Frequently Asked Questions

Mr. Roofing reviews the most common tips and tricks when you are considering solar as an addition to your home. From ways to find a reputable solar installer, leasing vs. buying, and what size should your solar system should be.

When choosing a solar system you will be deciding between a Micro Inverter vs. a String Inverter. You will want to consider things like how much shading covers your home and how big of a system you will need. Micro Inverter systems are independent power producers for each individual solar panel. They optimal for more shaded areas as the whole system will not shut off when covered in shade. It is also easier to add to a Micro Inverter system. String Inverter systems are great for bigger commercial projects. They provide financial benefits that make sense for larger solar installs. Additionally there is less maintenance that has to be done to a String Inverter system.

When it comes to leasing versus buying your solar project, there are benefits to both. When leasing a project you have the opportunity to pay for your project over time, limiting your up-front costs. If you buy your new solar system you will get credit back on your taxes.  Whether you lease or buy your solar system will pay for itself in 4 to 6 years.

When it comes to finding the right solar size for your home there are a few things to consider. Things such as your 12 month kilowatt usage, where your home is positioned, and your current electric system conditions. These factors will play into the size of system you will need for your home.

The best ways to find a reputable solar installer is by word of mouth, research, reviewing the Solar Trade Association, and making sure whoever you choose to do business with is an authorized solar installer and has relationships with the solar manufactures.

Some of the key indicators that you'll need to replace your roof include things like the material, shingles or other roof materials. If you start seeing any curling and cracking you're starting to lose granules from the product. If water is coming into the property, that's a sign of leaking and that the system is failing. It worth having a certified roofing contractor look at your roof to assess what damages can be repaired or replaced.

• What's the right product to solve those problems or avoid those problems? 
• What are the right processes? 
• Who are the right people to do that work? 
• And ultimately, what's the right price? 

Some of the best ways to find a reputable contractor are word of mouth, seeing what friends and family are saying, internet searches like review platforms and local searches, and trade associations. A reputable contractor will give you a few options. They won't just give you what's best for them. They'll give you the best options for you and your property and your goals. The basics are that they're licensed, that they're insured, have references, but I think you should go beyond that. The contractor that you're considering should have a relationship with the major manufacturers. That way you're protected. It'll demonstrate that they have some training for their team and that they are familiar with working with the particular product lines. Otherwise, anyone could pick up material from a supplier and actually come and put it on your roof. If there's a relationship, then you're more likely to get protection from the manufacturer.

You're better off hiring a professional because it'll cost you less in the long run. I've had clients who pay us to continually repair their roof. After like three years, there's no more repairing and they have to replace the whole roof. The best use of your money is to take that up front and a reputable company will have ways to make it easy for you to move forward with the project in terms of paying for it, spreading it out and payments over time. And that in the long term will save you money. safety is critical. Being on a ladder up on heights, the actual surface, the edges of the roof, it's something that you should leave to a professional just to protect you.

Typically, a roof will last between 12 years and as much as about 40 years and with proper maintenance schedules, you can definitely extend the life of it. But it will depend on the system and the materials.