Solar panels have become very popular among many residential and commercial property owners because of their high efficiency and power energy reduction in the long run. So, many homeowners or property owners are installing panels to reduce their overreliance on the primary grid and become energy-sufficient. When considering the benefits of panels and planning to install them, you want to understand how compatible your home is, mainly whether your roof is suitable for solar installation.

Rooftop installations are more popular than ground mounts because they optimize space and are affordable. Nevertheless, whether you will mount the panels on your root depends on the kind of roof and roofing materials. Consult a solar installation company to understand the various forms of roofs and their compatibility with panels.

Shingled Roofs

Many residential properties are fitted with shingle roofs because of their affordability. The roofs are made from asphalt, wood, metal, or composite, making them highly durable and resistant to adverse weather conditions. However, the two primary types of shingle roofs are composite and asphalt. Roots composed of composite are, however, more durable than those made of asphalt. Asphalt shingles comprise cellulose mat or fiberglass material, with asphalt added in the final production stages. In contrast, composite roofs contain more durable components that make the roofs last longer. However, the two materials are flexible options.

When installing panels in this kind of roof, you need penetrating mounts. Your panel installer will drill the shingles and attach the panels, with tartar helping secure them and prevent leakage in the drilled areas.

The benefit of installing panels in shingle roofs is that the process is simple, as all you require are the penetrating mounts to seal the drilled holes after attaching the panels to prevent leakage. The installation process is, therefore, affordable because you do not require a new roof. Additionally, with the high durability of these roofs, you expect them to last for the duration of the panels without needing replacement.

Tiled Roofs

Many homeowners prefer tiled roofs because of their aesthetic appeal. These roofs come in different kinds, including slate, clay mixtures, and concrete, giving you an array of options depending on your needs.

While these roofs offer an aesthetic appeal because of their proper craftsmanship, they are susceptible to breakage or cracking when exposed to force. Also, invasion is discouraged once you have installed the panels because forceful application could result in cracks that need repairs.

During panel installation, your installation company drills the roof with penetrating mounts to slightly elevate the panels above the roof. Also, tiles come in different shapes, creating unevenness that requires your installer to eliminate some or cut others to make the uniformity necessary for panel installation. The additional work needed before panel installation increases your labor costs. Also, with the labor-intensive installation and susceptibility to breakage, you expect the panels to set aside extra money to cater for the damages and repairs during the installation.

Again, the durability of your tiled roof is contingent on maintenance. So, before installing the panels, you must project the anticipated roof's durability to avoid incurring extra costs by uninstalling the panels in the future to replace the roof. Tiled roofs can last up to fifty years; therefore, if yours is new or less than twenty years old, you should expect it to last for the life of the panels, although with proper maintenance.

However, tiled roofs offer many advantages, including:

  • They are durable
  • Tiles made of clay have high water absorption properties, thus being water-resistant
  • They are highly resistant to cold, making them a preference for many homes

You should know that installing panels in tiled roofs is a difficult task as the panels must be elevated. Also, you want to reduce the cost of repairs by ensuring minimum damage to the roof. Therefore, if you decide to fit panels in this roof, find experienced experts who have done many jobs like yours for a highly satisfying result.

Gravel and Tar Roofs

Another roof option for your panels is the tar or gravel roof. These roofs are flat and mimic concrete finishing at the rooftop or highest part of the building. During the construction of this roof, the slab on the uppermost side of the structure is fitted and secured with gravel or tar. The close-fit seal ensures that the roof does not leak.

These roofs, whether fitted in residential or commercial buildings, are flat, creating extra space in the roof for purposes intended by the property owner. If you have this kind of roof on your property, it is perfect for installing panels, as it can accommodate several. Nevertheless, the flat nature of these roofs means that you must install an additional bracket in the root to enable the panels to tilt at a thirty-degree angle for maximum contact with the sunlight.

Demand for panels among property owners with gravel roofs is high because of the ample space. The fact that when you fit a bracket of the roof, you can tilt the panels to the most suitable angle for sunlight exposure means you can use your panels efficiently to generate sufficient power.

Besides, your panel installer will not have problems accessing them for repairs or maintenance, as they can safely go to the rooftop. With easy access to the roof and ample space, installation and maintenance work becomes simplified, reducing the cost you could have otherwise incurred in the same project but on a different type of roof.

Another advantage is that these roofs are long-lasting. They can serve you for 20 to 25 years with little repairs and maintenance, as they are not prone to cracking and leakage.

The only downside of these roofs is the extra cost of fitting the additional bracket to enable solar tilting to the optimum angle.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are the second most suitable roof for panels, as no drilling is required, simplifying the installation process. However, even if installation is easy, do not be tempted to do the job yourself. You must still hire a professional for proper installation and efficiency. The installation cost, however, will be low because of the reduced labor.

Metal reflects light. Therefore, any sunlight that does not hit the panels is reflected, keeping the house cool. This explains why these roofs are common in warm and sunny regions.

One primary advantage of these roofs for your panels is their lengthy life cycle of 40-125 years. Again, they provide additional radiation to the panels, increasing exposure and absorption, hence increasing power production.

However, despite these benefits, these roofs are double or thrice as expensive as the standard roof material. Also, during adverse weather, the roofs can cause a lot of noise in the house. Nevertheless, the noise will be minimal if the panels cover the roof.

Finding the Most Suitable Roof for Your Panels

Now that you understand various roof kinds and their suitability for panels, it is time to pick the most suitable panel for your roof. When choosing, you should consider your interests and requirements. If aesthetics come first for you, your choice of roof will differ from that of an individual who prioritizes practical usage. The factors you should consider when choosing a roof are:

  1. The Roof’s Slope

Do not go for a steep roof because the angle minimizes sun exposure, lowering their performance. During inclement weather, the roof could be hazardous.

A steep inclination also exposes panels to destruction during hailstones, strong winds, or earthquakes. As a result, you incur considerable expenses in repairs and maintenance during inclement seasons, making the installations expensive.

So, if you plan on going green through solar panels in your home and have yet to build it, consider a less steep roof for the property to ensure the panels sit at an optimum angle for proper exposure to the sun. Nevertheless, you should consider mounting the panels on the ground when you already have a property with a steep roof and do not want to uninstall it for cost or aesthetic reasons. You should find a secluded area and put some protection measures in place to safeguard the installations from damage.

  1. The Space Provided for the Panels

When choosing a roof, you must select the option that will provide ample room for the installation. The space you require hinges on the panel type, the size of your home, and the amount of solar electricity you plan on producing.

In a standard panel, one square foot of a roof should generate fifteen watts of energy. The total amount of electricity to be generated depends on the size of your roof, with an average home holding nineteen to twenty-three panels. On average, your home can produce sufficient solar energy with a roof space of 200 square feet.

Larger buildings have more energy demands than average homes. Luckily, because they have larger roof spaces, you can maximize the space to increase energy production.

  1. The Roof Design

The roof design you pick determines the angle at which you will place your panels. Solar panels function optimally when exposed to the sun at a 30-degree angle. Different manufacturers provide the best angles for maximum energy conversion. Therefore, consider the angle the manufacturer recommends for your panels when designing a roof.

The angle the panels will fit on the roof depends on the design. However, when your roof does not fit the placement of panels at an ideal angle, your installation company can fit additional brackets to achieve an optimum angle. However, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets to foot the cost of the bracket. If you are yet to build, consider the type of panels you plan on installing when choosing a roof design to enable you to install the panels at the appropriate angle without incurring extra costs.

  1. Ease of Access for Repairs and Inspections

The ideal roof for your property is easily accessible for installation, repairs, and maintenance. Experts can easily access the roof during installation and repairs because they have the tools and skills. However, you cannot call your installation firm whenever you want to clean or inspect the panels. You should perform some of these tasks yourself to cut costs. However, if your roof is inaccessible, you cannot perform even the slightest maintenance because you risk falling or damaging the roof and panels, incurring extra costs.

If you have yet to install a roof, the most accessible for solar panels is the gravel or tar one. There is ample space to move around, and because of their flat nature, you are less likely to damage the panels or fall.

Conversely, tiled or metal roofs are hard to access. The titles will crack when exposed to intense force, while the metal will fold, causing deformation. However, despite the difficulty of access, these roofs offer many benefits. So, it is up to you to evaluate your preferences when selecting the right roof.

  1. Strength Requirement

Standard panels and mounting material weigh at least three pounds per square foot. An average roof can support this weight. Nevertheless, panels with weighted ballasts are heavier. The reinforcing material, like concrete block, should not overpower your roof, but it is crucial to check for sufficient strength to offer the required support. If your roof cannot support the reinforcements, you will experience problems in the future, leading to frequent repairs. You could even be forced to replace the roof if it is overpowered.

Find a Reputable Solar Panel Installation Contractor Near Me

Your preferences and needs should determine your choice of panels. These needs are unique to every property owner, meaning that what works for you will not work for another person. Therefore, when installing solar energy, consider your needs, like power needs and the cost of replacing or modifying the roof. Go for the roof design that offers you more benefits than demerits. Also, you should consider the input of a solar installation expert before making a decision. At Sun Solar Electric, we will explain the suitable roofs for panels, their merits, and demerits, and enable you to select the most ideal for your needs. Call us at 707-658-2157 for a no-obligation consultation in Northern California and the Bay Area.