Solar panels can be installed on any roof including metal, asphalt, or rubber roofs. Different roof materials will require slight modifications, but solar panels can be installed as easily on a metal surface as they would be on asphalt or rubber.
75% of homes in North America use roofs made from asphalt shingle. Metal roofs, however, are quickly becoming a sought-after alternative to asphalt. The main reason for this is metal roofs can last up to two or three times longer than the 20-year lifespan of an asphalt roof.
To offset their energy demands, many homeowners are turning to solar panels. A common concern for homeowners with metal roofs is whether you can install solar panels on them.
In this article, we will cover the different types of metal roofs that are best for solar panels. Then we will look into the pros and cons of a metal roof. Before we round off with what type of roof is best for solar, we will give a brief guide on how to install solar on a metal roof.
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What Type of Metal Roof Is Best for Solar Panels?
Metal roofs with standing seams are the best for solar panels. Standing seam metal roofs are the best metal roofs because they are the simplest and cheapest to install solar panels on. Other roof materials require more complex installation methods which increase the labor costs and the possibility of roof leaks.
Typically, metal roofs do not require a mounting system or drilling to secure the solar panels to the roof. This is what makes the installation of solar panels on a metal roof easier and cheaper. (Source)
Besides being easier to install, metal roofs have several other reasons why they are perfectly suited for solar panels.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roof Material for Solar Panels
1- Longevity of metal roofs
Metal roofs are durable. With a lifespan of between 40 to 70 years, metal roofs last much longer than other roofing materials. Since solar panels have a long lifespan of up to 25+ years, this reduces the possibility of having to remove your solar panels so you can replace your roof.
| Roof type | Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Asphalt | 15-30 |
| Metal | 40-70 |
| Wood | 30 |
| Clay | 50-100 |
| Slate | 75-200 |
Metal roofs also have good wind resistance compared to other materials and they can handle the added weight of solar panels.
Also, check out our post ” Can Solar Panels Be Installed on A Flat Roof? What You Need to Know !
2- Environmentally friendly
Metal roofs are made from recycled material. This allows you to further reduce your carbon footprint by having both solar and a roof made from recycling! (Source)
Metal roofs also come with a reflective coating that reflects the sun. Combined with solar panels that shield the roof from the sun, this helps keep your home cooler than other roof materials which retain heat. This reduces your reliance on air conditioning.
Find out more on relevant topics and check out our post titled ” Can Solar Panels Be Recycled? Is It Worth It ! & ” Do Solar Panels Reflect Or Absorb Light? All You Need to Know!“
3- Accepts different types of solar panels
Metal roofs give you the flexibility to use silicon, thin-film, and even solar laminates that adhere to the roof. (Source)
What Are the Disadvantages of A Metal Roof?
The biggest disadvantages of a metal roof are cost and maintenance. While they may last longer than other roofing materials metal roofs are up to two or three times more expensive. They also need more maintenance.
Generally, metal roofs can be a handful to repair depending on the type, style, and finish of the roof. Standing seam metal roofs are harder to repair than other roof types.
Metal roofs also have a couple of disadvantages when it comes to solar. Firstly, they might require the use of custom-made hardware to fit the solar panels to the roof. Secondly, maintenance can be difficult if the wiring for the solar panels is placed underneath the panels.
How Do You Attach Solar Panels to A Metal Roof?
Solar panels are attached to a metal roof using clamps, drilling, or laminating. The installation process depends on the type of metal roof and the type of solar panel. Standing seam metal roofs are the easiest to install. This type of roof does not require any drilling. Instead, clamps secure the solar panels to the ridges of the roof ensuring it stays waterproof.
Seams make the attachment of the solar panels much easier and faster to complete.
Other types of metal roofs like exposed fasteners and corrugated roofs require drilling. There are no points to attach clamps so holes are drilled to bolt the solar panels to the roof.
Another way to attach solar panels to metal roofs is by laminating. This is the simplest solution. Using this method, the solar panels are laminated directly onto the roof like a coating. The main drawback of this method is that it only works with thin-film solar panels which are less efficient than silicon solar panels. Thin-film is the only solar panel flexible enough to allow laminating.
If you are very much concerned about your roof, we do recommend that you check out our post : Will Solar Panels On Roof Void Roof Or Panel Warranty?!
Also, find out How Many Solar Panels Will Fit on Your House Roof? Simple Guide!
What Type of Roof Is Best for Solar Panels?
Standing seam metal roofs are easier and cheaper to install solar panels on. This makes them the most attractive roof material for solar. They do not require any drilling but rely instead on clamps to attach the solar panels to the roof. This means less labor and less chance of leaks.
While you can install solar on any roof, other roof types are more expensive and difficult to install on with some even requiring special permits. Wood shingle roofs for example are classified as a fire hazard in some states.
Installing on asphalt shingle composite requires you to use sealant authorized by the manufacturer. Fail to do this and you risk voiding the roof warranty
Clay or stone tile roofs present the biggest installation challenge. With clay or stone, the tiles have to be removed to install the flashing (which makes the installation watertight) as well as the mounts. Then the tiles have to be cut so there is a gap between them and the mounting. Finally, the solar panels and tiling are then installed. This is quite a lengthy and expensive process. Check out Why Solar Panels Are Tilted?
Overall standing seam metal roofs have a much shorter installation time, require less extra material and most importantly, don’t necessitate drilling into the roof. The latter is typically what lengthens and complicates the process as the installer then has to reseal the roof to make it watertight.
Also, check out our post “Can You Install Solar Roof Panels Yourself? All You Need To Know!“