Brighten up your roof with solar panels
Solar panels don’t damage roofs, but improper installation can.
Hiring a professional solar panel installer can help avoid issues.
Leaking, mold, and structural damage are potential problems.
If you want to reduce your energy bills and minimize your carbon footprint, you might be considering adding solar panels to your home. Before you do, you’re likely wondering: Can solar panels damage your roof? Luckily, with a professional setup, your roof shouldn’t experience any damage from solar panel installation. Learn some helpful tips on how to avoid damaging your home with solar panels.
Roof damage from solar panels is unlikely, but when it does happen, it’s due to the installation process. Improper installation can lead to several issues, such as:
Water leaks: When installing solar panels, the installer drills holes into the roof to secure the mounts. If these holes are not properly sealed, they can compromise the roof’s waterproofing. Over time, this can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold growth. All of which can be costly to repair and may affect the structural integrity of your home.
Structural stress and sagging: Solar panels add extra weight to your roof, which can cause problems if the roof is not strong enough to support the added load. Older or weaker roofs are particularly susceptible to sagging or structural stress. This issue can become more pronounced as time goes by, potentially leading to long-term damage that may require expensive structural repairs or roof replacement.
Shingle or tile damage: The installation process can inadvertently cause damage to roof shingles or tiles. Solar panel installers may accidentally dislodge, crack, or break these components while moving equipment or securing mounts. Damaged shingles or tiles can expose your roof to the elements, heightening the risk of leaks and further deterioration.
Rust and corrosion: If the materials used for solar panel mounts are not adequately coated or treated, roofs with metal components or solar panel mounts made from certain metals are at risk of rust or corrosion. This can weaken the roof’s structure and compromise the integrity of the solar panel mounts.
Wind uplift: Poorly installed solar panels can create a risk of wind uplift. When this happens, strong winds can get underneath the panels and lift them, damaging both the panels and the roof. This is particularly concerning in areas prone to high winds or severe weather conditions.
If your solar panels are damaging your roof or require repairs, call a local solar panel repair pro who can remedy issues.
There are precautions you can take to help avoid damaging your roof during the solar panel installation process:
This is not a home renovation you can tackle yourself. You need to hire a solar panel installer near you with a strong track record and experience working with your roof type. A skilled installer will know how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to current or future roof damage. When choosing an installer to work with, check reviews, ask for references, and verify their credentials and certifications.
Before installation begins, confirm that the company conducts a comprehensive roof inspection. If not, call a local roofing pro. The cost of a roof inspection is worth it. This inspection should include assessing the roof's age, condition, and structural integrity and identifying any existing damage or weak spots. Addressing these issues before installation can prevent further damage and prolong the life span of your roof and solar panels.
It is crucial to select a mounting system compatible with your roof type. Different roofing materials—such as asphalt shingles, metal, tile, or flat roofs—require different mounting approaches to ensure secure attachment without causing damage.
All penetrations made in the roof for the solar panel mounts should be properly sealed to prevent water leaks. This includes using high-quality flashing and sealants around the mounts to create a watertight barrier.
After installation, regular maintenance checks are needed to ensure that the solar panels and mounts remain secure and no new damage has occurred. A professional should inspect the mounting hardware, check for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure the seals are intact. Regular solar panel maintenance helps detect and address minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.
Before installing solar panels, consider getting a new roof. Older roofs are at an increased risk of getting damaged from solar panel installation, as they could be weaker and struggle to support the new weight.
Since the life span of both solar panels and roofs are roughly the same, it makes sense to get a fresh start so you don’t have to go through the cost of replacing the roof in the middle of your solar panel’s life. This way, you can replace both at the same time.
Ensure that both the solar panels and the installation work are covered by comprehensive warranties. You can also check if your homeowners insurance covers potential damage related to solar panel installation and maintenance.
While solar panels can be a great investment, they aren’t ideal for every roof. For example, some roofs, especially older or structurally weak ones, may struggle to support the added weight, leading to potential damage. Roofs with complex designs, obstructions, or limited sunlight exposure might not provide optimal conditions for solar energy production. Consider these downsides when determining if solar panel installation costs are worth it.
If your home gets good sun exposure, the main downside of rooftop solar panels is the chance that installation can cause damage to the home. This includes potential roof damage from improper installation, which can cause leaks or weakened structures. Solar panels are a major financial investment and not all roofs are suitable due to size, orientation, or structural limitations.
As long as your solar panels are properly installed without damage to your roof, they will not shorten the roof’s life span. Solar panels can act as a cover or barrier to your roof and help block external elements, such as debris, heat, and UV rays. Reduced exposure to the weather can extend your roof’s life.
Installing solar panels involves drilling small holes in your roof to secure the solar panel mounting brackets. These brackets hold the solar panels in place and must withstand strong weather conditions so they’re secured into your roof. However, holes and screws are sealed to prevent leaking and further damage.
It’s possible that installing solar panels can lead to mold on the roof. The panels themselves are not the issue. Problems caused by improper installation—such as roof leaks and mounts that aren’t sealed properly—can cause mold. Another potential cause of mold is debris accumulation under panels, which can trap moisture. If you live somewhere with extreme snow, rain, or hail, your home could be more prone to mold.
