My roof, a source of savings and energy

We are going to 'start the house from the roof', since this important part of the house needs all possible attention. It is not an exaggeration if we say that The roof is a source of savings and energy, which allows families to enjoy many benefits. This is because this is where solar panels are usually located. We'll explain more!

What do I know about my roof?

Before performing a self-consumption installation it is important for an expert to study the roof where it will be placed. It is essential because there are four factors that directly influence the efficiency of an installation.

• Angle of inclination: the inclination depends on the latitude at which the house is located. For example, in the case of Catalonia, the ideal inclination would be 30º. However, many homes do not have this inclination, but this does not mean that it will not provide efficiency.

• Home location: our plates continue to produce even if the day is cloudy, but if your home is in a location where bad weather persists, the production will be lower than another where there is sun almost every day of the year.

• Panel orientation: The orientation is relevant for energy production. If your home has an orientation where solar radiation is minimal, then the efficiency may not be adequate. Although each home is unique, the best orientation for solar panels is usually south.

• Dust and dirt: this phenomenon affects if there is a large amount of dust, dirt or pollution, since they create a layer on top of the photovoltaic cells. However, if you're looking for regular cleaning, it shouldn't be a problem. In addition, our solar panels they are easy to maintain, so washing them with a hose is more than enough.

At Eltex, We take care of studying the structure to know the viability of the project, since our objective is to make families save and their investment in self-consumption profitable.

Types of roofs

There are different types of roofs and each one has its own characteristics, which make it more or less easy to install solar panels. But don't worry, because nowadays they can be installed on a large number of roofs regardless of the material.

• Metal roof: the seams of these roofs facilitate installation. In most cases, fastening systems are used that are anchored in roof joints, so there is no need to drill holes.

• Clay tile: there are no major difficulties in installing panels on this type of roof, since conventional supports can be integrated without problems. In addition, there are specialized supports on clay tiles.

• Asphalt roof: It is a material that makes the work of installers much easier, since they can work on the roof without fear of causing damage. In addition, solar panel holders can be used without problems.

• Ethylene-propylene rubber: this type of roof is used, above all, in commercial buildings because they are usually flat. The system used is the ballast system, so normally, holes do not have to be drilled. This is why the installation is usually cheaper.

• Thermoplastic polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride: they have the same characteristics as the rubber roof, so that installations are easy and relatively inexpensive.

• Slate and wooden roofs: are the most difficult materials for installers because they are fragile and there is a risk of them breaking. To do the installation, specialized components and assembly equipment are required, since installers cannot walk on the roof without damaging it. Because of these characteristics, installation on these types of roofs is usually more expensive.

Insulating the roof also involves energy savings

How do you react if we tell you that 30% of all household energy is lost through the roof? That's right, that's a lot of energy! This is why proper roof insulation is so important to keep energy inside the home.

Retaining it implies a reduction in heating and air conditioning, two of the systems that consume the most in the home. With the insulation you will see a improvement in building efficiency almost immediately.

On the other hand, it is very important to review the roof over the years, since it is one of the areas of the building that suffers the most from meteorological phenomena. We must always bet on resistant materials and, above all, on a correct insulation process that guarantees results.