Which Roof is Best for Solar Panels?

Today, homes and businesses have more energy options than ever before, but solar power is quickly rising to the top of that list thanks to its numerous benefits. Not only does it provide clean energy that helps the environment and reduces electricity bills, but it is also fully customizable and even offers tax credits.

As a result, more residential and commercial buildings are investing in solar panels. It’s common to install them on the roof, especially for businesses that may not have enough space for a ground-mounted system. But does any roof work?

Some materials provide a more panel-friendly surface than others, so let’s dive in!

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt is the most common type of shingle used on residential roofs. Asphalt roofs are easy to come by, and asphalt is one of the most compatible materials for solar panels since the shingles are both flexible and durable. Installation is straightforward, making it easy on the wallet, too.

Flat Roofs

It may seem contradictory, but a flat roof can handle solar panels just as well as a sloped one. They can even provide more design flexibility than their sloped counterparts and no penetration into the roof itself. However, they must be installed correctly, and not every solar company offers this option. Make sure you use a trusted professional with the necessary experience to get the most out of your flat roof panels.

Metal Roofs

If your metal roof has standing seams, it is one of the best candidates for solar panels because it can use clamps instead of drilling to attach them. That means a cheaper and quicker installation process. But even if your metal roof doesn’t have standing seams, it can still handle solar panels thanks to some creative designs that are secure and streamlined. Plus, metal roofs provide additional sun reflection in areas that aren’t covered by panels, cooling the inside even more.

Tile Roofs

The bad news is installing solar panels on a tile roof will generally cost you more money – the good news is that tile is still one of the best roofing materials for this type of energy source. Clay, slate, or concrete tiles are longer-lasting and more waterproof than other standard shingles. It does require a more intense installation since the tiles must be removed to make room for mounting brackets, but it is absolutely a workable surface.

Tar or Gravel Roofs

The one potential strike against these materials is that they’re often found on flat roofs. But as we already discussed, a flat roof can still handle solar panels, so that’s not an issue. Tar or gravel may require extra accommodations during installation to ensure the panels are fully secure, but they are a workable option for solar panels.

Trust Any Roof to Solar Liberty

Solar panels can be installed on just about any roofing material. Some are less complicated to mount than others, but they all have what it takes to support this game-changing energy source.

Whether it’s for your home or your business, contact Solar Liberty if you’re considering installing solar power. We offer free solar evaluations and will help you determine what the installation process will look like for your type of roof.

Get started today to learn how Solar Liberty can increase your energy production and save you money!