Solar Panels and Your Roof

Solar panels are a long-term investment, and they sit on top of your roof for a long time. If your roof needs replacing a few years after installation, the panels will need to be removed and reinstalled so the roof work can be done. That adds time and coordination.

So the first question is simple: how much life does your roof have left?

• A shingle roof approaching the 20–30 year range in Arizona may be worth replacing first.
• A tile roof whose underlayment is around 20–30 years old may be a good candidate for a re-felt before panels go on, even if the tile looks fine.
• A foam roof should have a sound, recently applied coating before panels are mounted.

A roof inspection before signing a solar contract gives you a clear answer. Payne Roofing can inspect your roof and tell you honestly whether it is ready for solar.

Tile roofs

Tile is brittle and cracks easily under foot. Solar installation on tile requires removing or modifying tiles at mounting points and walking carefully. Cracked tiles and poorly flashed mounts are common sources of leaks after installation. Ask the installer how they flash mounts through tile and how they handle broken tiles.

Shingle roofs

Mounts are fastened through the shingles into the structure and flashed to shed water. Done correctly, this is reliable. The flashing details are what matter most.

Flat and foam roofs

Flat roofs may use mounts that penetrate the roof or ballasted racks that sit on top. Penetrations through foam must be properly sealed and coated, and racks should not block drainage or sit where water ponds.

Each solar mount is a penetration through your roof. With dozens of mounts on a typical system, there are many places for water to get in if flashing is not done right. Good practices include:

• Properly flashed mounts designed for your roof type
• Fastening into structural members, not just the deck
• Replacing cracked tiles and protecting underlayment around mounts
• Keeping conduit runs neat and properly sealed where they penetrate
• Leaving drainage paths open, especially on flat roofs

Installing solar can affect your roof warranty. Many roofing warranties exclude damage caused by other trades or by equipment added later. Before installation:

• Read your roofing workmanship and manufacturer warranty documents.
• Ask the solar company what warranty they provide on roof penetrations and leaks.
• Keep records of who did what, and when.

If something leaks later, knowing who is responsible for which part of the roof saves frustration. See our warranty guide.

• Keep inspecting. Panels make it harder to see the roof, so professional inspections are even more useful.
• Watch for birds. Pigeons often nest under panels, bringing debris that clogs drainage. Critter guards can help.
• Check after storms. Monsoon winds and hail can affect panels and the roof beneath.
• Do not climb up to clean panels yourself, especially on tile. Hire professionals for cleaning and roof work.

If your roof needs repair or replacement and you already have solar, the panels typically need to be removed for the affected area and reinstalled afterward. This usually involves coordinating with a solar company. Plan ahead, ask your roofer how they coordinate the work, and schedule outside of monsoon season when possible.

Learn more about roof replacement or schedule a roof inspection.

1. Find out your roof's age and material, including when tile underlayment was last replaced.
2. Schedule a roof inspection before signing a solar agreement.
3. Make needed repairs or replacement first, so the panels go onto a sound roof.
4. Ask the solar installer how they mount and flash on your roof type, and how they handle broken tiles.
5. Review warranties for both the roof and the solar penetrations, and get them in writing.
6. Check HOA requirements for the review process. See our HOA roofing guide.
7. Plan for critter guards to keep pigeons from nesting under the array.
8. Keep all paperwork together in one place for future repairs or a home sale.

Taking these steps up front helps your roof and your solar system work together for years, rather than competing for attention when something goes wrong.