Watch this before installing solar panels on your roof

The Importance of Roof Condition Before Installing Solar Panels

Everybody wants solar panels – they’re good for the environment and reduce your energy bills. However, there is a potential issue if you install solar panels on a roof that's a bit older or not installed correctly.

In this particular case, we have panels installed on the rear part of the house, on the upper, second-story roof. The problem is that this roof has a low slope. For every 12 inches of run, there are only two inches of rise. Any roof slope of 2:12 or below really shouldn't have shingles; it should have a low slope roof installed instead.

Now, the homeowner is experiencing leaks concentrated underneath the solar panels.

The issue here is threefold:

Inappropriate Roofing:

The roof has shingles when it should have a low slope roof.

Installation Complication:

Solar panels are installed on shingles that shouldn't be there in the first place.

Accessibility:

The source of the leak can't be inspected without removing the panels.

Conclusion

This situation highlights one of the significant drawbacks of installing solar panels on an older roof. Even if the leak isn’t directly caused by the solar panels, it is in the area where the panels were installed, which complicates the inspection and repair process. The panels must be removed to identify and fix the problem.

So, a word of advice: solar panels are great, but they should be installed on a relatively new or healthy roofing system. Keep this in mind to avoid unnecessary complications and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of both your roof and solar panels.

To have your roof inspected before installing solar panels contact Mattsson Roofing and schedule an appointment 201.925.9709