New roof solar system (many questions)

[TLS Guy]

Never heard about steer roofs, except in corrugated metal roofs on commercial buildings.
What are the pros and cons of such a roof?

There are lots of systems, this is one of many.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Update: I spoke with one solar company and their proposal, which includes a new roof. At this point, I was almost 100% decided not to go with the first guy as there were a few small but significant red flags, in particular, no breakdown of the new roof cost, and some weird energy estimation charts.

Speaking with the second solar company, which doesn't do new roofs itself but partners with an actual roofing company. The roofing guy stopped by yesterday to do a very detailed inspection of the roof and attic, and found and showed me a few small leaks already. We discussed a metal roof as well, but it doesn't seem like it would make sense to us to go that way. Guy is highly certified and seems like he really knows his only job - to do roofs.
His proposal will likely cost more than the first guy's, but I feel it's worth doing for many reasons.

Still pending to see the actual proposal from the second solar company, will update later.

 

[TLS Guy]

Update: I spoke with one solar company and their proposal, which includes a new roof. At this point, I was almost 100% decided not to go with the first guy as there were a few small but significant red flags, in particular, no breakdown of the new roof cost, and some weird energy estimation charts.

Speaking with the second solar company, which doesn't do new roofs itself but partners with an actual roofing company. The roofing guy stopped by yesterday to do a very detailed inspection of the roof and attic, and found and showed me a few small leaks already. We discussed a metal roof as well, but it doesn't seem like it would make sense to us to go that way. Guy is highly certified and seems like he really knows his only job - to do roofs.
His proposal will likely cost more than the first guy's, but I feel it's worth doing for many reasons.

Still pending to see the actual proposal from the second solar company, will update later.

I would get a bid from Blue Raven. They were pretty accurate in their estimates, and did listen to me about the installation, as they had never installed a system in an ICF home. I don't have a complete year yet, but their estimates seem on track at the moment.

 

[jinjuku]

Sorry "brass" is a UK synonym for money, actually used mainly in the North, especially Lancashire.

Given the longevity I think the cost is quite affordable. I don't think it's easy to always think in amortization. And upfront out of pocket is what it is and can be prohibitive.

 

[TLS Guy]

Given the longevity I think the cost is quite affordable. I don't think it's easy to always think in amortization.

You are probably correct. However, steel roofs have become much more architecturally acceptable then in the recent past. When I was planning this house what was available round here looked pretty awful.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I would get a bid from Blue Raven. They were pretty accurate in their estimates, and did listen to me about the installation, as they had never installed a system in an ICF home. I don't have a complete year yet, but their estimates seem on track at the moment.

Blue Raven doesn't operate in NJ. Their owner company, SunPower, had filed Chapter 11 only last year

SunPower - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Doesn't sound very encouraging tbh.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Given the longevity I think the cost is quite affordable. I don't think it's easy to always think in amortization. And upfront out of pocket is what it is and can be prohibitive.

According to my second roof guy, the new alphast shingles roofs (assuming properly installed) are rated to last 50 years. Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years (based on evidence so far) - At my age, I don't care if it lasts 50 or 70 or 100 years. I'd be lucky to last another 30. Considering a metal roof is about 2x the cost, you can see why it's an unattractive option for me. It also comes with a 25-year warranty from GAF for both materials AND labor.

 

[TLS Guy]

According to my second roof guy, the new alphast shingles roofs (assuming properly installed) are rated to last 50 years. Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years (based on evidence so far) - At my age, I don't care if it lasts 50 or 70 or 100 years. I'd be lucky to last another 30. Considering a metal roof is about 2x the cost, you can see why it's an unattractive option for me. It also comes with 25 25-year warranty from GAF for both materials AND labor.

That is exactly right. If you have a new asphalt roof, it will last as long as the panels. So when you look at it correctly your decision is correct.

 

[jinjuku]

According to my second roof guy, the new alphast shingles roofs (assuming properly installed) are rated to last 50 years.

Thats great to hear. I didn't know that was an option.

 

[eljr]

I've never saw roof solar as a blight. Unsure how how it detracts.

It detracts because they are ugly.

Simple.

 

[eljr]

I disagree with you, and I'm thrilled I don't live in your town, but irregardless (c), gaining over $50,000 (NET) over less than 20 years for doing absolutely nothing is a good enough reason all by itself to "suffer" the "insuffabrable blight" of few glass panels on the roof covering these amazing, elegant, and exquisite asphalt shingles.

Nothing is worth living with the aesthetic killing horid panels.

Of course in a trailer park it means little.

In an idyllic community filled with charming homes they are most definitely a blight.

 

[eljr]

I don't think they are particularly ugly. Most visitors have not even noticed the 20 panels on the roof.

I have to say you have lately become our resident bilge merchant.

Tastefully done but still a negative on a lovely, too modern for me, home.

 

[eljr]

Tastefully done but still a negative on a lovely, too modern for me, home.

Oh, and you need to disguise that utility box in front.

Peace.

 

[TLS Guy]

Oh, and you need to disguise that utility box in front.

Peace.

That is the Dakota Electric transformer that supplies the four houses on the circle. We have underground electric service which is much less unsightly than over ground on poles. it is also less prone to damage and outages from weather events.

That transformer is on the utilities mechanical easement, which round here is 20'. You can not plant any trees or shrubs on it, to avoid cable damage from the roots. When my Maple tree gets to a certain size that will have to be cut down for the same reason.

So, there is nothing I can do about it. The panels are not ugly and most don't even know they are there, with many surprised they did not notice them.

Having an ordinance against them is just nuts, and would be certainly something I would challenge, and almost certainly be successful.

It strikes me that you are on the extreme end of the NIMBY spectrum. I can guarantee you would be a right PITA to have living next door.

 

[eljr]

That is the Dakota Electric transformer that supplies the four houses on the circle. We have underground electric service which is much less unsightly than over ground on poles. it is also less prone to damage and outages from weather events.

That transformer is on the utilities mechanical easement, which round here is 20'. You can not plant any trees or shrubs on it, to avoid cable damage from the roots. When my Maple tree gets to a certain size that will have to be cut down for the same reason.

So, there is nothing I can do about it. The panels are not ugly and most don't even know they are there, with many surprised they did not notice them.

Having an ordinance against them is just nuts, and would be certainly something I would challenge, and almost certainly be successful.

It strikes me that you are on the extreme end of the NIMBY spectrum. I can guarantee you would be a right PITA to have living next door.

Thing is, I am very respectful of all rules and ordinances. If I agree or not I respect the rules
Most folks have no clue what their own ordinances are or what traffic laws are

If you complied with town rules you'd never hear a peep fr0m me

Yeah I know what the utility box is, I did not know you could not disguise it. That sucks.

I just bought a property in an historic district so I dont need worry about someone coming in and bastardizing the neighborhood.

Even the color choices on the homes must be period.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thing is, I am very respectful of all rules and ordinances. If I agree or not I respect the rules
Most folks have no clue what their own ordinances are or what traffic laws are

If you complied with town rules you'd never hear a peep fr0m me

Yeah I know what the utility box is, I did not know you could not disguise it. That sucks.

I just bought a property in an historic district so I dont need worry about someone coming in and bastardizing the neighborhood.

Even the color choices on the homes must be period.

That is a six year old home, that "suggests" period prairie farm architecture, like in the Dakotas and western Minnesota. I think it really does. It is an ICF home (Insulated Concrete form) and built to Florida hurricane code. it is rated for 148 mph wind speeds. It is highly energy efficient. This home really does blend well with the local architecture.