Installing Solar Panels On Multiple Roof Types

Installing Solar Panels On Multiple Roof Types

Whether you’re considering installing a commercial or residential solar system, you may be wondering which type of roof can be best designed for a solar installation. Solar panels can be installed on almost every type of roof and the installation process and mounting can be modified to make the system suited for a commercial roof or a residential roof. This article will go over installing solar panels on multiple roof types, and how some are easier than others.

The Best Types Of Roofs For Solar Panels

Solar panels can be installed in a functional format on any type of roof, mounting solutions can be changed to accommodate the installation of various solar panels. The only difference that you may see between roofing types is the cost to mount solar panels because of the amount of equipment that can be required to install solar panels on specific roof types. 

Installing Solar Panels On Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular types of roofing materials and attaching panel mounts in these locations is the easiest way to install solar panels. These brackets are sealed with roof flashing and they are secured with fasteners they do not do damage to the surrounding roofing materials. The system can be installed on top of the asphalt shingle and then adjusted for peak efficiency. 

Clay Tiles

Traditional clay tiles are popular in the state of Florida and throughout the South of the United States. These traditional Spanish tile roofs can offer increased longevity and strength. Clay tiles may need to be removed and then replaced during a solar panel installation. Anchors need to be installed between the tiles as well as a solar panel racking. The uniquely shaped hooks will sit in with the flashing and then get locked into place when the clay tiles are reinstalled. Some companies may also workplace the tiles that are installed at fastening points with a metal version of the tile made out of flashing. This can often increase the water resistance from the area and prevent the tile from lifting prematurely. 

Concrete And Slate

Concrete and Slate also need to be removed in order to install solar panels. In some cases, an installer will drill through the tiles using specialty fasteners but it’s more common to remove the tiles and then placing the mounting foot into the flashing to secure the solar cells to the roof. 

Concrete And Rubber Roofs

Many commercial roofs are topped with a flat concrete or rubber solution and in these cases, panels will need to have specialty racks fitted to tilt the solar panel towards the sun. Slanted metal racking is installed with a specialty balance and penetration mounting system. The weighted racking is held in place with ballast and fastened to the roof to prevent wind damage. For the most part, these panels are sitting with some minimal fasteners on top of the roof and this can often reduce some of the installation costs. 

Wood Roof

Installing solar panels on a wood or cedar roof usually involves using wood studs and slipping the flashing material underneath the wooden tiles to prevent leaks. This type of installation is just as easy as any asphalt shingle install. 

Metal Roofing

Depending on the type of metal roofing materials that are put in place, the installation may differ slightly. Most of the time roof panel mounts are clamped into place with holes drilled into the metal roofing materials. With corrugated metal roofs, holes will be installed into the roof and then the sealant is placed around the fasteners. 

Keep in mind that any solar panel installation to be modified to suit a roof type. Contact us today about solar panel installations and we can create a custom solution designed for your roof.