Thinking About Solar? Start With Your Roof

Solar panels get a lot of attention in Texas, with plenty of sun and high summer electric bills. Whether solar makes financial sense for your house depends on your usage, your utility plan and current incentives, and a solar company can run those numbers. What a roofer can tell you is whether your roof is ready to carry panels for the next 20 to 25 years.

Roof age comes first

Solar panels are designed to last decades. If your roof is 15 years old, it will likely need replacing while the panels are still working. That means paying to remove and reinstall the panels, on top of the new roof. If your roof is anywhere near the second half of its life, replace it before the panels go on.

Orientation and shade

South- and west-facing slopes with little shade produce the most. North-facing slopes and roofs under large trees produce much less. A roof with many small sections and valleys can limit where panels fit.

Hail

North Texas hail is a real consideration. Panels are generally tested for hail impact, but large hail can still damage them, and hail on the roof around the panels still needs a roofer. Check how your homeowner's policy covers panels, and whether it changes your premium.

Structure

Most modern roofs can carry the added weight of panels, but a roofer should confirm the decking is solid, with no soft spots or rot, before anything is mounted to it.

Penetrations and leaks

Every panel mount is a hole in the roof. Mounts need proper flashing so water cannot follow the bolts into the decking. When a solar install leaks, it is almost always at a mount that was sealed with caulk instead of flashed.

Incentives change

Federal, state and utility incentives for solar have changed several times and continue to change. Check current programs, and your utility's buyback rates, before you rely on any savings estimate.

The order that works

We do not install solar panels, but we are glad to inspect your roof and replace it first if it needs it. Call (855) 741-ROOF.