Installing solar panels can protect your roof by providing cover from direct exposure to weather. Similar to parking your car beneath a shaded carport, having your roof under the cover of solar panels protects it from hail, snow, and the sun.
Installing a roof will set you back anywhere from 8,000 to $12,000. This cost is expected to rise, having already done so by 30% in the past year as the price of roofing materials increases. In light of this putting solar panels on your roof as a way to protect your investment is worth some consideration.
In this article, we look at whether having solar panels on your roof has a positive or negative impact. Does installing solar destroy your roof? How will it affect your roof warranty? We will also look at the pros and cons of having solar on your roof.
Do Solar Panels Destroy Your Roof?
Solar panels do not damage or destroy your roof. Solar panel installation by certified professionals using industry-standard methods and authorized equipment will not harm your roof or affect the validity of your roof warranty.
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One of the key things to do before having solar installed on your roof is to have your roof inspected by your solar and roofing contractor. This ensures your roof can have solar installed on it. There are three factors to consider when determining the suitability of a roof for installing solar. These are the age of the roof, the condition of the roof, and the type of roof. (Source)
Factors to Consider when Installing Solar Panels On A Roof
How old is the roof?
This is the most important consideration. A roof that is too old or long past the point where it needs to be replaced presents a possible liability in terms of the safety and cost of installing solar panels.
If the roof is too old it may not be able to safely support the added weight of solar panels nor be able to have racking equipment installed on it. Furthermore, installing solar panels on a roof that needs to be replaced is a costly mistake to make. Generally, solar installers prefer a roof that is less than 10 years old.
For more on solar panel weight, check out our post titled ” How Much Weight Do Solar Panels Add to A Roof? What You Need To Know!“
What is the condition of the roof?
Some areas are prone to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, flooding, and heat. All of these weaken and reduce the structural soundness of a roof. A roof must be free of any critical damage for there to be an installation of additional fixtures like solar panels.
What type of roof is it?
Roofs are made from different materials. The material a roof is made of determines how long it will last and how easily solar panels can be installed on it. Metal roofs for instance are thought to be the best for installing solar as the installation is simpler, involves less labor, and is much cheaper.
If after inspection the roof is found to be in condition and of the right age then solar panels can be installed without fear of damaging the roof.
Also, find out How Many Solar Panels Will Fit on Your House Roof? Simple Guide!
How Do Solar Panels Affect Roof Warranty?
Provided the solar panels are installed correctly by qualified contractors, your roof warranty will still be valid. Before proceeding with any installation be sure to check your warranty and see what it explicitly says about solar panels. You should also check the credentials and track record of your contractor.
Roof warranties consist of:
- The standard manufacturer’s warranty is given by the manufacturer and covers the roofing material only.
- A workmanship warranty is given by the roofing contractor and covers the installation of the roof.
- An extended manufacturer’s warranty is given by the manufacturer and covers both the installation and any material defects.
All of these warranties can be voided if you use uncertified professionals or unauthorized equipment in the installation. If this happens, the owner of the home is liable for any damage to the roof.
For more on this, check out our post: Will Solar Panels On Roof Void Roof Or Panel Warranty?!
Do Solar Panels Protect Shingles?
Solar panels protect roof shingles by shading them. Throughout their lifespan, roof shingles are exposed to weather that can damage them. Solar panels reduce their exposure to extreme weather and extend their lifespan.
Both hot and cold weather has adverse effects on anything exposed to them. Roofing absorbs most of the effects of both elements. Picture your home without the protection of a roof. Your property would be ruined!
Instead, the roof absorbs the sun’s harmful UV rays and moisture from snow and hail. Extreme heat from the sun can cause roof shingles to dry out and expand before cooling and contracting at night. This is called thermal shock and it can cause fractions in roof shingles over time.
Solar panels shade roof shingles from direct sunlight. They keep the shingles cooler and reduce the incidence of thermal shock and fractioning. Solar panels can reduce the temperature of a house by as much as 35%. (Source)
What Are the Cons of Putting Solar Panels on Your Roof?
One of the biggest cons of putting solar panels on your roof is that it places them where they are harder to reach. This creates a few technical challenges relating to troubleshooting and maintaining the solar panels.
Solar panels on a roof are harder to access. This is more so on a roof with a steep angle. It can be quite a challenge trying to troubleshoot a 36-solar panel array on a steepled roof. There are a few other cons of putting solar panels on your roof.
- Higher temperatures on the roof can reduce the solar panel’s performance.
- There might not be enough space on the roof to accommodate solar panels.
- There is also the potential problem of having to remove the solar panels when you need to repair or replace the roof itself.
Putting solar panels on your roof also has a few pros as well.
What Are the Pros of Putting Solar Panels on Your Roof?
The biggest advantage of having solar on your roof is that this allows you to put space that would otherwise be wasted to good use. There is no better way to simultaneously economize on space and energy efficiency in your home than to put solar panels on the roof.
Aside from taking advantage of idle space putting solar panels on the roof has several advantages.
- It uses fewer materials.
- There is a lower labor cost.
- It is easier to get a permit for it.
Also, check out “Do Solar Panels Make Your House Hotter or Cooler ?!“