Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

If you own a home and are considering having solar panels installed, you may be wondering whether or not your roof is suitable for this type of installation. The answer to this question is yes and no. There are several factors to consider before deciding if your roof is suitable to have solar panels installed on it.

Installation Requirements

The first thing to consider when deciding if your roof can handle the installation of solar panels is the type of roof that you have. Some flat roofs are not recommended for solar panel installations because they do not provide adequate support for the weight of the panels themselves, as well as the mounting systems used to secure them in place. If you do have a flat roof, it would be best to consult with an experienced contractor before making any decisions about installing solar panels on it. Tile, metal, stone coated steel and shingle, however, are usually suitable for solar panel installations.

The second factor to consider when deciding if your roof is suitable for a solar panel installation is its age and condition. If your roof has been in place for more than 8-20 years ( Depending on type of roof material) or has suffered any damage over time due to weathering or wear and tear, then it may not be strong enough to withstand the additional weight of a complete solar panel system. You should also consider how soon you will need a roof replacement. It is expensive to detach and reset solar panels. If you need a roof replacement soon it is best to put solar panels on a new roof. Saving you the cost of having the panels reinstalled and also allowing a new roof at 0 down to be added to your solar loan. 

Finally, take into account the amount of sunlight that your property receives throughout the day and year round as this will determine how much energy can be generated from the system once installed. If you live in an area which does not receive consistent daily sunlight then it might not make sense financially speaking for you to install a full system at this time as it may take longer than expected for you to recoup your investment costs through energy savings alone.

Detach My Solar, powered by BuiltMX, is experienced and available to answer all of your questions regarding new solar panel installations. We’re committed to honest solar sales, while also providing a reliable source for contractors and homeowners to detach and reset solar panels.