a minimum to ensure not only the secure attachment of the solar panels but also the protection of your home.

Most solar panels are installed with either a roof clap system or a ballasted racking system, neither of which involves drilling holes into your roof.

Other installation methods, such as bolting the supports into the rafters, do involve drilling holes, but if you’re working with a professional like EZ solar, you better bet they’ll use watertight bolts and materials to avoid damaging your roof.

Experts you can Trust

The biggest boom of working with experts like EZ Solar when installing residential solar panels is that they not only will be able to install the panels without damaging your roof but will be able to tell you if your roof is suitable for installation in the first place.

Solar panels have an average lifespan of 25 years, which means that, under ideal conditions, that’s how long they’ll be on your roof.

On a new roof, this won’t be a problem, but on a damaged or old roof, the extra weight of solar panels might make the damage even worse.

Likewise, if your roof is not in good condition, the installation may fail and the solar panels may fall.

A reliable solar power company will inspect your roof to ensure it’s suitable for residential solar panel installation. If it is will work with you to design a system that works for you and your budget, which they will then install with no damage to your roof.

If your roof isn’t suitable, or if it’s damaged, they’ll let you know, so that you can take the necessary steps to fix your roof before trying the installation again.

Some companies, like EZ Solar, provide both services, giving potential customers the ability to either install residential solar panels or fix damaged roofs, without having to hire a second contractor, making the whole process as seamless as it gets.

As a business owner, electricity is one of the highest overhead costs you will face over the course of your enterprise, and it’s a cost that only grows as your business grows larger.

Being completely dependent on the commercial power grid subjects your business to the same complications you face at home, with the added struggle that your business relies even more on electricity; After all, a day without power at home may be annoying, but a day without power in your business will cost you money.

Because of this, an increasing number of savvy business owners are turning to solar panels for their business, and in this entry, we’ll tell you why you should consider doing the same.

Reducing Overhead Costs

The goal of every business is to generate money and, to do this, you want to keep your overhead costs to a minimum.

While installing solar panels in a commercial building requires a pretty big investment, solar panels will not only pay for themselves but also reduce your power bills if given enough time.

Not only that, but depending on where you live and the size of your commercial building, you may receive all sorts of tax exemptions, and, even better, you could potentially earn additional income from excess energy generated by your commercial building.

Monetary Stability

Relying on the city’s power grid means that you’re vulnerable to price fluctuations, which can make budgeting for your business particularly challenging.

While you will only be completely free of price fluctuations if you go entirely off-grid, even partial use of solar panels can help you reduce these unexpected costs, resulting in a more predictable income, which will make budgeting much easier.

Community Reputation

Installing solar panels in your commercial building gives a very clear message that you care about the environment and that you’re taking the necessary steps to help the planet.

In California, where solar panels are only growing in popularity, this can give your business extra green credentials, which you can not only use as part of your marketing efforts but can also make part of your business plan.

Nowadays, consumers are showing a marked preference for eco-conscious, sustainable companies, so making the switch to solar panels will increase consumer goodwill no matter what kind of business you run.

Increase Property Value

Expanding on the previous point, today’s consumers are very eco-conscious, and younger generations see solar panels as a plus rather than the eyesore older generations think they are.

This means that, much like houses, the price of your commercial building will only increase if you add solar panels to the building.

When buyers purchase a property with solar panels -be it commercial or residential- it’s the understanding that they’re also buying the panels, so they’re willing to pay more for the building.

What’s more, some solar-panel-oriented loans actually allow you to transfer the loan to the building’s new owner, so you can move your business to a different building debt-free!

It’s easy to overlook just how important your roof is for the integrity of your home, but make no mistake, a healthy roof can make a huge difference, so it pays to know when it needs to be replaced.

In this article, we’ll cover 5 signs that let you know it’s time to replace your roof.

Shingle Damage

One of the easiest ways to check if your roof needs to be replaced is to check the state of your shingles.

New shingles tend to lay flat, giving your roof a smooth and level surface that helps the rain slide off and gives your house a beautiful appearance.

Time, the sun, strong winds, heavy rain, and other events can move the shingles, damage them, or even knock them off your roof entirely, so they’re a pretty good indicator of when your roof needs to be replaced.

If only a few shingles are damaged, there’s a good chance you’ll only need to inspect and replace a part of your roof. However, if most of the shingles are no longer laying flat, are cracked, or are missing, you should replace your roof ASAP, or at the very least give it a thorough inspection.

Mildew and Mold

When your roof’s shingles are damaged or missing, water can make its way to your roof, where it will pool and damage the structure.

A clear sign that there’s some damage on your roof is the presence of mildew or mold growing on your ceilings and roofs, so if you notice this, you should give your roof a thorough inspection.

If the roof inspector didn’t spot any problems, there’s a good chance you have some issues with your plumbing.

Gutter Granules

When cleaning your gutter, look for granules or dirt that looks like asphalt, as this is often an indicator that your roof is in trouble.

Asphalt shingles are usually covered with small granules that protect them from the elements, so when your gutter starts filling with these, there’s a good chance you’ll have to change your shingles.

As usual, if you’ve noticed your shingles are damaged, you should inspect your roof for further issues.

Roof Sagging

If you notice any part of your roof is sagging, you need to call a roof inspector ASAP, as this is a clear indicator of structural problems.

Roof sagging is one of those signs you should never ignore, as it only gets worse with time, so make sure to act promptly.

If you’re not certain whether or not your roof is sagging, check your attic’s decking and foundation supports for further damage, but still consider calling a roof inspector for reference.

Visible cracks without sagging are also a sign of structural damage, and you should replace your roof promptly.

Age

If your roof is over 25 years old, then you should replace it regardless of how it appears to the eye.

Roofs aren’t made to last for more than 30 years unattended, so make plans to replace them every 25 years as a precaution.

So now that you know the signs that your roof needs to be replaced, all you need to know is who to call, and if you live in the San Diego metropolitan area, you should call EZ Solar & Electric. Whether it’s a residential or commercial roof that needs critical attention, EZ Solar & Electric is the company you need for your project.

With energy costs increasing across the country, it makes sense to look for a way to save money on utilities, and solar power is an excellent way of achieving that goal.

While most people’s minds jump to residential solar panels when thinking about using solar power, the truth is that this unlimited resource can be used to save money in more ways than one.

Today, we’ll look at some of the ways you can use solar power to save money at home, such as:

Solar Water Heater

While not as notorious as solar panels, solar water heaters are an excellent alternative source of hot water and can save you some serious money on gas bills.

They work by heating water via solar panels, and while they won’t work during overcast days or storms, they can be used in conjunction with gas-powered heaters to give you hot water every day of the year at a reduced cost.

Solar Powered Window Heaters

An up-and-coming addition to every house, particularly during the winter, solar-powered window heaters pull double duty by providing extra insulation and heating rooms at once.

These small heaters are window mounted, and they absorb sunlight from outside the house and transform it into heat that’s then reflected indoors.

The effect isn’t enough to completely heat a house, but it does help heat the room they’re installed in without the need for electricity.

Like water heaters, these can work in tandem with other appliances. That way, if the room isn’t warm enough to your liking, or if the day is overcast, you can always use your AC like usual.

Residential Solar Panels

Residential solar panels are as popular as they are because of their versatility.

By generating electricity you can then use at home, residential solar panels can help you cut down on your electric bill and, depending on your appliances, other utilities.

Residential solar panels can help your home go completely off the grid or can help you reduce your electricity consumption, which will save money from the moment you start using them.

Not only that, but residential solar panels can also save you money in the form of tax rebates and government incentives, as well as generate a significant return on investment once you’re ready to sell your home.

The Takeaway

When it comes to solar power, it pays to see it as a complement rather than a complete replacement.

Yes, it’s entirely possible to go completely off-the-grid if one wants to, but for those living in cities like San Diego, it’s often easier to stay connected to the municipal grid.

This strategy ensures you always have access to the utilities you may need, while also reducing your electricity and gas consumption, which is reflected on your bills.

A window-mounted solar-powered space heater, for example, may not be as powerful as an electric one, but by using both you can reach a comfortable temperature while using less electricity, which in turn will save you money without changing your habits.