Asphalt Shingle Solar Mount Description
Asphalt shingles, a widely used roofing material, have seen technological advancements, increasing their lifespan to 40–50 years and improving load-bearing capacity.
They remain a cost-effective and durable choice for homeowners.
The addition of solar panels on asphalt shingle roofs enhances their visual appeal discreetly and protects the shingles from UV damage, maintaining a cool and comfortable attic space.
Embrace the synergy of asphalt shingles and solar power for a reliable and energy-efficient roofing solution.
Features of asphalt shingle solar mount
Custom Options
Choose between black and silver to match your asphalt shingle color.
The solar array can be arranged horizontally or vertically, and the rail length can be customized to fit your roof perfectly.
Efficient Installation
Asphalt shingle roof installation is one of the most efficient methods for solar roof installations.
With fewer components and straightforward assembly, the precise matching of components ensures a highly efficient installation process.
Specification of asphalt shingle solar mount
Install site | Asphalt Shingle Roof |
TIlt Angle | 5-60° |
Module Type | Any sizes, Framed or Frameless |
Max Wind Speed | 60 m/s |
Max Snow Load | 1.4KN/m2 |
Material | AL6005-T5 and SUS304 |
Standard | AS1170.2 TUV SGS |
Warranty | 10 years warranty and 25 years service life |
Components
Asphalt shingle solar mount FAQ
What is a solar roof installation?
Solar roof installation refers to the process of directly mounting solar panels onto the rooftop of a building to harness solar energy and convert it into electricity.
This innovative approach allows property owners to generate clean and renewable energy while effectively utilizing the available roof space, leading to substantial energy cost savings.
The elevated location of the rooftop helps avoid shading, enabling the solar panels to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day.
Depending on the installation method, solar panels can optimize energy production, making the most of the available sunlight.
In addition, roofs provide natural structural support for solar panels, and installing solar panels on a roof eliminates much of the time-consuming structural erection.
What solar roof mounting options are available?
There are several solar roof installation methods that vary based on the type of roofing material, the structure of the building, and the desired aesthetics. Some common solar roof installation methods include:
Integrated Solar Shingles or Tiles
Solar shingles or tiles are designed to replace conventional roofing materials and blend seamlessly with the rest of the roof.
They are installed in the same manner as traditional roofing materials and provide a visually appealing solar solution.
Rack-Mounted Solar Panels
This method involves mounting traditional solar panels on racks that are secured to the rooftop. The solar panels are angled to optimize sunlight exposure and can be installed on various roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or metal roofs. Depending on the roofing material, rack buildings can also be categorized as penetrating or non-penetrating (secured with clamps).
Ballasted Solar Panels
Ballasted solar panels are not directly attached to the roof surface. Instead, they are weighted down with concrete blocks or other ballast materials to keep them in place. This method is suitable for flat roofs.
Read more: https://alvsolar.com/2023-best-rooftop-solar-panel-mounts/
Solar Ground Mount vs. Roof Mount Racking: Which is Best?
In many cases, solar roof installation is a better choice for several reasons:
Space Utilization
Solar roof installations effectively utilize the rooftop space.
Roofs are often underutilized or unused areas, and installing solar panels on the roof allows homeowners and businesses to generate solar energy without requiring additional land or ground space.
Especially for commercial projects, solar panels on the roof can be an excellent way to increase rooftop utilization and enhance the company's environmental image.
Aesthetics
Solar roof installations blend seamlessly with the building's architecture, making them visually appealing.
Unlike ground-mounted installations, which may require considerations for compatibility with surrounding landscapes, solar panels on the roof integrate harmoniously with the overall design of the building.
This is particularly important for residential properties with well-maintained gardens, landscaping, or neighboring properties.
Shorter Wiring Distances
Solar roof installations have shorter wiring and connection distances compared to ground installations.
This reduces the materials and labor costs associated with wiring and electrical work.
What is an asphalt shingle solar roof mounting system?
Asphalt shingle solar roof installation refers to a method where L-shaped brackets are secured to the rafters by penetrating through the shingles using bolts.
A waterproof barrier is placed in between to prevent leaks.
The L-brackets are connected to rails, and solar panels are then mounted on these rails using clamps, securing the entire system.
The elevation between the roof and rails allows for better ventilation, enhancing the efficiency of the panels.
Do asphalt shingle solar roof mounts leak?
When properly installed by experienced and qualified professionals, asphalt shingle solar roof installations should not cause leaks.
There are a number of necessary measures that can be taken to prevent water leaks, such as placing flashing that will prevent water from entering the solar roof and using a high-quality sealant to ensure a watertight seal.
Roof leaks can also be caused by these factors:
Sealant Deterioration
Over time, sealants around the solar brackets can deteriorate due to exposure to weather conditions, potentially leading to water infiltration.
Deterioration of the shingles
Water leakage sometimes occurs not as a result of the installation of solar panels, but due to the deterioration of the shingles.
Watch for spots on the ceiling, bent shingles, mold or moss growing on the exterior walls, etc., which are signs of a leaking roof.
Roof assessment
Before proceeding with a solar roof installation, it is recommended to consult with a professional roofing contractor to assess the condition of the existing roof and ensure it is suitable for the addition of solar panels.
A well-executed and properly maintained asphalt shingle solar roof installation should provide a durable and watertight solution for harnessing solar energy.
What are solar shingles?
Solar shingles, also known as solar roof tiles or solar roofing, are innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) systems designed to blend seamlessly with traditional roofing materials.
The integrated design of solar roof tiles gives the entire roof a sleek and modern appearance, resembling a traditional roof with a technological touch.
Compared to directly installing traditional solar panels on the roof, solar roof tiles offer a more minimalist and seamless look.
Which is better for asphalt shingle roofs, solar panels or solar shingles?
When it comes to asphalt shingle roofs, both solar panels and solar tiles can be viable options, but each has its own considerations.
Cost
Solar tiles are a relatively new technology, and like solar panels, they typically come with a warranty of around 25 years.
However, solar tiles are generally more expensive than solar panels. The cost of solar tiles can vary significantly depending on the solar company, and in many cases, it can be more than twice the cost of a rack-mounted solar panel installation.
Additionally, the installation of solar tiles takes longer, which can contribute to higher overall costs. On the other hand, installing solar panels on asphalt shingle roofs is relatively straightforward and less time-consuming.
Efficiency
Solar tiles generally have lower efficiency compared to most solar panels.
Solar tiles typically have efficiency levels ranging from 14% to 18%, while many solar panels on the market have efficiencies exceeding 20%.
It's expected that solar panel efficiencies may even surpass 28% in mass production after 2024.
Aesthetics
Solar tiles can offer a more integrated and subtle look, especially if they cover the entire roof. They can add a stylish touch to the overall appearance of the house.
However, considering efficiency and budget concerns, some homeowners opt for a partial replacement of the shingles on the south-facing side of the roof with solar tiles.
In reality, solar tiles may exhibit a somewhat mismatched appearance under direct sunlight, giving the impression of patchwork on the roof.
On the other hand, solar panels are generally black or blue, and while rack-mounted installations may be more visible, they can add a bit of liveliness to the otherwise dull asphalt shingles.
A well-arranged solar panel array may not necessarily diminish the visual appeal of the roof.
What are the benefits of installing solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof?
Installing solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof offers several benefits:
Protection from Extreme Weather
Solar panels can act as a protective layer for your asphalt shingle roof, extending its lifespan and shielding it from damage caused by extreme weather conditions like heavy snowfall or hail.
Solar panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, and when properly installed, they can resist hurricanes and hail.
In snowy regions, the heat generated by the solar panels can help melt snow, enhancing their efficiency.
If you're still concerned about potential damage, solar panel protective covers can provide an additional layer of insurance.
UV Protection for Shingles
Asphalt shingles have a protective coating that can become dry and crack when exposed to intense UV radiation.
Solar panels provide additional protection, reducing the impact of sunlight exposure on the shingles, including heat stress, fading, and damage to the protective coating.
Cooling Effect
The presence of solar panels reduces direct sunlight exposure on the asphalt shingles, creating a shading effect and helping to cool the roof. In this way, solar panels indirectly contribute to reducing the cooling costs of the house.
Overall, installing solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof not only generates clean energy but also provides added benefits by protecting the roof from weather damage, extending the life of the shingles, and reducing cooling costs.
