Pros and Cons of Solar Panels on Roofs in Texas
Texas is known for bright, hot summers and warm weather year-round. Why not make all that sunlight work for you? You can install solar panels on your roof in order to use solar energy to power your home. Solar energy is a popular emerging option for energy, especially as society discusses moving towards alternative energy options. After all, the sun is easily a renewable resource. But are there any downsides to installing solar panels on your roof? In today’s blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of solar panels on roofs in Texas, as well as how solar panels can work for you.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Given the danger to the earth of using up too much gas or coal for energy, society has been avid in pursuit of alternative forms of energy in recent decades. One popular form of energy is solar energy, harnessing the energy from the sun itself to work for your home. Solar panels work by allowing the particles of light that touch them, or photons, to “knock electrons free, generating a flow of electricity.” That energy is then used to power your home.
This sometimes begs the question: “How do you generate energy at night?” Fortunately, there are a few solutions. Solar panels can be used in conjunction with other forms of energy, for one thing. Solar energy can also be stored in solar batteries to be used later. Though solar energy is perhaps not the most effective method in gray, rainy climates, it’s perfect for sunny Texas weather. That said, here are the pros and cons of using solar panels on your roof:
Solar Panel Pros
Looking for a way to make your home a bit greener? Using renewable solar energy is undoubtedly a way to do so, and it offers your household a number of benefits beyond simply reducing your carbon footprint. Here are a few of the advantages of installing solar panels on your roof.
Solar Panels Save Money
Again, solar energy at this stage is often used in conjunction with the rest of your energy. You buy a solar panel separately and install it on your roof, allowing it to generate supplemental energy. This, of course, will allow you to rely less on your utilities and thus save more money per month. This will also help you to get a return on your investment in installing the solar panels on your roof to begin with.
Solar Panels Boost Home Value
Planning to sell your home in the next few years? Installing solar panels on your roof is sure to boost your home value. Solar panels are an exciting feature right now; a feature homebuyers will be willing to pay more money for. They’ll also be able to get that money back by the monthly energy savings they enjoy.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
It’s not the only benefit of solar panels on your roof, but a reduced carbon footprint is still a massive benefit. Solar energy allows you to generate energy without putting harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Energy generated from solar panels is also clean and free of greenhouse gases.
Closer to Energy Independence
As our country takes steps to move towards energy independence and reduce the damage done to the climate, individuals look for ways to do their part to make a difference. Recycling and composting can help, but making solar energy more common can make a massive impact — not to mention the regular use of solar energy will help to reduce your own carbon footprint.
Solar Panel Cons
There are few home improvements that are the right choice for every home in every place. And even home improvement boons like solar panels have their own drawbacks. It’s important to consider the disadvantages as well as the benefits before you have solar panels installed on your roof. Some of these include:
High Upfront Cost
Solar panels will pay for themselves in the long run, given the energy savings and boosted home value you’ll be able to enjoy. However, it’s undeniable that the upfront cost of solar panels can be quite a steep one. You may need to save for them for some time or to apply for financing in order to afford your first solar panels. After some time, though, this disadvantage may be offset by the advantages of solar panels, though it is important to keep in mind that certain tax benefits may not be available where you are, such as…
No SRECs in Texas
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, or SRECs, are a way to reward homeowners monetarily for using solar panels. This promotes the usage of solar energy so that homeowners across the country rely less on coal energy. However, the availability of SRECs depends on the state. According to SRECTrade, Texas “does not currently have a viable SREC market as there is no solar carve-out.”
Awkward Appearance
Solar panels may have much to offer your home in terms of energy efficiency, but their curb appeal is a bit awkward. While the appearance of solar panels may appeal to some homeowners who, well, want to use solar energy, they look awkward and bulky and tend to stand out from any roof. If you’re particular about the aesthetic of your home, you may struggle to fit solar panels in.
Not Compatible With Every Roof
If you plan to install solar panels on your roof, you want to ensure that your roof gets plenty of sunlight for those solar panels to soak up. Solar panels can be installed on every type of roof but work best when perched at a 30-degree angle facing south or southwest. If your roof angles face east and west, you might not get the best results for your roof.
Ultimately, the choice to install solar panels on your roof depends on your home and your priorities. Is it the right call for you? For the best roof for your Texas home, contact Houston Roofing today and ask about our GAF Roofing products or schedule a free estimate.