Solar panels reflecting the sun; Despoitphotos
Solar roofing is popular and California laws require that new homes are equipped with solar roofs. In the San Gabriel Valley, drive past places like Temple City High School or Eliot Middle School in Altadena and you’ll see parking lots covered in solar panels.
Solar roofs are in, no question about it, and see our Solar Roofing page if you’d like Garvey Roofing, a local roofing contractor, to tell you more.
But before you spend on solar, an Old School roofing approach using plywood decking and reflective underlayment can make your house as energy efficient while saving you bundles in a new roofing installation.
Just so you know, with Garvey Roofing:
- Estimates are free
- All labor and materials are guaranteed
Read on to see how Garvey Roofing provides a roof for all seasons.
Are you saving money with a solar roof?
Yes you can reduce your energy bill with a solar roof compared to an old roof with tile or asphalt shingles. But compare a solar roof to a roof that’s properly installed.
Here’s one way to calculate the costs:
What’s the price of installing a solar roof or solar panels on your roof?
How much will you reduce your utility bills?
How many years will it take for you to recoup the cost of installation?
Installing solar panels for 5KW energy usage can cost up to $ 15,000, according to the website Energy Sage and take about 7 years to recoup the cost.
Now, how about a Tesla solar roof?
The website electrek reviewed an actual customer invoice for a Tesla roof in 2019 that cost $ 64,000 for a 9.45KW system. The Powerwall cost over $ 10,000 additional and another $ 10,000 was included for roof and site repairs.
That’s about $ 85,000 for a new Tesla roof.
Read below for solar roofing news from Edison and the impact on charging higher rates when the sun goes down.
Garvey Roofing Traditional Roofing Challenge
A solar roof isn’t the only way to make a home energy efficient.
Shingle Roofs in Altadena – Image by Don Simkovich
Thomas Garvey, owner of Garvey Roofing, says his triple stack of solid decking, UV-reflective underlayment and the latest in either asphalt shingles or tile reduces a home’s energy consumption.
Homeowners may pay one-third of the cost of a solar roof, depending on the manufacturer.
His knowledge of building science and heat transfer is as much a passion as it is part of his roofing craft. Keeping the roof healthy and the home comfortable includes quality insulation in the attic and proper ventilation.
That’s how the heating system and air conditioner will work efficiently in the winter or summer.
Garvey Roofing can provide a solar roof, too, if that’s what the homeowner feels will be best.
Thomas Garvey always works within the homeowner’s goals and budget considerations.
We use the best R-value for your attic insulation.
Solar Roofing News in California
Southern California Edison’s new rate plans will boost the cost of energy during peak hours, including the evening. That could mean solar roof owners who installed a solar roof under previous rates will have longer to pay off their roof installations.
From the Orange County Register:
On Nov. 1, Edison began transitioning 2.3 million residential customers to time-of-use rate plans.
That means what customers pay for electricity will depend on when they use it. During the day, when solar and other renewable sources are plentiful, it’s cheaper. In the evening, when fossil fuel plants must fire up to meet demand, it’s more expensive.
That’s different from the old tiered-rate plan, which billed based on how much power was used, not when it was used.
Better shop and compare the latest utility rates before buying solar panels or solar roofs.
Need a New Roof or Roof Repair?
Call for a free estimate: (626) 358-9208
Thomas Garvey will look at your roof and ask you brief questions to assess your roof’s condition and your goals as a homeowner.
