The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely install solar panels on metal roof without any worries. And before you even ask:
- No, solar panels won’t damage your metal roof or cause leaks.
- Yes, metal roofs are more than capable of supporting the weight of solar panels.
- And no, having a metal roof won’t negatively impact your panel’s performance (in fact, it’s the opposite)
Solar Panels Installed on Standing Seam Metal Roofs
One of the most common types of metal roofs for solar panel installations is the standing seam metal roof. They’re easy to distinguish from corrugated or ribbed metal roofs due to the raised seams running along the edges of the sheets.
With standing seams, solar panels can be installed without drilling holes in the roof.
This is how it works: The solar panel racks are attached directly to the seams of the roof, using special clamps that would have to be tightened just enough to hold the panels in place, without doing any damage to the roof or panel components.
And because no holes are required to be drilled, there’s no need for messy sealants for leak prevention. This makes the installation a lot cleaner and safer.
One drawback, however, becomes apparent if your roof has a steep pitch. The wide, flat surface between the seams doesn’t provide much grip and can be slippery. So, installers will have to take extra care moving around, which can mean additional time for work, and thus, a higher installation cost.
Solar Panels Installed on Corrugated or Ribbed Roofs
The other common type of metal roof where solar panels are often installed is the corrugated (or ribbed) metal roof, which one can easily identify due to its wavy, ridged appearance.
Unlike standing seam roofs, which don’t require penetrations, corrugated roofs need to be drilled into. Specific attachments are screwed into the roof, and a sealant is applied between the bracket and the roof to prevent leaks where the screws go through.
Now, should you worry about the holes? Not really. An experienced solar panel installer should be capable of sealing the gaps properly. Plus, installers usually offer strong warranties for solar panels to cover any roof issues during installation.
If there’s an advantage a corrugated roof has over a standing seam roof, it is that it provides more traction. The closer spacing of the corrugations allows installers to “anchor” themselves as they walk across the roof. There’s less risk of slipping, and the installation process can be quicker.
Can Metal Roofs Handle the Weight of Solar Panels?
Yes, metal roofs can handle the weight of solar panels. To give you an idea, solar panels add around three pounds per square foot of weight to your roof, which is minimal compared to the overall strength of a well-built metal roof.
If you do have an older roof or one that has previously been damaged, it’s always a good idea to double-check. You can consult a structural engineer or a certified solar panel installer to make sure your roof can manage the added weight of solar panels.
Do I Need to Make Any Modifications to My Metal Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?
In most cases, you won’t need to make any major changes to your metal roof before installing solar panels. However, if your roof is nearing its end of life or you discover it has some serious issues, modifications might be necessary.
After all, you wouldn’t want to install solar panels only to realize your roof needs replacing soon after.
The best approach is to talk to a solar panel installer or, as mentioned, a structural engineer who can provide you with a more detailed inspection of your roof.
Will Solar Panels Damage a Metal Roof?
No, solar panels won’t damage your metal roof – that’s if they’re installed properly.
As discussed, for standing seam metal roofs, no roof penetrations are involved since the racking is simply attached to the seam. On corrugated roofs where drilling is necessary, using the right sealing material and technique should keep your roof protected and secure.
The only real risk of damage comes if the installation is done improperly, which is often the consequence of choosing someone unqualified or inexperienced for the job.
Do Solar Panels Affect the Warranty on My Metal Roof?
It depends on the details of your roof’s warranty. For some roofing companies, installing solar panels won’t void the roof warranty as long as a certified solar panel installer handles the job.
To add to your peace of mind, know that many solar installation companies also offer their own solar panel warranty, which covers roof damage that may occur during the installation of your solar panels.
Can I Use Thin-film Solar Technology on My Metal Roof?
Yes, you can, and thin-film solar panels actually fit perfectly with standing seam metal roofs.
These panels are lighter and more flexible than traditional solar panels, which means they add less structural load to your roof. This makes it more likely that your existing roof can handle the additional weight without issue.
How Do Metal Roofs Compare to Asphalt When it Comes to Installing Roof-Mounted Solar Panels?
Compared to metal roofs, asphalt roofs are generally more prone to hail damage. If this happens, you’ll need to remove your solar panels entirely and reinstall them once the roof is repaired/replaced. This process is not only a hassle but can also be quite costly.
On the other hand, metal roofs are much more resistant to hail, which makes them a preferred choice in areas where hailstorms are common.
Another point to consider is this: Asphalt tends to absorb more heat, which can get trapped between the panels and the roof. This potentially reduces the efficiency of your solar panels.
Metal roofs, being highly reflective, prevent heat buildup. In that sense, your metal roof actually adds to the total energy efficiency of your home.
Should I Install Solar Panels on My Metal Roof DIY?
We’re not against DIY solar panel installation, but before you grab your toolkit, make sure to consider the risks involved.
If things go wrong with a DIY setup, it could decrease your solar panel’s performance or even damage it completely. Fixing that can get pretty expensive, plus, your solar panel warranty could end up being voided.
DIY installation could also lead to unintended roof damage, which can end up being more costly to fix than if you had just called a professional to handle the job. And yes, that could void your roof’s warranty as well.
Lastly, depending on where you live, you might not even be allowed to install solar panels DIY. Many states or cities require a certified professional for the job. Skip that, and you could run into issues getting a solar permit or even face fines.
Certified Solar Panel Installers for Your Metal Roofing
At Avail Solar, we provide up to 30 years of bumper-to-bumper workmanship warranty, covering both your solar panels and the roof they’re installed on.
We’re here to make your transition to solar effortless – from design and permitting to installation and ongoing maintenance – so you can start enjoying the benefits of solar power as soon as possible. Contact us and speak with one of our solar experts today!