Learn which roofing materials are best for installing solar panels
When you are installing solar panels, it is easy to overlook the roof itself. But in truth, the roof matters greatly. Most roofing materials can handle a residential solar power system, but certain jurisdictions may limit the use of solar panels on wooden roofing (like cedar shakes) because of fire risk. Regardless, the best roof for solar panels will offer solid support, straightforward installation, and efficiency.
The good news is that it has never been a better time to install solar panels and benefit from clean energy. The once-prohibitive cost is becoming more and more affordable; you just need to make sure your roof is suitable. There are many different types of solar panels, and some roofing materials make a better base for them than others. A local solar panel installation professional will be able to advise your choice and help determine the exact cost of installing solar panels on your roof. Here are the best options.
| Roof Type | Life Span (Years) |
|---|---|
| Asphalt | 20-30 |
| Tar and Gravel | 20-25 |
| Metal | 40-70 |
| Solar | 25-30 |
| Tile | 50-100 |
| Green | 40-50 |
Asphalt shingles (aka composite roofing) are the most common roofing material that homeowners use on houses. Asphalt shingles are one of the best roof materials for solar panels due to their flexibility and durability.
Installing solar panels on asphalt shingles is straightforward. Professionals drill studs into the roof and attach mounts to them. If you have an existing shingle roof, inspect it before installing solar panels. If the shingles are curling, you should consider replacing your roof before installing panels. An older roof—of 10 years or more—may need replacing before installing solar panels.
“It’s highly recommended to replace your roof before installing the panels if it’s worn at all, because it’s a very cumbersome process to replace the roof once you install the panels,” said Ami Feller, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Roofer Chicks in New Braunfels, TX. “I would recommend having a roofing contractor give you a thorough roof inspection before installing solar panels.”
The only drawback is that asphalt shingle roofs have a life span of around 20 to 30 years, while solar panel warranties typically last 30 years. Homeowners will likely have to replace their roofs during the lifetime of their solar panels, which may lead to extra expenses and possible damage to the solar panels. Ideally, you would aim to install solar panels when you replace your roof to enjoy the maximum life span of both.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Vulnerable to severe weather |
| Affordable | No curb appeal |
Tar and gravel roofs are likely flat roofs, which makes an excellent option for roof solar panels. This material consists of layers of hot tar, roofing felt, and other mineral coatings. The extra layers of asphalt provide good support for the panels and prevent leaks or cracks.
To install solar panels, however, you will have to invest in a metal racking system to support your panels. Installers can tilt the racking at a 30-degree angle to receive the most sunlight for maximum efficiency.
It depends on where you live, but many homeowners like tar and gravel flat rooftops for solar panels because the roof itself is budget-friendly, which can offset the cost of the panels. These roofs have a life span of 20 to 25 years. They are properly sealed to prevent any potential leaks while also providing a great, flat support surface for your solar panel roof system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents leaks | Shortest life span of roof types |
| Affordable | Heavy |
Metal is not just a sustainable material for roofing; it is also one of the best materials to pair with solar panels. It offers a solid surface and long-term durability for the panels.
Installing solar panels is easy on metal roofs. The installers do not even need to cut the roofing or drill holes in homes with standing seam metal roofs. Solar panels can be clamped and firmly secured to the raised seams, which reduces the cost of labor.
Metal roofs are relatively safe and will not spark into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike. If installed correctly, metal roofs will not rust. They are low maintenance when compared to other roofing materials; however, they should be inspected periodically to ensure no repairs are required.
Metal roofs are durable and can easily last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, well beyond the life span of solar panels. And because they often contain large amounts of recycled aluminum, metal roofs are one of the most sustainable roofing options. Solar panels can enhance the cooling effect of a metal roof, creating an eco-friendly home.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very durable | Expensive |
| Energy-efficient | Difficult to repair |
Why not go full solar if you are considering a new material for your roof? Solar roof shingles are a unique and increasingly popular type of energy-efficient roofing that can be more cost-effective than installing a roof and adding a solar system on top of it.
Solar shingles are different from solar panels. Solar shingles are small solar panels embedded in each roof tile. The tiles combine the function of a roof tile and solar panel into one product. These are some of the best roof materials for solar energy due to the design integration of the solar panels, which lets them blend in more easily with the existing roof.
These shingles have innovative options, such as heat-resistant and wind-protective tiles. Solar panel shingles are versatile—they can be removed and reinstalled if you end up moving from your current house. They are also more durable than regular shingles and offer better insulation while operating at optimum temperatures for maximum efficiency (around 77 degrees Fahrenheit). For each degree above or below the optimal temperature, you can expect to lose about 0.3% to 0.5% efficiency, though solar panels do work in all climates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduced carbon footprint | High cost |
| Versatile | Limited styles |
You will typically find tile roofing in areas with warm climates or by the seaside. This option is ultra durable, heavy, and sturdy. When properly maintained, a tile roof can last for a century, making it one of the best types of roofing for solar panels.
Installation might just be a little tricky. Clay tiles are brittle and can crack under weight. Your solar panel installers will need to move carefully, so as not to damage the tiles. It is also likely that you will need to replace, cut, or remove some tile during the installation process, which raises costs. If you have a tile roof, make sure to hire an experienced qualified roofer near you to avoid damaging your roof during your solar panel installation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting | Expensive |
| Low maintenance | Brittle |
Green roofs are one of the few roofs that can actually make your solar panels more efficient. Also known as a “biosolar” roof, the solar panels and vegetation work together. The vegetation helps keep your solar panels at the optimal temperature for the best output, while the solar panels create some shade that allows a variety of flora to grow.
On their own, green roofs provide a habitat where small animals, birds, and pollinators like bees and butterflies can flourish. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, a well-designed green roof can help prevent flooding in urban areas by reducing and delaying the flow of stormwater by 65%. They also ramp up a home’s energy efficiency. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a green roof can be up to 30 to 40 degrees cooler than a traditional roof.
Despite the benefits, green roofs do require more maintenance than traditional roofing. You need to make sure you plant the right plants (so they do not grow over the solar panels) and that panels are installed correctly (so the plants have room to grow around and under them). Planting small native plants can reduce the increased maintenance time these roofs require.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Environmentally-friendly | High cost |
| Improved drainage | Requires extra maintenance |
You can install solar panels on the typical flat or pitched roof, but keep in mind that they will need to rest at a 30- to 50-degree tilt for optimal sun absorption. Typically, it costs more to install solar panels on a flat roof because you will need to install a framing system and likely hire a structural engineer. If your roof has a pitch more than 40 degrees, it may not be a good candidate for solar panels.
Ideally, you should install solar panels on a south-facing portion of your roof. That is the side exposed to the most direct sunlight. East- or west-facing roofs also work but receive slightly less sunlight during the day. If your roof is north-facing, you will need to take special precautions to orient your panels properly and reduce shade since north-facing roofs receive very little direct sunlight.
Most homes need between 350 and 760 square feet for their solar power system, though you could utilize less space if you’re using solar panels for supplemental electricity rather than to power your entire home.
To figure out the exact amount of space needed, you have to know how many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use per year. Per the Energy Information Administration, the average home requires 10,623 kWh/year. The average solar panel system uses 350-watt panels, so you will likely need to purchase multiple panels for your system, unless you plan to continue drawing some power from the grid.
