The Impact of Roof Conditions on Solar Panel Installation

As more homeowners and business owners consider the switch to solar energy, understanding the various factors that affect solar panel installation becomes crucial. One of the most significant aspects is the condition of your roof. In this article, we’ll explore how roof conditions influence solar installation, the types of roofs best suited for solar panels, and what to consider before making the investment.

Roof Conditions and Solar:

Roof Age: The age of your roof is a critical factor. Most roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, depending on the materials used. If your roof is 10+ years old, it’s wise to repair or replace it before adding solar panels. New installations can last 25 years or more and combining the lifespan of both can lead to unnecessary expenses in the future.

Roof Type: Different roof types have varying compatibilities with solar panel systems:

• Asphalt Shingles: The most common roofing material, asphalt shingles are generally suitable for solar installation. They offer good durability and can accommodate most solar mounting systems.
• Tile Roofs: While aesthetically pleasing, tile roofs can be more challenging to install solar panels on. Specialized mounting systems are often required, and care must be taken during installation to avoid damaging the tiles.
• Metal Roofs: Metal roofs are among the best for solar installation. Their durability and longevity make them ideal candidates, and they often require less maintenance. Additionally, metal roofs can handle the weight of solar panels well.
• Flat Roofs: Flat roofs can support solar panels, but installation requires careful planning to maintain roof and structural integrity. Ballasted systems are often used to secure panels without penetrating the roofing material, however, sometimes a few mechanical attachments are required. In the city of Chicago, you can obtain fast permit approvals with fully mechanically attached solar racking.

Orientation and Pitch: The orientation and pitch of your roof significantly affect the efficiency of solar energy production. South-facing roofs typically receive the most sunlight, making them ideal for solar installations. However, east- and west-facing roofs can also be viable options with proper adjustments. The pitch of your roof can impact the angle of the panels; steeper roofs may require special mounting equipment to optimize solar exposure.

Shading Issues: Overhanging trees, nearby buildings, or other structures can create shading problems for solar panels. Even partial shading can reduce the efficiency of your solar system. Before installation, it’s crucial to evaluate potential shading throughout the year, not only during peak summer hours, but winter sun hours as well. If shading is a concern, trimming branches is a possible solution. We’re not a fan of removing trees unless necessary, so please refer to a local arborist for consulting on any potential tree removal.

Confirming Roof Conditions

Roof Inspection: If you or your installer are concerned with the age and condition of the roof, we recommend scheduling a thorough inspection with a trusted roofer . A qualified roofer can assess the condition of your roof and identify any necessary repairs or upgrades. As needed, ilumen Solar can recommend qualified and trusted roofers in the area.

Consult Solar Professionals: It’s best to engage with a reputable solar installer in your area to guide you through the process. With the multitude of project details, an experienced solar representative can help you navigate the specifics of your roof relating to the installation.

Protecting Your Investment

Insurance Coverage: The Illinois Shines solar program requires all solar owners to include the installation under their homeowner or business insurance. Prior to install it’s important to reach out to your insurance agent about the upcoming project and ensure that the solar installation gets added to your insurance plan.

Squirrels: When it comes to residential solar installations, squirrel activity is something to always have a keen eye for. If squirrels have easy access to the roof via tree branches or bushes, it’s likely they will eventually build a nest between the panels and the shingles. Unfortunately, this can cause serious damage to the installation which can require quite a bit of maintenance to get back online. If you are concerned about squirrels damaging your investment then it would be wise to install a squirrel guard, which is a mesh skirting that can be installed at the base perimeter of the entire solar array.

Roof Replacement After Install: If you’ve already installed solar and you need a roof replacement, your roofer and solar installer can coordinate a tear down/reinstall. If the circumstance is due to storm damage, it’s likely most or all of this expense would be covered by insurance. Otherwise, it’s best to conduct thorough due diligence to avoid this situation after your installation has been completed.

Roof conditions play an important role in solar panel installation and overall long-term production of the project. By understanding the importance of roof integrity, age, type, orientation, and shading, homeowners can make informed decisions about their solar energy investment. Taking the time to prepare your roof can lead to a smoother installation process and greater long-term savings on energy costs.

Embrace the solar revolution, but remember: a solid roof and protection plan is the foundation of a successful solar journey!

If you want a trusted partner to help guide you through the process of going solar, contact us and we will help you find out if Solar is the right investment for you!