If you’re considering going solar, your roof is probably top of mind. Rooftop solar installations are very popular – they’re typically cheaper than ground-mounted systems and maximize the available space on your property. But whether your roof is a good fit for solar will depend on a few factors, one of the most important being its material.
Solar energy systems typically last 25 to 30+ years, so you need your roof to last long enough to support your system! This article will explain what roof materials are best for solar panels. The best roof material for you will depend on how much you want to spend on your roof and solar energy installation, where you live, and your aesthetic preferences.
Asphalt Shingles: Affordable and Reliable
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material, and for good reason: they’re affordable, durable, and flexible. Asphalt roofs typically last about 12 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles and where you live. Higher-quality asphalt shingles are best for solar panels because you don’t want your system to outlive your roof.
Due to their prevalence, every reputable installer should be comfortable installing a solar energy system on an asphalt roof. If you have an asphalt roof, your installer will drill studs into your roof and attach solar panel mounts at those locations. Your installer will then seal the space between the studs and shingles and cover it with flashing – a metal plate that prevents water infiltration – so your roof won’t leak.
Metal Roofing: Durable and Efficient
If you’re wondering, “can you put solar panels on a metal roof,” the answer is yes! Metal roofs typically last 40 to 75+ years, are non-flammable, and can be energy efficient – if your metal roof is light in color, it will reflect light and heat, keeping your house cool. However, they’re pretty expensive to install, and this high upfront cost can deter people from choosing metal as a roofing material.
Installing solar on a metal roof requires a slightly different skill set and different racking equipment. You’ll want to choose an installer that has experience working with metal roofs. However, if your metal roof has standing seams, your installer can attach the solar panels directly to the seams. This will eliminate the need for drilling holes and lowering the labor costs associated with your installation!
Tile Roofing: Durable but Costly
Tile roofs are most common in locations with hot climates or close to the ocean due to their durability. These roofs can last over a century, so you can feel confident that your roof will outlast your solar system.
However, they’re more expensive than asphalt roofs (but typically cheaper than metal roofs) and can complicate your solar installation. While installing solar on a tile roof is possible, you should expect higher labor costs because your installer will likely need to remove tiles and replace them with a mounting foot and flashing because of their brittleness.
Not all installers have the skill set for installing solar on tile roofs. You should confirm that your installer is confident working with this roof material.
Tar and Gravel Roofing: Supportive and Energy Efficient
Tar and gravel roofs work well with solar because they’re supportive and energy efficient (gravel reflects sunlight). They’ll typically last about 20 to 30 years and are easy to patch and repair if any damage does occur.
However, if you have a tar and gravel roof, your roof is probably relatively flat. In this case, you’ll need some additional hardware to ensure your solar panels are pitched at the best angle. While this extra hardware can increase costs, it allows you to provide optimal orientation and angle of your system.
There is no “best” type of roofing for solar installation because solar installation experts can work with all types of roofing, but there will be different levels of expense depending on the level of complexity and materials needed for the installation.
If you’re in the Spring, TX solar area, consider consulting local solar installers. As Houston solar installers with years of experience in solar installation, we are one of the best solar companies in Texas. We can help you to assess your options and make an informed decision.
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