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Solar Panels for Your Roof: What You Need to Know

As solar panels are fast becoming a familiar home feature, some homeowners have concerns about the installation process and potential roof damage. These worries, however, are easily allayed as rooftop solar is not only safe when installed correctly, they offer benefits they can extend the lifespan of your roof. 

Take a look at this breakdown of the installation process and hidden benefits of installing solar panels on your roof. 

How Are Roof Solar Panels Installed?

The average person is not an expert on the solar installation process, so it is reasonable to have reservations about adding large pieces of equipment to your roof.

The roof installation process, however, is safe and simple. While drilling holes is necessary for most solar roof installations, installers follow strict measures to make sure that installation area remains sealed and solid. 

Holes are drilled into the roof for lag bolts to support racking that secures the solar panels. These bolt fixtures are weather resistant and sealed with a tar flashing under the roof tile and a subsequent outer sealant for extra protection. 

Residential installation of solar panels

Are Solar Panels Damaging to Your Roof?

No, solar panels are not harmful to your roof when installed properly by experienced installation experts. The structural integrity of your roof will remain safe and sound during and after the solar panel installation process. 

Other than the well-sealed holes required for bolt fixtures, homeowners will likely worry about the extra weight that is being added to the roof. The average residential roof, however, is able to hold between 20 and 100 pounds of additional weight per square foot, which is much more than enough structural strength to support up to 30 solar panels.

What is the Average Lifespan of a Roof?

Regular roof maintenance and materials generally determine the lifespan of a roof. On average, residential asphalt shingle roofs last around 15 to 30 years, however, roofs made with more expensive materials can last much longer with diligent inspection and maintenance habits.

Portrait of a young man by solar panels

Can Solar Panels Make Your Roof Last Longer

Yes, one of the lesser acknowledged benefits of installing solar panels on your roof is that they add protection from harmful sunlight and damaging weather that shorten the lifespan of your roof. 

Solar panels absorb harmful sun rays that can quickly age your roofing materials. They also allow airflow between the panels and roof while blocking the sunlight from heating your shingles, which helps to keep your home cooler in the hot summer months. This is a nice, extra benefit to offset your already reduced energy bills.

If you live in a cold climate that experiences regular annual snowfall and ice, your solar panels can shield your roof, protecting it from ice damage and overexposure to moisture from snowmelt.

Get Your Roof Solar Panels Today!

Now that you know your roof will not only be unharmed by solar panels, but that they can actually make your roof last longer, the decision to go solar has never been easier. 

If you still have concerns about the installation process or other potential benefits, give Gurr Brothers Energy a call today for all the info you need on rooftop solar panels!

Author: Hunter S.

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