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  • Writer's pictureAdam H. Cooke

Solar Plus Roofing 2022 | CT Solar Company | Premier Improvements Solar

Updated: Jul 17, 2022


You should consider adding solar to your larger roof replacement project. A new roof and solar panels combined can provide power for your home for over 20 years. It will also protect your roof from future damage and maintenance.


The most common obstacle to solar panel installation is finding that your roof must be replaced before solar panels can be installed. This article will explain the benefits and process of solar power installation and roof replacement in combination, as well as why installing solar panels + a new roof is the best choice.





There are many Benefits to Installing Solar Panels when replacing your Roof


You will reap eight important benefits if you have a new roof as well as solar:

1. One Point of Contact

This is often the best perk homeowners get when they replace their roofs and install solar panels. You don't have to coordinate two large projects with multiple companies or government officials. Instead, you can pool your efforts and select one company to handle everything. You will get streamlined communication and help move the project forward by speaking with one person about the details of both a new roof installation and solar panel installation.

2. Combination Financing

Installing a solar power system or replacing your roof can be expensive and require extensive financial projections. You can complete both projects by working with one company, rather than pursuing multiple loans from different vendors or banks.

3. Permitting for Combined Use

A single point of contact can be hired to handle all details for you, much like combined financing. This approach removes the stress from these projects and puts them in the hands of an expert who can navigate the bureaucracy to keep your project moving.

4. A Simplified Timeline

It's much easier to plan the steps and when they will occur. A clear understanding of the details will allow you and your team to work more efficiently, and reduce the overall timeframe.

5. Increased Roof Durability

Your roof's life expectancy will depend on the material it is made from. However, all roofs eventually go out of business. Solar panels are more durable than most roofing materials and can last for up to 40 years. Because the panels provide coverage, it is a smart decision to go solar as soon as you replace your roof.

6. Lower Long-Term Costs

A new roof and a solar power system will have a lower likelihood of you needing to re-roof. If you choose to go solar, without having to replace your roof, you can save yourself the time and money of solar panel removal and replacement.

7. Roof Compatibility

Solar installation is not possible for all roof designs. The combination of roof replacement and solar panel installation ensures that compatible roof materials, proper shingling, and the right tilt are used.

Installing solar on roofing materials that are not compatible or having more than one layer of shingles increases the risk of water damage. You will need to add additional materials to get the roof at the ideal angle.

8. Increased Home Value

It can increase curb appeal by replacing your roof with solar panels. Remodeling magazine states that a new roof can boost your home's resale values by more than $17k, on an average national level. It's just good financial sense.

Our latest solar roofing project





Solar Energy: The Benefits

You can enjoy these perks when you have your roof replaced with solar energy.

Check out our list of Solar Energy Benefits and Cons for more information about the many benefits solar systems can bring to your home.


Roof Replacement Steps

Understanding the entire roof replacement process is a great place to start. Here's a sample of a typical shingle roof repair:

  1. Contract - The roofing company will usually ask you to sign a contract outlining the work that will take place.

  2. Home Preparation - Professional roofing services will cover your siding and landscape with a tarp before you touch any shingle.

  3. Removal Old Shingles - Most roofing contractors will remove all shingles (even those in good condition) to inspect the base of your roof.

  4. Plywood Inspection - The roofers will inspect the plywood that forms your roof’s base and fix any insecure attachments or damage.

  5. Shingle Preparation Roof Protection is essential. Although tactics can vary from one company to the next, they might install water and ice protection, drip edges, roofing felt, or roofing felt.

  6. Shingle Application - This is where your new roof material actually goes on your home.

  7. Flashing and Ridge Vent: The technicians may use flashing or ridge vents to drain water from certain areas. This allows air to escape and water to not get in.

  8. Cleaning up and Inspection: After a project is completed, professional roofers will clean up the debris. This includes a final inspection to ensure that the homeowner is satisfied.

Do not Delay a Roof Replacement

There are many reasons to replace your roof if it is damaged.

  • Exposure: As a result of aging, roof shingles that are not in good condition can cause roof structures to be exposed to moisture, heat and pests. These elements could eventually get into your home and cause further damage.

  • Personal Safety - If your roof is beyond repair, it could cave in at any moment (especially during heavy rains), posing a serious threat to your safety.

  • Lower Home Value: No one wants to pay high-priced repairs on their property. An aging roof can also lower the value of your home.


There are many reasons you might need a New Roof

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that over 2.8 millions homes each year require a new roof. While a roof should last 20 years, these signs indicate that it is time to replace yours.

  • Broken or Missing Tiles/Shingles

  • Worn-Out Material: As with all things, your roof will age eventually. You may start to notice signs of aging such as worn tiles, rusting and shingle granules.

  • Water Damage - A damaged roof component can allow water to enter your home, especially in heavy rainstorms. Check your roof for worn-out sealants and broken tiles.

  • Cracks & Punctures Trauma is the main cause of cracks & punctures in tiles and underlayment. Poor installation and objects such as tree branches falling onto your roof can all cause cracks and punctures.

  • Stagnant Water - If your roof's flashing or gutters are damaged, water may not be removed efficiently.

  • Structural damage: If you fail to repair damaged roofing, it can cause additional damage to your home that could endanger your family's safety and life.

You might need to replace your roof before you go solar. The process of removing, reinstalling and replacing solar panels can be complicated and costly. It's best to do the roof work before adding solar panels. If your roof is approaching the end of its useful life, it might not be structurally capable of supporting the additional weight of solar equipment. This can pose a risk to your home and the installation team.

Solar Panel Installation Timeline

Installation of a solar roof for your home involves estimates, design, permitting and installation. Grid connections are also required. Inspection is included. The entire process can take between 4 and 12 weeks. Surprisingly the actual process of installing solar panels on roofs (excluding all other tasks) takes less than two days. Here are the steps in a typical solar energy installation by Premier Improvements Solar.

  1. Initial Estimate - Get a Free Solar Quote from Premier Improvements Solar and see how much you could save.

  2. Site Assessment - After you contact us, we will visit your home to inspect the roof direction, look at any shading and take measurements. This step can take anywhere from one to two weeks.

  3. Design Using the information from the assessment and the roof complexity, Palmetto can create a more detailed plan for your solar panels and adjust your quote to make sure your solar power system fits your home perfectly.

  4. Permitting - Getting permits from your county, city, or state government can be a tedious experience. But Palmetto will handle it all. This step can take between 2-8 weeks while we wait for approval from the appropriate government officials. This timeline is beyond our control. However, we try to speed it up whenever possible.

  5. Installation - Most cases take less than five days to complete. This includes mounting the solar panels onto your roof and wiring it up so that it can connect to your home.

  6. Inspections - Your city or county will conduct a final inspection before the utility grid approves your installation. You can rest assured that your solar panel system is safe to join the grid. Inspections usually take between 1 and 4 weeks.

  7. Utility Interconnection - Palmetto will send the documents to the utility company. The utility will connect you with the grid within 1 to 6 weeks. They will also install a bidirectional meter to track the energy you produce. Finally, they will provide the "Permission to Operate" documentation. This means that you can turn on your solar power system and begin generating electricity.


Let Premier Improvements Solar Help you with your New Roof and Solar Panels

You can also hire separate solar and roofing companies to manage the project yourself. You are best to hire one company to manage the solar panels and new roof.

Although some roofing companies may have a solar team, they lack the expertise or dedicated installers. Although some solar companies have a roofing team they are often not certified installers. Poor coordination can lead to complicated and delayed installation of your panels and roof.

Premier Improvements Solar will install your custom photovoltaic system. Our seamless, end to end approach will have you up and running in no time. Our experts have the experience to install a new roof and solar panels on your home. We manage the relationship between the roofing team and you, making it easier for you to get the job done right the first day.

The Key Takeaways

  • Solar panels can be installed when your roof is being replaced.

  • It is best to work with one company to coordinate both the solar and roof projects. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

  • Going solar can reduce your electricity costs, help you get federal tax credits, credit for selling excess electricity, and lower your carbon footprint.

If you are looking for a solar-powered roof, contact Premier Improvements Solar. Our experts will review your situation and make recommendations for the best solar power system for you. Get a customized solar solution to help you save today!





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