Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bill, all while reducing your carbon footprint. Yet, many homeowners ask if they’re safe for their roofs. We address this concern below and provide some tips on solar panel installation safety.
“Are solar panels safe for my roof?” – the answer is yes, typically. Solar panels are safe for your roof if you follow some simple tips.
Hire the Professionals: The installation of solar panels will not result in roof damage if your solar installer is a licensed, qualified professional and your roof is in good condition. If you’ve heard of roof damage occurring because of a solar installation, it’s likely because the roof was initially in poor condition. So, before you consider solar panels you might need to invest in a new roof. If you’re local to the South Florida region, contact Native Roofing for a complimentary roofing estimate.
Make Your Questions Known: If you’ve recently reroofed or built a new home, you may be hesitant to add solar panels. After receiving some questions on how to incorporate solar panels with a newer roof, we decided to address a few concerns.
- Holes in the Roof and Potential Leaks: One of the biggest concerns for property owners is the holes that will be created in the roof to secure the solar panels. Installers will place holes in your roof to steady the racking which holds the solar panels. These holes are for lag bolts, used to secure your panels to your roof, and are designed to withstand extreme weather. The holes and bolts are necessary for almost every solar installation, and their size and depth will vary depending on your roofing material. To prevent leaks, special water-tight flashings are installed under the shingles or over the metal sheeting and the bolt holes are sealed with sealant.
- The Weight of the Solar Panels: “Will solar be too heavy for my roof?” We’ve had this question come up a few times. The answer is no. Roofs are designed and built to withstand significant pressure, and solar panels barely come close to their weight limits. For example, the majority of solar panels are only 1\4 the weight of the average American male, so if solar installers and roofers can walk on your roof, solar panels don’t pose a threat.
- The Potential of Shingle Damage: According to the “Roofing Calculator” website, 75% of all houses in North America have shingle roofs.Therefore, it’s no wonder that many people question if solar panels will damage their roofs.The opposite is true. Solar panels act as a barrier, protecting shingles from UV radiation, heat, and other potential elements that could deteriorate your shingled roof.
As we mentioned above, it’s important to consider the age and condition of your roof before a solar installation. Be certain your roof’s structural integrity can account for solar panels. A trustworthy solar energy company will instruct you whether it’s safe to move forward with the installation.
After reading this article, we hope we’ve reassured you that a solar panel installation is generally safe for your roof. If you have any questions about solar panel safety or installation, please contact a solar professional in your area. South Florida residents in Broward, Palm Beach, and surrounding areas take note! Our Native Roofing team will be glad to field any questions you have about your roof’s status and its eligibility for solar panels in the future.
Contact us today at either location for more information and to schedule your complimentary roofing estimate. We look forward to hearing from you!
Broward: 954-236-9986
Palm Beach: 561-469-7930
