If you own a farmhouse or live in one, the chances are that you would have thought about means of reducing your energy bills and contributing towards making the greener earth a reality.
While this is a noble thought, it will help a lot if you take the time to understand the basics of renewable energy and how you can take advantage of it. Think solar panels. Installing solar panels is a great idea, and you can rest assured that it is a smart and worthwhile investment.
Thankfully, you can easily find experts to help with the installation at an affordable rate. However, while you are at it, there are some mistakes you should avoid when installing solar panel mounting rails on a farmhouse roof. We will reveal these mistakes and share professional tips on how you can avoid them. If you are ready, let us get started.
1. Poor planning
As the famous saying goes, failure to plan is planning to fail. Like every home project, solar panel installation projects also require adequate planning. Without planning, you will be flying blindly, and it won’t take long before you run into a brick wall.
What does this involve?
It starts with checking or assessing the condition of your roof – is it sturdy enough to carry the additional weight of the panels? How about orientation — will the panels get enough sunlight? Considering a roof repair free estimate might be wise to ensure the stability of your roof before proceeding with solar panel installation.’
Once you are done with that, you can calculate the number of panels you will need to power your home. If you are unsure about doing this correctly, don’t hesitate to consult a professional company like Solar Fasten for a detailed analysis.
2. Choosing Cheap Over Quality
Another common mistake people make when installing solar mounting rails is opting for cheap or inferior materials. While this may look appealing and seem like an affordable option at the initial stage, it is a recipe for disaster as time goes by. And you definitely do not want that.
To be on the safe side, it is always best to invest in high-quality rails (those that are either made from steel or aluminum). These quality mounting rails offer durability and will provide long-lasting support for your solar panels.
3. Poor Alignment of Rails
You may not know this, but it is easy to miss misalignment in the rails if you are not a professional. Sadly, this mistake can result in a malfunction of the system and reduced efficiency of your solar panels. To avoid this mistake, remember to always check if the rails are straight and parallel to each other. How do you do this? A laser level will help you get the correct level, and you can use a string to ensure the panels are perfectly aligned.
4. Ignoring Load-Bearing Capacity
Ignoring how much load your roof can carry will most likely lead to structural damage. It is similar to piling bricks on a weak foundation, and you know what that means. To avoid this mistake, consult an engineer to ensure your roof can support the added weight of the solar panel system.
5. Neglecting Wind Resistance
The effect of wind on solar panels is another factor you must also consider. Though often neglected, wind has the ability to rip off your panels and damage them during storms. This is why it is important to consider wind resistance when installing your mounting rails.
In addition to these, other common mistakes you must avoid include using low-quality fasteners to secure the mounting rails, using the wrong tilt angle (this can reduce energy output), and not seeking help from a professional installer.
There you have it: a list of common mistakes you should avoid when installing solar panel mounting rails on a farmhouse. With this information, you can make an informed decision and get the best returns on your investment in solar panels.
