Going solar has become increasingly popular in recent years as it has become more accessible and affordable. In addition to its potential to save people substantial amounts of money, it also provides grid independence and, when paired with a home battery, the ability to avoid power outages. When you include the fact that clean energy has undeniable benefits for the environment, it’s no wonder that going solar has become a common and significant choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Logistically speaking, going solar is simple enough for houses and large office buildings. But not all homes are built the same. The manufactured home, also sometimes referred to as a mobile home, is a bit different from your standard standalone house, and as such, there’s some uncertainty around the ability to install solar panels on these homes.
A manufactured home, often referred to as a mobile home, is a type of residential building constructed off-site in a factory setting and then transported to its final location. These homes are typically built in separate sections and then later assembled at the home site. Manufactured homes are designed to comply with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code. Unlike mobile homes or trailers that are easily moved from place to place, manufactured homes are designed to be relatively permanent once set up.
Manufactured homes have many benefits, mainly centered on affordability and efficiency. They are generally more affordable than site-built homes due to reduced costs of labor and efficient factory construction. This efficiency also means a much faster construction time, as they can be built and set up much more quickly than traditional homes. Manufactured homes are also designed with efficiency in mind, often leading to lower utility costs.
The beauty of solar panels systems is that no two are alike. Every home’s roof is different, and as such, a solar system can be uniquely designed to fit its roof and provide the optimal amount of energy. This is all just a long way of saying that yes, you can install solar panels on the roof of manufactured homes. Of course, there are factors to consider.
For example, the overall construction and strength of the roof is an important consideration. As manufactured homes are built for efficiency and mobility, it’s possible for their roofs to be less supportive than those of an on-site house. As with any home, you’ll have to ensure the roof is capable of supporting the weight of a solar panel system. The overall size of the roof matters as well, as the available roof space needs to be able to accommodate solar panels. Still, even smaller roofs can support a fully viable solar panel system.
Additionally, building codes and standards may vary by location. In general, manufactured homes must comply with HUD Code, which dictates how these homes must be constructed and differs from the standards set for site-built homes. The permitting process may also be more complicated due to the need to meet these HUD Code requirements and regulations, and additional approvals may be required if the home is in a mobile home park. The California Mobile Home Parks Act may impose specific regulations as well.
Despite some of these differences, there are still many benefits to be gained from installing a solar system on your manufactured home.
At the end of the day, a manufactured home is still a house, and as such, the benefits are essentially the same as the benefits of living in a site-built home. These include:
Despite some of the potential hurdles along the way, going solar is still a wise decision for those in manufactured homes. The many advantages – cost savings, environmental benefits, energy independence, and so on – make it a worthwhile investment. To best deal with some of the challenges mentioned above, it’s best to do your research and speak with a company that knows the ins and outs of the solar industry, as well as how to handle various bureaucratic hurdles along the way. Solar Discovery has not only been in the solar industry for nearly a decade but has also done solar installations for manufactured homes.
Solar Discovery specializes in solar, battery, and roofing installations, as well as a wide range of system maintenance and services. If you’re looking for solar solutions for a manufactured home, we are more than happy to help. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can get you started on your solar journey today.