Making informed decisions is an important part of making the switch to renewable energy. Many homeowners think about several details but often forget one important question: Is my roof good for solar panels? A homeowner’s roof type and condition can make or break whether solar is a possibility.
Our priority at Solar Peak is to give homeowners the equipment to produce clean energy that is safe and affordable while guiding them step by step through the installation process. We consider roof condition, material, space, pitch angle and direction, and sun exposure for maximum production.
Factors in Question
During the array design process, one of our team members or site surveyors will visit your home to assess your roof and identify potential problems. For example, older roofs may need repairing or be replaced before our team can continue with your custom system design or installation.
Condition
If there are concerns about roofing conditions, our expert site surveyors will take note and our team will determine the safest and most cost-effective way forward. Homeowners are always notified, and many choose to go ahead and fix any potential problems (fixing shingles or drainage issues) or reroof their home (partial or full, depending on the situation) prior to installation. If our team determines installing solar would be unsafe, we will pause the project until conditions are more stable.
Our photovoltaic (PV) designers use many factors to determine if a roof is safe and ready for installation, including, but not limited to:
- Age: The condition of roofing materials degrades over time.
- Climate: Different areas throughout the country experience different types of weather patterns including extremes. If you frequently experience warmer weather with direct sunshine, your roofing material may result in quicker degrading. The same can be true for areas with frequent inclement weather like Minnesota, Washington, and Oregon.
- Visible Wear & Tear: Damage present on the roof might be a sign it’s ready for replacement. Most homes use composite shingles, which are coated in small granules. Shingles in poor condition will likely have large patches of missing granules. They may also have white fibers from the underlayer showing. Additionally, torn or missing shingles are a warning sign your roof might need to be re-shingled.
