Most people have just one question about solar panels installation, and that is, do solar panels have to be installed on the roof? The truth of the matter is no. However, there are numerous benefits to putting solar panels on the roof.

If you want to get the most benefit from your installation, you need to have a south facing slope with an angle of 30 degrees. Make sure they're placed in an area that's free of shade. You should also give it some height (away from the ground), as this allows you to use gravity to feed the solar warm water into the holding tank that's inside the cavity of the roof.

The majority of hot water tanks are located near the top of the house. For this reason, heated water won't have far to travel and less insulation is needed for the return piping. If you do install solar panels on the roof, you can keep the majority of four-legged pests from damaging the surface. Be sure to get rid of tree branches that are overhanging. Bird droppings can result in major damage to your collection plates.

Pick an area of the roof that you can get to easily to clean and maintain it. You don't have to do it all the time since parts on panel systems don't tend to go out easily. People not family with visual aspects and needs of solar power can be easily confused by the two key kinds of solar installations.

Straight Panels/Flat Plat Collection Systems

The flat plate collection systems need far less space than the electrical generating photovoltaic cells. These systems only provide heat to water; still a considerable amount of savings to be had in a household.

Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic cells need a larger space, which means home roofs are the ideal place. A solar panel installation will not affect your neighbor's view any more than other roofing materials. You also don't need to add structural load to handle the addition.

If you're building a new structure and want to do a solar panels installation, it doesn't cost major additional dollars. And whatever you pay in the beginning is given back in the savings you get from the eco-friendly energy source.

Don't worry about flat roofs if you want solar panels for your home. All you need is a frame that's constructed to support the panels at the needed angle. That means the installer will need to put insulation at the end of the panels so that warmth stays in and cold stays out.

If you're unsure of anything, it's always best to go with a professional installer; someone who has done this sort of work before. Like any other investment, you should check out their references and performance claim with intense scrutiny.