Are you thinking about going solar, but are unsure if your roof is compatible with solar panels? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by homeowners considering a solar energy system for their home. In this blog post, we’re breaking down what type of roof is best for solar panels and what to consider before making your roofing decision.
Spoiler: Many different roof types for solar panels will work!
Choosing the Right Roof for Solar Panels
Many types of roofs can be suitable for solar panel installation, but the roofing material you choose definitely impacts your overall installation cost and efficiency.
Mounting solar panels on your home’s roof is the most popular and effective way to power your home with solar energy. Compared to ground-mounted systems, rooftop solar panels are more affordable, maximize the space on your property, and provide effective energy generation.
The biggest factor to consider when choosing a roofing material for solar panels is longevity.
Solar panels typically last between 25-30 years, so you’ll want to choose a roofing material that will be durable enough to support them for the long term.
What Type of Roof is Best for Solar Panels?
Several roofing materials work well with solar panel installations, but the best option depends on your unique situation. This includes your roofing budget, location, aesthetic preferences, and how much you want to spend on your solar system.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular roofing material choices for solar panels.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material to install solar panels on. They’re durable and easy for installers to work with, which reduces labor costs and the cost of equipment. They are also on the lower end for roofing costs and last between 12-30 years.
Metal with Standing Seams
A metal roof with standing seams is one of the best roof materials for solar panels. The standing seams make attaching the panel array easy, which also lowers the installation cost. Metal roofing is an excellent choice for solar panels as they are durable, long lasting, reflective, high load-bearing, and energy efficient. Metal is on the higher end for roofing costs and can last 40-75+ years, which is a great match for the lifespan of solar panels.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofs are commonly found in hot climates and near the ocean. They can require specialized solar installation, as tiles likely will need to be removed or adjusted to fit your panels and get a solid install. This increases the installation cost. The cost for this type of roofing material is also on the higher end, but they can last upwards of 100 years.
Tar and Gravel
Tar and gravel roofs are often found on flat roofs, so you may need a special bracket to tilt the solar panel to achieve the optimal angle. These roofs are in the middle range for both roofing and solar installation costs and can last 20-30 years.
Other Factors That Determine The Best Roof For Solar Panels
To determine if your roof is a good fit for solar panels, you also need to take into consideration the pitch, orientation, size, and layout of the roof. These factors will greatly impact your solar energy generation and efficiency.
Roof Pitch
The best roof pitch for solar panels is between 30-40 degrees. If you have a flat roof or a roof at a different angle, you can use mounting brackets to adjust the tilt of the solar panel, but that will add an additional installation cost.
Orientation of Your Roof
South-facing roofs are the most ideal for us here in the northern hemisphere, as they capture the most direct sunlight (thus generating the most solar energy). However, east and west-facing roofs can also work great and provide a substantial amount of solar power.
You can read more about which direction your house should face for solar panels here.
Roof Size and Layout
Each solar panel requires about 24 square feet of roof space. An average home needs between 20-24 solar panels to run fully on solar and offset the utility bills. The best roof size for solar panels is between 480-580 square feet of available space. This depends on your energy consumption and how efficient your solar system is. Keep in mind that roofs with complex layouts, such as a lot of chimneys, tiers, skylights, etc, can be tricky and will require additional planning and installation costs.
Which Type of Roof Is Not Suitable For Solar?
While there are many roof types that work well with solar panels, there are some we don’t recommend.
Wood Shingles (Shake Roofing)
Roofs with wood shingles are not suitable for solar panels because they are more fragile and susceptible to fire risks. With solar panels, that’s a big no-no. Many installers won’t feel comfortable installing solar panels on a wood roof, and depending on where you live, it may not be permitted either.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are also not a great choice for solar panels, as they are more brittle and susceptible to breakage. Solar panels have definite weight to them, so you need a roof with a high load-bearing limit.
Should I Replace My Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?
If your roof is aging or in need of a replacement in the near future, we recommend replacing your roof before installing solar panels. This can help prevent costly solar panel removal and reinstallation down the road when you replace the roof.
If you have a wood or slate roof, you should replace that before solar panel installation as well with a more suitable roofing material that will better support your solar panels.
Go Solar Today With Blu Solar!
Overall, there are many types of roofing materials that will work well with solar panels, but the best choice for you goes back to longevity, cost, and energy efficiency. Consider your roof type, energy needs, and overall budget for roofing and solar panel installation before making a decision.
If you’re ready to go solar today, visit our website to start your journey toward clean renewable energy and receive your free solar installation estimate!
