Solar roofing panels are placed as roofs over buildings to use solar energy from the sun. They contain small units called photovoltaic cells which convert the light energy into electrical energy. They are often used to produce electricity for commercial and residential purposes.

Solar roofing installation has multiple advantages since they are a renewable, non- exhaustible and clean source of energy and do not cause any harm to the environment.

They do not release any harmful or toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, methane or CFCs (ChloroFluoroCarbons) which are a threat to the environment.

They are environmentally friendly and also cost-effective. Solar roofing installations are becoming popular and many industrial sectors are also switching to them.

Considering the damage and condition of our environment due to the increased global warming it is vital to use a neat source of energy like solar energy.

For solar roofing installation, it is important to use a good solar roofing panel for the generation of electricity. Some points to be considered while solar roofing installation is:

1. What is the material of the panel?
   The material can be monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin or amorphous depending on the usage and budget. The solar panels and made up of silicon the purity of the slicon determine the performance of the panels.
   • Monocrystalline panels have the most silicon purity which is why they are costlier and also the most effective.
   • Polycrystalline panels are very sustainable but they do not suit warm temperature regions. They are cheaper than monocrystalline panels
   • Thin film panels are very low in price but have poor quality and performance and also take up a lot of space.
   •Amorphous panels have manifold layers of silicones arranged via a process known as stacking. They perform well and are also budget-friendly. They are usually suitable for homes.
2. How much power will the solar panel produce?
   The efficiency through which the solar panels convert the light energy into electrical energy generates the power of the system. It is important to know the power of the solar panel so that it meets the requirement of how much electricity consumption you want at your home or business. Various factors decide the power produced by the solar panels. The factors include power rating, power tolerance, efficiency and
   temperature coefficient.
3. Strength and warranty of the solar panel
   The areas which experience harsh snow, wind & rainfall should install panels that are resistant and long-lasting. The durability of the solar panel should be checked before installation. The average warranty provided by the manufacturer should be 10-25 years.
4. Size of the solar panel
   The wattage of the solar panel and the type of solar cells decides its size. Usually, a 4kW system is used at homes. For commercial or private enterprises a larger size would be required. You should check if you have the required space to install the desired size of the solar panel.
5. Efficiency of the Solar Panel. The industrial range for a good solar energy panel is between 15 to 21 per cent. The more the efficiency of the solar panel the more is the electrical output. High-efficiency panels are usually expensive.
6. Choosing the Right Company . It is important to choose a certified, professional well trained and legal solar installation company having a good track record. They should meet all the guidelines and recommendations formed by NREL (U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory).
7. Specifications of the Solar Panels. The voltage ratings, power tolerance, the manufacturer details should be checked. A good solar panel should be rated 100V DC for safety.

These are the checklists that need to be done before solar roofing installation. Solar roofs are cost-efficient and the added advantage of using them is that they use the stored energy in their cells to generate electricity when sunlight is not there.

They area great way to fight the rising environmental problems like the ozone layer depletion and the rise of sea levels. Since solar energy does not release toxic gases, it does not contribute to Global Warming like fossil fuels. They are a savior for us and future generations to come.