Summer is almost here, so it's the perfect time to think about solar power for your home. In this post, we talk about solar roofs and whether your roof is able to go solar. Recent research published by Roy Morgan states almost 1 out of 4 homes in Australia already installed solar power on their roofs and half of the country’s roofs are suitable for its installation. The survey shows that South Australia ranked as top consumer of solar power with 32.8 % while Queensland comes second with 30.2 % and Western Australia at 26.6 %.

Going solar is one of the best choices that not only helps the environment but benefits your pocket too.

Why do you need to go solar?

Solar Power Systems are a popular choice all over Australia. As our electricity prices continue to increase, many people choose solar power to help ease energy costs.

According to Solar Choice, you can save as much as $0.20-$0.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) depending on which part of Australia you live in. 

Not only will solar power help with power bills, but one of the main reasons people turn to solar is to use "clean", environmentally friendly energy instead. 

The 4 Things To Check Before Going Solar

Is your roof steady as a rock? Can it withstand large weight, heavy materials, and modifications? If that's a yes, you’re almost ready to go solar.

There are four main things you must check and consider if you’re looking to install solar panels:

Roof Materials

What kind of roof do you have? The most solar-friendly type of roof material is the metal roof, this is because of its durability. Tiled roofs are also good, as long as the tiles are not old or becoming fragile. The most important thing to check is whether it can handle the heavy weight of solar panels. If there are cracks or damage on your roof, it's much safer to fix these before putting your solar system on.

Roof Area

The size of you roof is also important to check in order to see whether your solar panels can fit the space. An average solar system takes up 16 – 35m2 of roof space, so you need to make sure it can fit comfortably. Hiring a professional to inspect your roof is the best way to know if you're solar-ready.

Roof Condition

As we mentioned in roof materials, the current condition of the roofing system plays a big role in choosing whether to go solar. Solar panels have at least 20-25 years life cycle before replacement and if your roof won't survive this long, the cost of repairs may end up being double.

Roof Direction

Roof Direction is also one of the things you must consider. A lot of houses are shaded with trees, which may block sunlight reaching your solar panels. Choosing the side of your roof that gets the most sun will ensure you get the most out of your solar panels and they reach maximum functionality. 

Solar power takes a bit of initial work and money, but the reward is well worth it. Not only will it help with energy costs but it's also  good investment for your property, acting as a selling point if you choose to put your home on the market.