More Sustainable Roofing Options: Solar roofing system & stone coated stone coated metal roofing system

As a new energy source, solar energy installations have grown significantly in the past two years. As a new trend in the future, roofing contractors should prepare for a surge in homeowners seeking solar energy.

Demand for stone-coated stone-coated metal roofs is also surging. The durability and longevity of stone-coated metal roofs make them popular all over the world in Africa, North America, South America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and more.

In order for everyone to better understand the new trend in the future - solar roof system + stone-coated stone-coated metal roof system, we have raised the four most common questions.

For our better understanding, let's take a first look at some common solar terminology.

· Solar cell: Solar cells are building blocks of solar panels and produce electricity through a natural reaction, known as the photovoltaic effect.

· Solar panel: Multiple solar cells are configured together in standardized arrangements called solar panels.

· Solar array: When solar panels are grouped together to generate electricity as a system, it’s called a solar array. Solar arrays are not standardized and can vary from one home to the next. The configuration of the solar array is typically dependent on roof size and the amount of power required.

· Solar mount: Also known as a solar panel mount or solar racking system, solar mounts are used to attach the solar array to the roof and ensure the panels stay put in harsh weather conditions. Typically, roofing contractors install the solar mounts and then solar installations attach the array to the mounts and complete the solar system installation.

· Solar system: Solar cells, solar panels and solar arrays make up the complete solar system. This may also be referred to as a photovoltaic system, PV system or solar power system.

1. Are stone coated metal roofing and solar power systems compatible?

Yes! Stone-coated stone coated metal roofing is rated the best roofing material for solar panel compatibility and is considered a top choice among roofing contractors and solar installers due to its strength, which can easily support the weight of the solar array, panels, and mounting.

2. Why is stone coated metal roofing better than asphalt shingles for solar?

Solar panel performance is rated (and often warrantied) for about 25 years. The lifespan of solar panels creates a major issue with asphalt roofs.

Asphalt roofs need to be replaced as frequently as every 12 years, so a solar system will likely outlast an asphalt roof. When a roof needs to be replaced, so does the entire solar panel system. This is frustrating, time-consuming, and costly for homeowners due to the fact that solar panels must be carefully removed, and then reinstalled once the roof replacement project is complete.

Additionally, asphalt roofs can be extremely heavy. Since solar panel systems are heavy as well, additional construction may be required to support their combined weight.

A stone-coated metal roofing, on the other hand, will easily endure for 70 years or more, giving homeowners the peace of mind that their roof will outlast even the best solar panels.

Stone coated metal roofing is not only one of the strongest and longest-lasting roofs on the market, but they are also the lightest. At just 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot, stone coated metal roofing installations can support the weight of an entire solar panel system without requiring reinforcement of the roof deck.

3. How are solar mounts typically installed on a stone coated metal roofing?

The solar industry has introduced a wide variety of innovative solar mounting products. Easy to install on either batten or direct-to-deck profiles, solar mounts don’t require any special materials, tools, or hardware to prepare the roof for solar.

As mentioned by Solar Power World, “When it comes to residential solar installations, solar panels are often found on sloped rooftops. There are many mounting system options for these angled roofs, with the most common being railed, rail-less, and shared rail. All of these systems require some type of penetration or anchoring into the roof, whether that’s attaching to rafters or directly to the decking.

The standard residential system uses rails attached to the roof to support rows of solar panels. Each panel, usually positioned vertically/portrait-style, attaches to two rails with clamps. The rails are secured to the roof by a type of bolt or screw, with flashing installed around/over the hole for a watertight seal.”

For example, QuickBolt offers mounting products for Sangobuild® profiles that are installed on battens, such as Sangobuild® Tile and Sangobuild® Shake.

Quick Mount provides mounting products specifically designed for installing solar arrays on direct-to-deck products, such as Sangobuild® Villa Tile, Sangobuild® Shingle Tiles, and Sangobuild® Shake Tiles.

To illustrate the ease of installation, here is the simple procedure for installing QuickBOLT mounts.

Tap Into the Solar and stone coated metal roofing Market with Sangobuild®

Expanding into solar is a no-brainer given the huge growth potential as homeowners make the transition to more sustainable roofing options. If you’re looking to grow your roofing business in 2022, offering solar-friendly Sangobuild® stone coated metal roofing is an easy way to capitalize on this rapidly growing and lucrative market.