Can You Put Solar Panels On A Metal Roof?

Can You Put Solar Panels On A Metal Roof?
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: October 11, 2021
  • Updated On: August 21, 2023

Metal roofing is long-lasting, lightweight, and can survive the harshest weather conditions. Solar energy is a long-term, dependable, and clean source of renewable energy rapidly gaining popularity.

You might be concerned about installing solar panels on a metal roof. Solar panels can be placed on most forms of metal roofs thanks to bracketing techniques.

Because there are so many various types of roofs, there are also a variety of mounting requirements for solar panels. When installing solar panels on metal roofing, there are numerous profiles, gauges, metal types, and variables.

This is why dealing with a reputable solar energy contractor who can reliably select the right mounting bracket for your metal roof solar installation.

Metal Roofs And Solar Panels Are The Great Combination

Metal roofs are excellent for solar since they are long-lasting. If you need to replace your roof before going solar, you might consider a metal roof installation. The majority of solar panel installations are guaranteed for more than twenty years, but systems will continue to produce at a high level even beyond that.

When the time comes to replace the panels, you may easily switch them out without installing brackets and rails. If you plan on staying in your current location, this could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

The original, metal-framed, standing crystalline photovoltaic solar panels you may be familiar with and the newer, thin-film solar laminate sheets are the two primary types of solar panels. Both are suitable for installation on practically every type of metal roof now available.

Advantages Of Installing Solar Panels On The Metal Roof

Going solar is not a problem if your home or business has a metal roof, as you can see. Solar panels can be mounted using a variety of solutions available on the market.

Metal roofs are the most excellent choice for solar panels. Because metal roofs last so long, there’s a far lower possibility of a roof leak, which would need the additional expense of removing and reinstalling the solar panels.

1) Easy Mounting

Your solar installer will most likely drill holes on your roof to attach the mounting for your solar panels. An incorrectly positioned solar panel system can cause leaks or other roof troubles, one of the main concerns for many homeowners contemplating solar.

Most qualified solar contractors provide artistry and roof guarantees to ensure their consumers that the installation will go smoothly. However, if you have a metal roof, the solar installer will almost certainly not need to drill any holes in your roof, virtually eliminating the risk of future problems.

2) Highly Durable

Solar panels lose their efficiency over time, delivering 15-20% less electricity on average. On the other hand, metal roofs have more lifespan, which is more than double that of asphalt tiles.

Because of their adaptability and lifespan, several homeowners opt to replace their standard roof with a metal roof before installing solar panels. When it’s time to replace your array, rest assured that only the panels should be replaced, not the roof or rails.

3) Environment-Friendly

The eco-friendly mix of solar panels with long-lasting metal roofing panels is ideal. Both are recyclable at the end of their extended service lives, giving them excellent environmental credentials. Owners of this combination system can gain additional points through green building certification programs.

Metal roofing and solar panels are two of the most environmentally friendly options to make your home. Solar panels and metal roofing materials are recyclable at the end of their lives, which is an added environmental benefit compared to many other solutions.

Compared to solar arrays on standard tiled roofs, non-drill systems require significantly less labor and time to install. Non-intrusive installation is possible on a variety of roof types. It protects the roof beneath each panel as well as prevents leaks.

4) Maximize The Cooling Benefits

Home builders and contractors frequently promote cool metal roofing as a way to keep your house cool in the summer and save money on energy. Metal roofs reflect more sunlight than black asphalt shingles, and some even have reflective paint to boost the effect.

By shading the roof’s surface, PV solar panels can help you save even more money on your power bill. Solar panels collect sunlight from the atmosphere, reducing the heat generated by the metal roof and increasing its life.

Disadvantages Of Solar Panels On The Metal Roofs

Some installations necessitate the use of bespoke brackets. If you have a standing seam or metal tile roof, you’ll need to install your solar panels with bespoke brackets to avoid drilling holes in your roof.

Though this kind of installation keeps your roof watertight, your purchasing options may be limited because you must first identify a solar business that works with the brackets.

Moreover, some installations necessitate the drilling of holes. Installing solar panels on a corrugated metal roof will almost certainly necessitate drilling into the roof’s support system. On the other hand, adding sealant can help you keep your roof’s initial water tightness if done correctly.

Final Thoughts

In short, solar panels can undoubtedly be installed on a metal roof. In most circumstances, metal roofs are a superior choice for solar panel installation than asphalt shingles. Consult with both your solar and roofing companies to identify the best techniques for your roof type.

Metal roof is the most environmentally beneficial kind of renewable energy; unlike shingle roofs, metal roofs and solar panels are recyclable and do not wind up in landfills.

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Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

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