As prices soar, you’re always looking for ways to save money. Adding solar panels to your home or commercial building lowers your utility bills and your carbon footprint. However, if you have a metal building or roof, you might wonder if you can place solar panels on it. Yes, you can, especially if the building is made from steel. A lower pitch on a metal roof makes it an ideal option for placing solar panels.
Advantages of Installing Solar Panels on Metal Buildings
Solar panels are an investment in your home or commercial building. You want to make sure that they offer real advantages for you. Some advantages include:
- Increased property value: If you go to resell your property, you find that the solar panels add value and increase your asking price.
- Save money: Many metal buildings have larger roof space, and you can add more solar panels. This saves you money in utility bills and energy efficiency.
- Easy installation: Solar panels are easily installed, especially on steel roofs.
- Environmental benefits: Solar panels allow you to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint.
- Longevity and durability: Metal roofs are strong and durable, making them ideal to handle the weight of solar panels, even a crystalline panel array.
- Energy Independence: With enough solar panels and a storage system, you can eliminate your need to use the electrical grid.
With all these great advantages, it’s clear that solar panels are the right option for you.
Types of Metal Roofs Suitable for Solar Panels
Steel metal roofs are one of the best options for solar panels. However, the design of the roof matters. A standing seam metal roof is the most accommodating for the addition of solar panels. There are a few other types that work well too. These include roofs with metal shingles and corrugated metal roofing. Corrugated metal roofing provides the most installation challenges because of the ridged pattern. With metal shingles, you need to work with an installer who has experience with this type of installation.
Installation Methods for Solar Panels on Metal Roofs
When it comes to installing solar panels on a metal roof, there are two main installation methods. These are:
Crystalline Panel Array
The older method of installing solar panels on a metal roof is a crystalline panel array. These solar panels are more efficient and effective when the temperatures soar than other options. However, the installers might need to drill holes into your metal roof to affix them. In many cases, they are able to install these panels using brackets or clips. You can expect these solar panels to last 25 years or longer.
Laminate Solar Panels
The new kids on the block are laminate solar panels, which are much more lightweight than a crystalline panel array. Peel and stick materials are used for installation, so you don’t need to worry about drilling holes in your metal roof. They also offer a lower profile. While these are a great option for a metal roof, they can lack some of the efficiency of a crystalline panel array. These solar panels should also last 25 years or longer.
Contact JAG Metals for all Your Metal Needs
If you’re considering constructing a building and want solar panels, a metal building is your best option. JAG Metals can partner with you to provide the high-quality metal you need for construction. We’re a locally owned and operated company with decades of experience in the construction industry. Our team wants to partner with you to build a structure that lasts for decades. Contact us today.
