Roof replacement in connection with solar

Posted on October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 by sydney mcclelland

Before starting the process of a solar installation, let’s take a look at your roof. Your roof is one of the most important aspects when it comes to solar. If your roof is aging, damaged, or unable to support the weight of the solar panels, it’s wise to get a roof replacement or repair.

In the long run, inspecting your roof and seeing if you need to replace it will save you the hassle of having to replace it after your solar has already been installed – this will also save you from the cost of other potential damages.

Why is your roof so important?

Although there are other places around your home where solar can be installed, like the ground or carports. However, the majority of the time, solar is installed on your roof.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that there is more that goes into a roof than tiles and shingles. A standard roof consists of a roof truss, decking, insulation, ice and water barrier, underlayment, wood frame, and shingles or tiles. A lot more than you probably thought.

With just one of these many layers damaged, it puts a strain on your entire system. Making it a bad idea for solar installation. if this is the case, you may need a roof replacement.

Identifying roof damage

One of the easiest things to identify in a damaged roof is loose or broken tiles.

This is something that Is eventually going to happen to your roof, it’s just normal wear and tear with age. When a roof component breaks down, it exposes parts of your roof to potential water damage, additionally, standing water can cause further damage.

A roof is designed to shunt water off of its surface so if you notice any standing water on your roof, this probably means that something on your roof isn’t properly working. Punctures and cracks are another type of damage that can occur, this can happen with any type of trauma or force to your roof.

Lastly, structural damage. This only happens on rare occasions. This change in your roof structure can lead to a collapse, putting you and your family at risk.

Why roof age matters

By Installing solar panels on an older roof, your cost will increase. If you go ahead with the installation, you’ll likely have to pay the contractor, even more, to remove the panels later on. The average life span for a roof is about 20 years old, this doesn’t mean push it to the limit and install solar on your 20-year-old roof. Solar panels should never be installed on a roof that is older than 15 years old, some signs to look for in an aging roof is:

Curling shingles
Missing shingles
Rotting roof
Excessive growth on the roof
Streaks and decolorization

Since the solar panel lifespan will outweigh your roof, the most ideal situation is to install a new roof prior to installation.

Benefits of Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof means improving your solar panel security. When you get things like high winds and natural disasters – this is where the newly replaced roof will come in handy. Your roof is responsible for protecting your panels, so installing on an older roof is just setting your solar system up for failure. Newly replaced roofs can withstand storms and other movement much better than older, worn-down roofs.

With today’s new roofing materials and designs, it can increase the energy efficiency of your home. The current shingles on the market outperform older materials and designs by keeping your home dry, repelling heat, and withsanding harsh weather conditions.

A new roof that repels heat can help prevent excess heat from reaching your HVAC system. Having extra heat on your HVAC puts a lot of stress on your PV device. Installing a new roof will help you meet your residential energy demands and limit how much you rely on your grid, essentially saving you money over time.

Stability is important when it comes to your roof and its safety. You’ll need a stable roof due to the weight of solar panels. Additionally, having that new roof can withstand excess weight, and prevent leaks, mold, and pests.

Roof replacement vs repairing

Make sure you’re truly in need of a full replacement rather than a repair. if your roof is younger than 15 years old and is in good condition, you might only need a minor repair. However, if your roof is nearing the 20-25-year mark and requires a significant repair, consider a full replacement. A replacement can be costly but it will increase your home’s value and prepare you for a successful solar installation.

In conclusion, your roof Is a very important part of your home especially if you want solar. Roof replacement is not only good for the production of your PV panels but for your and your family’s safety as well. Be sure to identify any damage that your roof may have before considering installing solar. Consider the age of your roof before piling on all of the weight that comes with solar installation. A roof replacement can be very beneficial to your home and solar system. Before jumping right into a full replacement, be sure to check out if you just need a replacement. This can end up saving you a lot of money.

Does solar work when the utility grid is down?

Posted on October 8, 2024 by sydney mcclelland

A solar energy grid is a system that uses solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight and connects to the utility grid. Grid-tied systems are the most common type of solar panel system: these systems connect directly to the utility grid and you can operate without a battery or backup equipment.

With the National Electric Code, a grid-tied solar system has to turn off every time the grid goes down. Even with solar panels, you won’t guarantee power during a grid outage. This is if you don’t have a battery for your solar system, If you combine your system with battery storage, you can use your stored energy during an outage

Grid-Tied Solar and Off-Grid Solar

A grid-tied solar system means your property connects to your local power company’s line, allowing you to use solar energy to offset your electricity bill, while still relying on the company’s service. A grid-tied system is a great way to reduce your electric bill. Unfortunately, you might not be able to bring it down to zero due to fees and taxes. If you want to stay away from any fees and bills, you have to go off-grid. An off-grid solar system is a self-contained energy system that independently produces and stores electricity from the sun, it uses solar panels to generate power – this power is transferred to a battery by a charger controller.

Can Kokosing Solar take me off-grid?

Unfortunately, Kokosing Solar can’t take you completely off-grid, but we can get you close. At this time Kokosing Solar does our best work installing full turnkey, grid-interactive solar energy systems. We do not install off-grid systems and do not recommend them if you are already connected to the grid. Off-grid systems are a whole different type of engineering and installation.You need to carefully engineer the solar system and battery bank to ensure they are large enough to fully support your loads at all times and in all seasons. Off-grid systems also require a generator to keep the batteries charged when the sun can’t, either at night or in the winter when there is less sun. With off-grid, you can expect your generator to run a lot. You also need to manage your loads carefully and avoid running multiple high-demand appliances, like the dryer, dishwasher, and TV, at the same time.

A grid-tied system provides energy from the solar panels during peak sunlight hours, the rest of the electricity will come from the grid. An off-grid system has no access to the grid, limiting your energy storage and production capabilities. A grid-tied system with a battery backup will offer self-reliance on days when the grid is down, at nighttime, and on days with little sunlight.

Pairing with a solar battery

Another option that kind of meets the middle ground is a grid-tied system with a battery backup. Although more expensive, a solar battery system can help you through outages and lower your bills when the grid is up. Solar panels alone won’t work during a grid outage. but, paired with batteries, they will. When you pair batteries with a solar system, solar panels send the electricity they produce to your house, the grid, or a storage device. For your batteries to automatically kick on you’ll have to install a special blackout feature.

usage of battery-stored power when your panels are not producing, you’ll need two to three batteries—if you wanted to go completely off the grid, your home would need about eight to twelve batteries which can be super expensive.

Grid-connected systems with and without energy storage

A pro that comes with having a grid-connected solar system is the cost savings. You can potentially save money by spending less on power and less dependency on the grid. A grid-connected system is a reliable power supply. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the utility grid, which can lead to lower energy bills. A grid-connected system is reliable and provides continuous power, as long as the grid is up and running.

In conclusion, grid-tied solar systems are a cost-effective way to lower utility bills, but they don’t provide power during an outage. If this is essential to you, adding battery backup to your grid-tied system is an option. If you seek complete independence, an off-grid solution is your best fit.

Solar Home Appraisal Guidelines

Posted on October 2, 2024October 2, 2024 by Caitlin Garrity

According to Freddie Mac’s updated guidelines (effective 08/07/2024), solar panels can increase your home’s value—if you own them. But if your panels are leased or under a PPA, they won’t be included in the appraised value.

For properties where the homeowner owns the solar panels outright or finances them as a fixture to the property (such as through a loan secured by the property), solar can add value to the home and be considered in the appraisal.

However, if the solar panels are part of a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) where the panels are not owned by the homeowner (e.g., financed separately with the panels as collateral), solar does not add to the appraisal value. This is because the panels can be repossessed or are not considered part of the property itself. The appraiser will still comment on the marketability of the home with solar panels, but they won’t include the panels’ value in the appraisal.

Understanding how solar impacts property value is key when buying or selling a home. Learn more about Freddie Mac’s guidelines on energy-efficient homes and solar panels here.

Going Solar 1099 v W2 Employees

Posted on October 2, 2024October 2, 2024 by Caitlin Garrity

Going Solar 1099 v W2 Employees

Solar energy is booming, and new companies are appearing everywhere. Whether you’ve been actively researching solar benefits, had someone knock on your door, or seen countless ads on social media, you’ve likely come across a solar company.

But not all solar companies are created equal.

Many are simply sales or lead generation businesses that don’t perform the actual work or hold electrical licenses. With such a significant investment, it’s crucial to understand who you’re working with. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between companies that employ their own W2 team and those relying on 1099 contractors.

When deciding on a solar installation company, it’s crucial to consider who is performing the work. One of the key differences between solar companies is whether they employ their own team as W2 employees or rely on 1099 independent contractors. At Kokosing Solar, we believe in the importance of employing W2 team members, and here’s why it benefits you as the customer.

Consistency and Alignment with Company Values

W2 employees are part of the company’s core mission. They are more likely to align with the company’s long-term goals, values, and vision. At Kokosing Solar, we train our team to prioritize quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, ensuring every interaction reflects our high standards.

In contrast, 1099 employees often work for multiple clients and juggle multiple projects, which may dilute their focus and lead to inconsistent results. They might not be as invested in the company’s values, leaving you with a less personalized experience.

Comprehensive Training and Accountability

W2 employees receive thorough training, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest solar technology, local regulations, and customer service standards. At Kokosing Solar, our team members undergo rigorous in-house training and are continuously supported by a direct team of designers, project managers, and technical experts.

On the other hand, 1099 contractors are often responsible for their own training. Without a structured support system, this can result in a lack of knowledge or skill gaps, which can negatively affect your solar installation.

Customer Protections and Long-Term Support

W2 employees are typically afforded benefits and protections like healthcare, competitive wage structures, and retirement plans, which contribute to higher job satisfaction and stability. This translates into better service for you. When you work with Kokosing Solar, you are partnering with a team dedicated to providing long-term support, from the initial consultation to post-installation follow-up to service work if you ever need it.

Independent contractors working on commission are more likely to prioritize sales over customer care. Without the backing of a consistent employer, 1099 contractors might be less incentivized to stay engaged after the sale, leading to less reliable service after installation.

Local Knowledge and Accountability

Our W2 employees live and work in Ohio, which gives them a deep understanding of the local permitting processes, utility interconnection rules, and regional climate. This local knowledge helps avoid costly delays and ensures your system is designed to perform optimally in your area.

On the other hand, 1099 contractors may not have the same level of insight into local regulations, especially if they are based in another state or working remotely. This could lead to unnecessary complications during your installation.

Improved Communication and Teamwork

At Kokosing Solar, our W2 team members work closely together, ensuring seamless communication from sales to operations. This team approach results in better coordination, project management, and faster problem-solving when issues arise.

In contrast, 1099 contractors often work independently or in silos, which can lead to miscommunications and gaps in accountability. These breakdowns in communication can result in delays or even subpar installations.

Consultative Approach vs. Sales-Driven Focus

Our team of W2 employees approaches every customer interaction from a consultative position, offering honest, thoughtful advice that fits your unique needs. We focus on building trust, customer education, and delivering the best solar solution for you—not just making a sale.

Conversely, 1099 contractors, often working on commission, may adopt a more aggressive sales approach, which could lead to overpromising and underdelivering. This type of sales-driven interaction can sometimes feel more transactional and less informative for the client.

Conclusion: The Kokosing Solar Difference

When you choose Kokosing Solar, you are partnering with a company that values quality, integrity, and long-term relationships. Our team of dedicated W2 employees brings consistency, accountability, and deep local expertise to every project, ensuring your solar installation is a seamless and positive experience.

Don’t settle for less—choose a turnkey company that employs their own team members and is committed to delivering the highest quality solar solutions- for years to come.