If the rising cost of electricity has you thinking about putting solar panels on your roof and you’d like to know more about the process, this blog is for you. 

In this article, you can read about the work required to install solar panels on a composite shingle roof. Or also known as an asphalt shingle roof. 

What are asphalt shingle roofs?

Asphalt Shingle Roof

First, look at asphalt shingle roofs. Know more about your own roofing system and what that means if you’re considering solar panels. 

Asphalt shingle roofs are a type of roofing that uses asphalt for waterproofing. They are installed by overlapping small slates of shingles. They provide protection against natural elements such as heavy downpours and too much heat from the sun. This roofing system is comparatively easy to install and can last between 15 to 30 years. It’s also one of the least expensive roofing systems available. Which is why it’s so common and the easiest to install solar panels on. 

Take note, if your roof is already at the end of its life or even close to it, you might want to consider replacing it before you put it on solar. 

The solar panel installation process

When the installers arrive, it’s usually in the early morning between 7-8. Depending on the number of panels and the scope of work, an installation team is usually 3-4 men for a composite shingle roof.

Each man plays a particular role in the process, and you’ll notice that if you watch your installation unfold. The headcount will vary depending on the size of the roof and how accessible it is. 

1. On-the-ground work will start with electrical and involve opening up the main service panel, a sub-panel, or both. What connects the solar panels on the roof to the equipment on the ground and, finally, into the main service panel makes your electric meter spin backward.
2.  On the roof, work will commence marking the location of the rafters and the rest of the panel footprint. Once that’s done, you install the panels’ footings and racking.
3. To bring the conduit up to the roof levels and connect it to the solar panels, you can do a wrap-around. This is where the conduit wraps around the eve. If you care about aesthetics and workmanship, you will want to ensure that your installer of choice takes the approaching Nexus is doing and brings the conduit through the eve and right onto the wall.
4. Back on the roof, the footings go in place. There are simple ways to attach the footings, which hold up the racking and panels. One of those simple ways includes a basic L-bracket. For greater longevity of your solar installation, you will want a more comprehensive manner.
5. The Flashloc system by Unirac offers a cupped system that goes over the penetration with a chamber filled with a sealant once installed. A notable point of failure is often at the penetration of the roof, so this part matters.
6. Once the footings are installed, the racking goes up, which is what will support the panels. The racking is pretty straightforward though you want to ensure the installer cuts unsightly pieces of racking that protrude.
7. A quality installer will also care to properly manage wires. And not use plastic zip ties since those will eventually break after several years and can lead to dangling wires.
8. The rest of the system is tied to the ground equipment when the panels are installed on the roof. Here you can see the equipment on the wall, which ties into the panel inside this home.
9. After installation, the system is tested for functionality, and the work site is cleaned up.

Actual before and after installation process image from DroneQuote

What else to look out for in solar installation?

So what else goes into the installation? Let me tell you. When you buy solar from a reputable installer, you get more than just solar panels and their installation. You get things like steel conduit. This is important because the plastic conduit will have a slim chance of lasting 25 years on the roof. 

You get workmanship like conduit runs that can go into the attic if it’s accessible besides not wrapping the conduit around the eve. 

More importantly, if you select the correct installer, you also get crews that care about their work. 

And finally, you get warranties. While the panels and components include their own warranties, the installer’s own warranties will be worth their weight in gold if you have an issue with the roof or with the solar panel’s performance. 

Unlike most of our partner installers, Nexus has been around so long it’s not easy to find a comparable installer. This means you must be keen on who you choose to install your solar panels. 

The method of installation of solar panels is critical. Still, the company backing the workmanship and the warranties are even more important. In most cases, that’s where a homeowner would first turn if there’s an issue during the ownership of solar panels throughout their 25-year lifespan.

The DroneQuote advantage

Now comes the DroneQuote advantage, which offers unparalleled service and peace of mind; we go above and beyond. 

Regardless of who installs your solar panels, whether YOURSELF or a DroneQuote partner, one element must always be accounted for, and that’s the human element. 

DroneQuote consultants will answer your questions from the perspective of a fiduciary, so you get the correct information to make a sound buying decision. 

Whatever your roof is, be it asphalt shingle roof or concrete tiles, the DroneQuote marketplace moves solar buying online and uses drone technology to really dial in those quotes. We partner with trusted companies that will provide you excellent workmanship and simplify the buying process. You can put your eye on it.

To answer any and all questions regarding your solar project, contact us. At the least, you’ll get an honest approach from a company that has your best interest in mind. At the most, we’ll impress you!