Solar roofing – what better way to make the most of Australia’s sunny climate and lower your energy bills (and environmental impact)? But if you’re not a natural DIY-er, you might need to speak to a professional solar roofer to get the job done. Read on to find out what they do and how much they cost.
What Is Solar Roofing?
At its simplest, solar roofing is a material on your roof that converts natural sunlight to green energy. This can be solar roof tiles or solar panels.
What’s the difference? Traditional solar panels are usually attached to the existing roof. Solar roof tiles are somewhat niche. They’re integral to your roof and a replacement for conventional asphalt or terracotta tiles.
Types of Solar Roof Tiles
There are two main types of solar roof tiles: monocrystalline and thin-film tiles. Monocrystalline are highly efficient and worth the cost. Thin-film tiles are more flexible and more cost-effective, but perhaps less energy efficient.
Other solar roof tiles:
- Slate shingles resemble traditional tiles
- Tuscan tiles emulate ceramic or terracotta styles
- Smooth glass tiles are modern and sleek
- Textured glass tiles are more discreet and blend in well
What Are the Pros of Installing Solar Roofing?
Solar roofing is growing in popularity – and for a good reason.
Lower Energy Bills
Solar roofing is best known for its ability to provide your home with green energy that comes straight from the sun. Not only will this cut your energy bills by over 50% (and up to 80%!), but it also will mean energy independence. You might even be able to take advantage of Government incentives to reduce installation costs.
Lower Environmental Impact
With the sun powering your A/C, lighting, and everything in between, you’ll have a much lower carbon footprint. The national grid uses a mix of energy sources – but, as of 2023, fossil fuels made up 65% of this. Renewables are only 35%.
Relying less on the national grid, and more on your own solar panels, means you’ll use less fossil fuels and reduce your environmental impact.
Higher Property Value
Not only will you reap the benefits of your solar roofing, but so will anyone who lives in your house after you. This means that installing solar roof panels or tiles will increase the curb appeal of your home – and raise the property’s value.
What Are the Cons of Installing Solar Roofing?
No roofing solution is 100% perfect all the time. Here are a few of the downsides of installing solar roofing.
Installation Costs
While they lower your bills in the long run, you might find yourself paying more upfront. You’ll need to pay for materials, equipment (like inverters and batteries), and professional roofing labour fees. This initial investment might be a barrier to some homeowners.
Weather Dependence
Australia might be known for its gorgeous weather. But not everyday is sunny – depending on where you live. You might not enjoy maximum efficiency from your solar panels as the amount of energy they produce is directly related to the amount of sunlight available. Cloudy or rainy days might affect how much electricity your solar roof produces.
What Do Solar Roofers Do?
Solar roofers install solar roofing. They’re roofers with a particular expertise in solar panels and roof tiles. This means that they can install and integrate your solar roofing, ensuring they’re weather resistant and working efficiently. They should also be able to advise you on the different options and if local weather conditions will have an impact.
How Much Do Solar Roofers Cost?
The cost you can expect to pay your solar roofer depends on where you live and how complex the job is. On average, installation costs are between $1,000-3,000 – not including the costs of the solar panels or tiles. Larger systems naturally will cost you more, as will the quality. Look for Government incentives to lower the cost.
How to Find Your Solar Roofer Professional
There are plenty of factors that come into play when choosing any roofing professional or supplier – especially if you’re looking for a solar roofer. Consider asking around for recommendations or looking up local roofers online.
You’ll need to think about:
- Do they have the necessary experience and training?
- Get several quotes from a few different roofers
- Ask questions to get a professional opinion on what works best on your roof
How to Install Solar Roofing
Wondering how the pros do it? Or thinking of doing a DIY job? Here’s how you could install solar roofing yourself:
Firstly, you’ll need to check that your roof is strong enough to handle the weight of solar panels – you might need a professional surveyor to do this part. If you’re not using panels, check that your roof can cope with solar tiles.
Then you’ll need to set up scaffolding to get up to your roof safely. Once you’re up, you’ll need to attach roof anchors to mount the solar panels. Attach the panels to the anchors. Most panels are pre-wired to connect to the inverter, which you’ll need to connect to a circuit-breaker. This will allow the electricity into your home, turning your lights on and lowering your energy bills.
Do You Need a Professional Solar Roofer?
A solar roofer can help you decide whether panels or tiles are right for you. They’ll advise you on costs and suitability of different options. While they might put your costs up a little with labour costs, they’ll make sure the job is done properly.
FAQs
Can Roofers Install Solar Panels?
Solar roofers are like any roofing professional with a particular expertise in solar panels and solar tiles. They’ll offer advice on the best solar options for your home to make sure the job is done properly.
How Do I Become a Solar Roofer?
You’ll need to become a qualified electrician with an electrical license, and complete the necessary training. It’s also worth picking up some roofing experience to broaden your skillset.
How Efficient Are Solar Roof Panels?
Most solar panels have between 18-24% efficiency. Monocrystalline panels tend to be more efficient than other types. Australia’s sunny climate helps boost the amount of electricity generated through solar panels.