What Roof Types are Good for Solar Panels?
Not all roofs are created equal. For this very reason, a solar panel installer will always ask you what type of roof you have. The reality of installing solar panels is that you need the right roof first, and the rest will follow.
While home-installed solar panels of today are super versatile, there are certain roofs that are not. The bottom line is that you need a roof strong enough to support the weight of these panels to justify your solar investment.
So, can you put solar panels on a metal roof? Find out by reading the rest of this blog.
Can You Put Solar Panels on Shingles?
It’s no secret that composite shingles (also called asphalt shingles) are the most popular roofing material on the market today. They are sturdy, durable, and affordable — everything you want in a roofing material.
Composite shingles are also one of the best materials for solar panel installation. This is because they’re made from fiberglass or a cellulose type of mat which makes them very tough and flexible, perfect for supporting solar panels. The installation process is straightforward, no fuss, and offers minimal damage and drilling into your roof.
Due to their popularity, you also have a wide range of options when it comes to installers and equipment. This also means you don’t have to spend extra on specialized labor, equipment, and other materials.
Keep in mind that your installers will enquire about the age of your roof. If your composite shingles exceed 15 years old, they might need replacing, first.
Can You Put Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?
Metal roofing might not be as popular as shingles or tiles, but it’s actually one of the best materials for solar panels. Ideally, your home must have a metal roof with standing seams to install solar panels.
The reason for this is that the standing seams make it super easy to install the panels on your roof. This helps to reduce the overall labor and equipment costs. Another benefit is that there is minimal drilling into your roof during the installation, thereby reducing the risk of roof damage.
With a metal roof and standing seams, you have the option of installing either standard PV panels or thin-film panels. They’re also a great option for solar installation because of how much sunlight they reflect.
So, whatever sunlight is not absorbed by your solar panels, your roof will naturally reflect which helps to cool your home. Overall, this improves the efficiency of your entire solar panel system.
Can You Put Solar Panels on a Flat Roof?
Homes that feature a flat roof are usually comprised of either tar or gravel. A tar or gravel roof includes layers of sheets attached with the use of hot tar, then the addition of roofing felt and other mineral coatings.
While flat roofs are not that common, they’re still a good option for installing solar panels. Due to their horizontal nature, your solar panels will need the addition of brackets in order to tilt them to the correct angle (usually 30 degrees).
This process is not complicated, but it will add to the cost of opting to use solar energy for your home.
Quality and Compatibility of Your Roof
Aside from the type of roofing material you have, you’ll also need to consider the quality of your roof, its age, and a few other important considerations.
The fact of the matter is that the older your home is, the less likely your roof is 100 percent compatible with solar panel installation. This is because most older homes were not built with this type of project in mind.
If you live in a newer build, you could find yourself with a perfectly compatible roof. Otherwise, you might need to consider replacing old roofing materials or making some sizable adjustments where needed.
Here are some of the most important factors a solar panel professional will consider about your roof:
- The material (as mentioned)
- The pitch of your roof
- The size and shape of your roof
- Its orientation — does it receive a good amount of sunlight?
- Shade exposure
As a general rule of thumb, a roof that’s 20 years or older will need some work. Your solar panel installer will do a thorough once-over of your roof and tell you whether it will withstand the installation. In some cases, you might be better off replacing your roofing material first in order to substantiate the longevity of your solar panels.
This sounds like a huge amount of additional cost, but it will save you money in the long run. The last thing you want is to install solar panels on an older roof, only to have to remove the panels, and replace your roof at a later stage!
The good news is that solar panels last 25-30 years, or more. It’s important to ensure your roof is ready and up to the task of supporting them for this amount of time.
Considering Solar Panels in Ontario?
So, can you put solar panels on a metal roof? You certainly can — in fact, this is one of the best roofing options for solar panel installation. If you’re looking for expert, experienced, and reliable solar panel installers in the Ontario region, you’re in the right place.
With CMI Solar, you can future-proof your home and become energy-independent for up to 40 years with our solar panel options. Learn more about why going solar is a great option and how we can help you get started on your solar journey.