What Are The Best Residential Roof Types For Solar Panels?

Many homes throughout the U.S. are compatible with rooftop solar systems, but you’ll never be a 100% sure whether your roof is a good match, until you schedule an assessment from a solar professional.

What are experts looking for when assessing a roof’s solar compatibility?

South, or south-east facing roofs are best suited for solar system’s, as this means that they’ll invariably get enough sunlight to meet the electrical needs of your household, and a solar expert will be looking for this when they assess your roof. They will also look to see whether the panels will be in shade at any point of the day, and if so, whether this will have a significant impact on the system’s ability to produce energy.

Which types of residential roof best support a solar system?

Below are some of the roof types most associated with successful solar panel installations:

• Composite roofs – as one of the most common roofing materials, composite shingle roofs are affordable and durable, and remain one of the best roofs for supporting a solar panel system

• Tiled roofs – tiled roofs invariably cost more than other roofing materials and when a solar system is installed on one, it can be a long and difficult process

• Metal roofs – metal roofs with standing seams are one of the simplest roofing types for a solar system to be installed on. Because installation is simple with no holes needing to be drilled, it’s cheaper, and can last for as long as 30 years. As an added bonus, metal roofs are eco-friendly as the material can be recycled.

• Tar and gravel roofs – flat roofs often use gravel and tar in their installation, and a solar system will need additional brackets to help it achieve the required tilt for maximum solar exposure. If a flat roof isn’t able to support the weight of a solar system, a racking system, or combination of ballasted and mechanical system, may be the most appropriate solution.

• Cedar shake roofs – you will almost certainly need an installer who has experience with solar systems and cedar shake roofs, as the process can be complex and time consuming. Roofing nails must be carefully removed so as not to harm the cedar shake, and special flashings are necessary. In some instances, homeowners opt to replace the section of the roof where the panels will be installed, with asphalt shingles, and since this won’t be visible to the untrained eye, it doesn’t affect the aesthetics of a cedar shake roof.

To conclude: composite and metal roofs are the best kind for accommodating solar panel systems, but remember that if you’re working with an experienced solar panel provider, they should be able to safely and successfully install a system on any roof, provided it meets the criteria mentioned at the beginning of the post.