When deciding to go solar, people often have all sorts of questions. From installation prices to maintenance concerns, there’s no shortage of research that needs to be done beforehand. But by far, one of the most common concerns people have is whether their roof and its ability to withstand solar panels.
So, can solar panels be applied to any type of roof? And if yes, what roof types pair best with them? Let’s find out!
What Types of Roofs Can Accommodate Solar Panels?
Generally speaking, solar panels can be installed on virtually any type of roof. However, some are more suitable than others. Not only that, but the mounting hardware and installation process differ from material to material. As a result, we need to check out each type of roof and see just how good they are at accommodating solar panels.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt roofs are the most common types of roofs that you’ll encounter in the United States, mainly due to their low price. Fortunately, asphalt shingles are durable enough to withstand the weight of solar panels.
Additionally, the installation process is quite easy and straightforward. It involves drilling studs into your roof and attaching panel mounts at those locations. The empty space around the brackets is then surrounded and sealed with flashing to prevent any water from creeping in.
Clay Tile Roofs
Mediterranean-style homes are all the rage now, so it’s no surprise that more and more homes feature clay tile roofs. As a matter of fact, this type of roofing is extremely popular in warmer climates, such as Southern California. However, while they look gorgeous, clay tiles are also extremely fragile.
That’s why, when installing solar panels, solar contractors need to take extra precautions. First, they will start by removing the clay tiles in order to mount metal hooks, flashing, and racking feet directly onto the home’s roof. Then, new tiles will be placed above these mounting features to bring back the roof’s original aesthetic. But sometimes, installers may have to replace the tiles with a metal version, combining the mounting foot, flashing, and tile into a single piece of equipment.
Concrete Tile Roofs
In contrast to asphalt, concrete tiles involve a lot more work. Like with clay, the installer will have to remove and replace the concrete tiles during the installation process. And while some contractors will drill directly through the tiles, it’s more common to use flashing and mounting feet due to the brittleness of concrete.
Although there are many types of metal roofs, solar panels will work well on all of them. Yet, the installation process will differ slightly. For instance, if you have a standing seam roof, your installer won’t need to drill any holes. That’s because panel mounts can be clamped to the raised seams.
On the other hand, corrugated metal roofs will require a bit of drilling. However, this won’t damage your roof, as professional contractors use waterproofing sealant to prevent moisture from infiltrating and damaging your home’s structural integrity.
Initially, you might believe that wooden roofs are not good candidates for solar panels, especially since older wood is usually brittle. But that’s not entirely true. As long as the roof has been properly maintained, it can accommodate solar panel systems. The installation process is almost identical to that of asphalt shingles and consists of drilling to studs and using flashing to prevent leakage.
Flat Rubber or Concrete Roofs
Lastly, you can install solar panels on flat rubber or concrete roofs quite effectively. Installers will often use a ballast system instead of the regular penetration mounting. In other words, they will utilize a weighted racking setup that holds the solar panels in place while also tilting them towards the sun for optimal performance.