If you’re thinking about going solar, the first thing to consider is whether your roof is up to the task. Solar energy systems are a long-term investment and you need a strong, stable foundation to match their 25+ year lifespan. This
In this guide, we’ll explain why roofing is one of the most important considerations when considering a solar installation, how to know if your roof is suitable for solar panels, and the benefits of replacing your roof before installing solar.
Key takeaways:
Before you install roof-mounted solar panels, you want to make sure your roof meets basic standards for structural integrity, condition, and lifespan. Here’s why a roof assessment plays such an integral role in solar installations:
Solar panels are relatively lightweight, only adding about 770 lbs of weight to your roof with a typical system, but they still need a solid structure to anchor to. This is particularly important if you live in an area where high winds or snow are a regular occurrence. For this reason, solar panels are usually attached directly to the roof’s joists or rafters.
If your roof framing is compromised, or undersized, or if tiles, shingles and/or underlayment are showing signs of age, the roof simply won’t hold up for another three decades. That’s why older roofs often need repairs, or even a full replacement, before going solar.
Solar panels are built to last 25 to 30 years, which means they outlive many roofing materials. If your roof fails after your solar system is installed, you’ll be faced with the costly process of removing the entire system, replacing or repairing the roof, and reinstalling the solar panels afterwards. This process can cost thousands of dollars, and it’s not covered by most solar warranties unless the roof damage was caused directly by the solar installation itself.
Installing a roof, much like installing solar panels, is a significant investment. It’s also ab upgrade that can significantly increase your home’s resale value. For that value to hold, your roof needs to be equally as durable.
If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, upgrading it before going solar is one of the smartest ways to protect both your investments and preserve your home’s value.
Most roofs will have no trouble safely supporting solar panels. Modern homes are typically built to handle 20 pounds per square foot or more, and solar panels only add 2 to 4 pounds per square foot.
That said, not every roof is built the same. For example, mobile homes and some manufactured homes may support much less weight and require special racking systems or panels. That’s why a structural assessment is an important first step before installing solar.
Reputable solar providers will include a professional roof inspection as part of the consultation process. This should involve licensed roofers evaluating your home’s design, roof age, and materials, considering things like:
If your roof is in good shape, you’ll be able to move forward with the solar installation. If not, you’ll receive specific recommendations for upgrades or repairs. At Azul Roofing, we can provide rooftop solar assessments and help prepare your roof for a safe and long-lasting solar system. Contact us today to schedule a free site evaluation.
If you’re considering solar power and wondering if your roof is ready for an installation, here are some key things to consider:
A typical solar installation will cover at least 65% of your usable roof space, although the exact number will depend on your household’s energy needs and the number of solar panels you require.
Roof obstructions like chimneys, skylights, vents, or HVAC units can all limit the available area you have for solar panels. During your roof assessment, we’ll assess how much usable space you have and whether your roof’s layout can support the system size you’re aiming for.
Even though solar panels don’t add much weight to your roof, they still need to be mounted on a solid, long-lasting surface. Most high-efficiency solar panels are warrantied up to 30 years, so you want your roof to be in good condition for just as long – if not for your own peace of mind, then at least to avoid the expense and hassle of removing and reinstalling your panels to conduct necessary repairs or re-roofs.
In Arizona, south-facing roofs get the most direct sunlight and are considered ideal for solar production. But east and west-facing roofs can still be good candidates for solar, depending on other factors. North-facing roofs aren’t generally suitable for solar.
If you’re not sure about your roof orientation, don’t worry. This is all covered during a typical solar consultation.
Shade is one of the biggest considerations when evaluating your roof for solar. Even small amounts of shade from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can reduce output for the whole system. Shading patterns can also change depending on the time of year.
If your roof has moderate shading, solar is still possible. You may be recommended technologies like microinverters or panel optimizers to reduce performance loss and keep your system running efficiently.
Solar panels perform best at an angle between 10 and 45 degrees, which covers most pitched residential roofs in Arizona. If you have a flat roof, solar panels can be installed using specialized mounting equipment to ensure optimal sun exposure.
Keep in mind that steep roofs or unusual slopes may require additional safety measures, which can impact the complexity or cost of your solar installation.
Solar panels can be installed on most roof materials, but some are easier to work with than others.
Roof materials best suited for solar include:
Roof materials that can be a bit more costly - but still possible – for solar include:
These types of roofing materials are more brittle and can easily break under the weight of solar panels. They may require specialized mounting equipment and components, which again could add to your solar installation costs.
Read More: What Type of Roof is Best for Solar Panels?
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan – typically 15 to 25 years for asphalt shingles – it’s best to handle any repairs or replacement before installing solar. More on that in the next section…
It might sound daunting to combine two massive projects like a roof replacement and solar installation. But tackling these projects together can actually save you money, prevent future disruptions, and set your home up for decades of clean energy.
Here’s why it’s a good idea to replace your roof before installing solar:
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again – solar panels are built to last 25+ years, but your roof might not be around for that long. If your roof needs repairs (or replacement) just a few years after installing solar, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, fix the roof, and reinstall everything afterwards. That’s a big expense that can easily be avoided by upgrading your roof first.
With a fresh roof, you’ll have a reliable foundation and peace of mind your solar system won’t need to be disturbed anytime soon.
See: Replace vs Repair a Roof: Factors to Consider Before You Decide
If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of managing two major home improvement projects at once, that’s a fair call. That’s why we’ve built a partnership with Sun Valley Solar Solutions – to offer customers a seamless experience that makes things simple.
Instead of juggling multiple contractors and schedules, our teams work together behind the scenes to manage everything from inspection to installation. You’ll have one point of contact, a single schedule, and a unified project plan that keeps everything stress-free.
Replacing your roof before going solar means you can optimize it for a solar panel installation. As we covered earlier, certain roofing materials are more solar-friendly than others, and small design choices – like strategically placing vents or skylights – can free up more usable space for your future solar system.
New roofs and solar energy systems both increase your home’s value, and pairing them together amplifies the effect. A study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that homes with solar sell for about $15,000 more than comparable homes without solar, while remodeling magazine estimates that a new roof can boost resale value by more than $17,000.
That’s a roughly $32,000 value add for your home, and one that’ll pay off whether you plan to stay long-term or sell in the near future.
When installed properly, solar panels won’t shorten your roof’s lifespan – in fact, they can actually help extend it.
Because solar panels are mounted a few inches above the surface of your roof, they provide a layer of protection for the materials underneath. This barrier helps shield your roof from the harsh Arizona sun, as well as heavy rain, wind, and even hail. By reducing direct exposure to the elements, the area under your panels is often better preserved than exposed sections of your roof.
When paired with a high-quality roof and expert installation, solar panels and roofing can work hand-in-hand to protect your home and provide decades of reliable performance. Just make sure both are properly maintained and installed by professionals who understand how the two systems work together.
Read More: 4 Benefits to Working with a Solar Roofing Company
At Azul Roofing Solutions, we’ve helped countless Arizona homeowners prepare their roofs for solar. Our solar-savvy roofers know exactly what to look for when solar is part of your future plans, from underlayment and ridge caps to tile condition and structural integrity. If your roof needs work, we’ll ensure any replacements or repairs are completed to solar-ready standards so you have a strong foundation for decades to come.
We’ve also partnered with Sun Valley Solar Solutions to make your transition to solar power as smooth and efficient as possible. We work together to streamline your solar project from start to finish, giving you one point of contact for both roofing and solar. This not only saves you time (and headaches!) but also ensures every component of your home upgrade works seamlessly together.
Contact Sun Valley Solar Solutions now to discuss your solar panel installation or reach out to the Azul Roofing team to schedule a free roof assessment.