Cons of Solar Panel Installation After A Roof Replacement
Solar panels can help you reduce energy costs and your carbon footprint – but what happens if you’ve recently replaced your roof?
There may be consequences if you plan on a roof replacement before installing solar panels. However, there isn’t another installation method unless you find a roofing company specializing in solar roofing.
While Rescue My Roof doesn’t offer solar roofs, we have been leading educators in the roofing industry for over a decade. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners get optimal results from their roofs, keeping their homes safe for a lifetime.
We’ll use our expertise to guide you through the consequences of installing solar panels after a roof replacement. In the end, you’ll know what path you want to take.
Should You Install Solar Panels After A Roof Replacement?
You might want to reconsider if you plan to install solar panels on your roof after a replacement.
While solar power is an excellent way to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint, adding solar panels to a newly replaced roof can have some downsides.
Here are some cons you should know before installing solar panels on your roof after a replacement.
1. Risk of Damage
When you install solar panels on a new roof, you risk damaging the roof’s surface.
The installation process requires drilling holes into the roof, which can compromise the integrity of the roof. Moreover, the weight of the solar panels can cause damage to the roof structure, especially if the roof is not strong enough to support the additional load.
Ultimately, installing solar panels may risk future leaks and structural damage. However, there are ways to avoid damage.
Thoroughly vetting your roofing company, ensuring they have experience and good reviews, is vital. If a contractor has a history of quality work, the risk of leaks decreases.
Additionally, you can get an engineer to inspect your home before adding the weight of solar panels to your roof. If they find an issue, you can shore up the supports of your home to ensure the solar panels will not create problems.
2. Voided Warranty
Most roofing warranties are voided if you install solar panels on the roof.
The reason is that solar panel installation requires drilling holes into the roof, which can cause leaks and other damage. Manufacturers or roofing contractors won’t guarantee work that they didn’t do.
However, that doesn’t mean your entire roof no longer has coverage. If areas of your roof don’t have solar panels and leak in the future, as long as another contractor has not touched them, your initial warranty may apply to that section.
TLDR; If you install solar panels on a new roof, you may lose your warranty, which can be costly if you encounter any roofing issues in the future.
3. Reduced Lifespan
Solar panels have a lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, while a typical roof lasts around 20 to 25 years. If you install solar panels on a new roof, you may have to replace the roof before the solar panels reach the end of their lifespan.
This can be more costly since you’ll have to remove and reinstall the solar panels, potentially damaging them and reducing their efficiency.
If your roof is at the end of its life or has existing problems, you should install a new roof before putting on new solar panels.
While many cases require two different contractors to install a roof and solar panels, some roofing companies may have dual specialties. If a company can do both your roof and solar panels simultaneously, you may be covered by warranties in the future.
Finding a specialty contractor will depend on what’s available in your area. However, if you plan on solely installing solar panels – know that you may not be getting their expected lifespan if you need a roof replacement.
Is It Bad To Install Solar Panels On Your Roof?
While solar power is an excellent way to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint, adding solar panels to a newly replaced roof can have some downsides.
You risk roof damage, voided warranties, and a reduced roof lifespan. However, if you find the right contractor, you can mitigate these risks. Overall, solar panels can be a great investment for homeowners.
There’s still much to learn about roofing before you get a replacement or add unique elements like solar panels. Read “Roof Replacement Prices Based On Material” and “7 Tips to Prepare Your Home For A Roof Replacement.” While Rescue My Roof does not offer solar panel installation, we specialize in asphalt roofing. Contact us today to get a free estimate.