Installing solar does not damage a roof. If anything, rooftop solar has more pros than cons which is why more solar panels are installed on roofs than on the ground. Installing solar panels on a roof should not cause roof leaks if done correctly.
Solar panels in America offset carbon emissions by over 100 million metric tons every year. That is the equivalent of planting nearly 131 million acres of pine forest. Yet only 2% of total U.S electricity generation is met by solar. Imagine how much less carbon dioxide there would be if more homeowners had solar.
One of the biggest obstacles to solar uptake is misinformation
Many homeowners have inaccurate or incomplete information about solar which creates some degree of hesitation about it. This is not altogether surprising since solar is a relatively new technology.
One of the most common concerns about solar is what impact installing solar panels on a roof will have. Roofs are expensive to install or replace so this is a perfectly reasonable concern. In this article, we will clear up the misconceptions about what happens when solar panels are installed on a roof.
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We will examine the pros and cons of rooftop solar as well as the alternatives. We will also show you why installing solar panels very rarely leads to leaks or damage and we will explain how solar affects a roof warranty.
Does Removing Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?
Removing solar panels from your roof will not damage it. Provided the removal is carried out by a qualified expert, removing solar panels does not damage the roof any more than installing them does. A certified professional with the right expertise and equipment should be able to remove the solar panels without any trouble.
Having it done correctly is the most important thing. As long as no shortcuts were taken when the solar panels were first installed or during the removal, there should be no damage caused to the roof.
Though rare it can happen. The most frequent issues that come up as a result of installing solar are broken roof tiles or shingles and cracked beams. (Source)
Do Solar Panels Leak Water?
Solar panels will not cause a roof to leak. Installation by a certified installer using the right equipment and through industry-standard methods should leave the roof waterproof.
The most common reason for roof leaks due to solar installation is either using substandard material or negligence on the part of the installer. Generally, roof leaks from solar are extremely rare. There are some preventative measures you should take to reduce the possibility of a leak on your roof.
- Make sure your roof is not too old before you install solar panels. This is a common mistake people make. The older the roof is, the more likely it may get damaged. Different types of roofs have different lifespans. The average lifespan is between 15 to 25 years depending on what type of roof it is. Typically, solar installers will not put solar panels on a roof that is more than 10 years old. (Source)
- You should have your roof inspected before you install solar panels. Professional solar installers insist on doing this to prevent leaks or damage. You want to have your roof inspected for any material or structural defects that may cause problems down the road.
- You should hire professional solar installers with a proven track record. This drastically reduces the chances of there being any mistakes in the installation.
It is highly unlikely your roof will leak after installing solar if it is in good condition and you get a good contractor to do it for you.
Do Solar Panels Void Your Roof Warranty?
Installing solar panels does not void your roof warranty if you use approved materials and industry-certified professionals. Aside from specific clauses your warranty may have, these are the two main criteria most roof warranties have.
There are three warranties that a roof will likely have.
- A manufacturer’s warranty covers the roofing material itself and is extended by the manufacturer.
- A workmanship warranty covers the installation of the roof and is extended by the roofing contractor.
- An extended warranty covers both the installation and the materials. This is given by the manufacturer on the condition you use a roofing installer approved by them.
There are two ways in which you can void any one of these warranties. The first is by using an uncertified or unqualified installer to put the solar panels on your roof or to carry out service or maintenance work.
The second is to use substandard or unrecognized material in the installation. This could be the solar panels or the mounting equipment.
In each of these cases, your roofing warranty will be voided and you will have to pay for any repairs or replacements yourself. For more on this topic, check out our post-Will Solar Panels On Roof Void Roof Or Panel Warranty?!
What Are the Cons of Putting Solar Panels on Your Roof?
The biggest disadvantage of installing solar panels on your roof is it puts them in a place where they are hard to reach. This makes it difficult to carry out repairs or routine maintenance on them.
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years. They will likely last longer than that. It is natural to assume that at some point they may require some maintenance. As an experienced installer will tell you it can be quite a challenge to carry out maintenance on a steeply angled roof on a hot summer day.
Other disadvantages of installing solar panels on your roof are:
- The roof might be too small to accommodate all the solar panels you need.
- Solar panels’ efficiency may suffer as a result of the high temperatures they experience on a roof.
Some advantages of having rooftop solar are:
- You make use of unused space to generate energy.
- They are much safer from theft or vandalism.
- Rooftop solar is cheaper to install.
If the cons of rooftop solar are too great, there is always the option of installing your solar panels on the ground. Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to maintain although they do require more labor and are more expensive to install. For more on this topic, check out our post ” Can Solar Panels Be Used as A Roof? Pros & Cons“