Solar panels are built to last for decades. Many shingle roofs on houses around Elizabeth are already halfway through their own lives, or further. Put new panels on an old roof, and you may have to pay to take the panels off, replace the roof, and put the panels back long before the panels wear out. That's the main reason roofers suggest dealing with the roof first.
The Math in Plain Terms
- Panels often last 25 years or more.
- An asphalt shingle roof here often lasts somewhere around 20 to 25 years, sometimes less.
- If your roof is already 12 or 15 years old, it will likely need replacing while the panels are still working.
- Removing and reinstalling panels is a job in itself, on top of the new roof.
Questions to Settle Before Panels Go Up
- How old is the roof, and how much life does it have? A roofer can give you a realistic answer.
- Are there repairs needed now? Fix flashing and leaks before anything gets bolted on top.
- What will the mounts go through? Panel mounts are attached through the roof. Each one has to be flashed correctly.
- Who is responsible for leaks at the mounts? Get this in writing from the solar installer.
- How does the solar installation affect the roof warranty? Ask both the roofer and the installer.
Flat Roofs and Solar
Panels on flat roofs are usually mounted on frames that sit on the roof, sometimes held down by weight rather than bolts. That can mean fewer holes, but the roof underneath still needs to be in good shape, drain well, and support the weight. Ask the roofer to check the roof before the solar company designs the system.
Timing It Together
If the roof needs replacing soon, many owners schedule the reroof first and the panels a few weeks later. Some roofing companies work with solar installers directly. Others will coordinate with whoever you hire. Either way, make sure the roofer knows panels are coming, so they can plan where mounts will go and use the right flashing.
Where to Read More
The U.S. Department of Energy has a plain guide for homeowners considering solar: Homeowner's guide to solar.
Questions
Will a roofer remove my panels if the roof leaks under them?
Some will, some won't. Often the solar installer has to remove and reinstall them. Ask in advance who handles it and what it costs.
Can I put solar on a roof that's 10 years old?
Possibly, if it's in good condition. Ask a roofer how many good years it has left before you decide.
Do panels protect the roof underneath?
They shade part of the roof, which can slow aging there. They don't fix existing problems.
Around Elizabeth
Solar comes up most with the single-family roofs in Clark, Cranford and Kenilworth. For the reroof itself, see roof replacement.
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