Is your roof ready to become an energy-production zone? If you live in an area with solar possibilities, you can turn your roof from something that protects your family from the elements into an area that captures energy from the sun so you can use it to power your home. Even if you live in a cloudy or rainy climate, you might be surprised at the potential of solar energy for your home. Solar roofing is becoming an increasingly viable and logical home renovation choice, both for environmental reasons and to avoid rising energy costs for homeowners.

Why Install a Solar Energy System?

Could your house make its own energy? With renewable energy systems, such as solar, you can build a new home or retrofit an existing one so that it can generate its own energy. Solar energy has a low ecological impact and, over time, it can add to your home’s value as well.

While solar energy is always improving, a solar shingle system can currently yield 12 watts per square foot. That’s enough to send energy to your home and back into the power grid as well, saving you between 40 to 70 percent on your electricity bill or more, especially if combined with energy-efficient practices and appliances. You don’t need to live in an off-grid, rural home to do this. Solar energy systems are suitable for urban and suburban neighborhoods as well.

What Are My Solar Options?

When you think about solar energy, you probably think about large solar panels that are either freestanding or attached to a roof. However, solar doesn’t need to look like that any more. You can add new roofing with a solar component to your home using solar shingles. Solar shingles look like ordinary shingles and they’ve become much less expensive. While there is a cost for materials and installation, local governments and other organizations often have discounts or bonuses available to you for making your home more energy-efficient.

Maintaining Your Support System

Everyone needs a support system. Your roof is no exception. You want to keep your solar shingles clean and free of pooling water. You can only do this by looking at the support structures for your roof as well. Integrate your gutter systems and drains into your roof replacement plan to ensure that your new roof is well-drained. Integrate the rest of your home and landscaping into a broader energy-saving plan. For example, adding awnings to your home can reduce your air conditioning requirements in the summer months, decreasing your energy usage.

Harry Helmet offers more than gutters. We’re a one-stop solution for awnings, roofing, and solar products. When you’re thinking of shifting to solar energy to power your home energy needs, think of Harry Helmet when you plan your roof replacement. Contact us today and learn more about roofing and the ways we can help to transform your home.

Written by Del Thebaud