In this article you’ll learn about installing solar panels on a metal roof.
This topic comes up for almost all homeowners with this type of roof looking to add solar panels.
Of course, metal roofs are very common particularly in hotter climates where there is plenty of sunshine. And it’s exactly this sort of sunny area that would gain the most efficiency for the installation.
As you’ll discover below, it’s entirely possible to put solar panels on a metal roof to help reduce your bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and even cool your home!
Can Solar Panels be Installed on a Metal Roof?
Yes, absolutely, solar panels can be installed on a metal roof. In many instances, it’s one of the best materials to support solar arrays.
To start with, metal roofs are often easy and quick to install solar panels as there is little to no drilling involved when you have standing seams and metal tiles. Both are incredibly durable too with solar panels built to last at least 25 years, while metal roofs can live on for over 50 years!
Plus a little known benefit is the cooling effects. Metal roofs are beneficial in hot climates as they reflect heat away from your property. Solar panels add another layer of temperature reduction too as they shield the rooftop from the midday sun. And provide free electricity for your AC…
How to Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof
Not all metal roofs are made equal. In fact, you’ll find three different types which all need a different style of solar panel installation. No matter the design, as long as it is in good working order and receives direct sunlight you’ll be able to add a solar array.
Let’s take a look at how to install solar panels on metal roofs.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Standing seam roofs are the most common type of metal roof and it’s absolutely awesome for solar panels.
This is because the mounting system simply fixes to the seam with an anti-corrosion aluminum clamp and a single bolt. There is no need to drill a hole into the roof. Then racking rails are secured to these clamps. This is a huge benefit as it leaves the roof completely watertight with no holes to seal off from leaks.
The rest of the roof surface area is composed of broad flat sheets, it’s completely waterproof and perfect for the flat rectangle panels. The simplicity also reduces the cost as it’s easier and quicker for installers to complete.
Metal Tile Roofs
Did you know you can get metal roof tiles? You might not even realize you have them if you’ve never inspected them up close. They can be deceiving and even look like slate or brick tiles.
If you do have this type of tiling, then good news, it’s not too tricky to fit solar panels. There’s actually specific components to deal with this installation. Your installer will remove the roof tile where a mounting bracket is required. Then they will replace it with a mounting tile and flashing. It’s a case of swapping out the original tile for a mounting tile. In most cases, it simply hooks into place.
This is a genius method as once again it requires not to drill holes to install the mount. It slips nicely into place for a watertight finish. Your roof goes undamaged and you will barely notice the difference.
Corrugated Metal Roof
Corrugated metal roofs require a different approach altogether as there is no simple way to attach a mourning system to the roof without drilling.
It is not a complex job to complete but requires extra care. Straddling block mounts are screwed into the ridges and a mounting rail is then attached to these mounts. As there is a hole directly through the roof, a thick rubber washer gasket is required in order to make it watertight. Of course, leaks shouldn’t be a problem when the holes are sealed correctly but care should be taken to ensure no water gets inside.
Benefits of Solar Panels on a Metal Roof
You might well have already picked out several awesome benefits of solar panels on a metal roof. To be completely honest, they are a match made in heaven, and here’s why.
Quick and Easy to Install
With a standing seam roof, it couldn’t be more simple and fast to attach the mounting system to the rooftop. There isn’t even any drilling required, the array is securely clamped to the seam. It’s not going to cause any damage, unlikely to void a roof warranty, and reduces the required skill of the installer.
No Drill Holes
Drill holes are the biggest concern for homeowners. The number one requirement for any rooftop is waterproofing. Leaks can cause havoc and disaster throughout a building. The last thing you want is water pouring in as soon as a storm arrives! You’ll end up spending your energy savings on repairs and renovations…
Well, most metal roofs don’t require any drill holes whatsoever. That means zero risk of leaks and damage from your solar panels.
Durable
Metal roofs are super durable, you can expect them to last more than 50 years. This is brilliant news for solar panels which last long lasting themselves. You can expect a solar panel to last at least 25 years, this is the length of power output warranty you should receive from new. And realistically, they won’t just stop working after a couple of decades, you might even keep them working for over 30 years.
This makes it important to have a roof that can stand up to the task. It’s a painful job to have a reroof with solar panels as all the equipment has to be carefully removed and reinstalled. So it may be worth getting a new roof before your solar array for the best long term returns.
Cooling
Both metal roofs and solar panels provide massive cooling benefits. This is ideal for hot climates with a lot of direct sunlight. Firstly, a metal roof will reflect heat away from your home back into the atmosphere. In addition, solar panels act like a huge sun umbrella across your property. It helps to block heat and create a cooling draft between the panels and rooftop to dissipate heat further.
Extra Performance
Studies show that reflective rooftops help to increase the performance of nearby solar panels. This is because they reflect sunlight from the surface which can then be absorbed by solar cells. You might not notice a huge jump but it’s certainly a little bonus!
Eco Friendly
You may well be considering solar panels due to environmental concerns. There’s no doubt that they will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint with clean free energy.
But did you know that metal roofs can be incredibly eco-friendly? That’s right, they are often made completely from recycled materials. Plus they have a super long lifetime and require minimal maintenance.
Solar Panels on a Metal Roof Summary
The partnership is a clear winner. Solar panels on a metal roof = dream team.
No matter the type of roof you should be able to find a way to install solar panels, often without any drill holes. Most local installers should have no problems in finding a solution for your property and will have experience with similar projects.
Take the time to check out the track record of a company with recent customer reviews. Plus get multiple quotes to get a feel for reasonable prices in your area.
