Ask the Experts: Can Solar Panels Harm Your Roof?
Many people interested in solar panels are concerned with the impact it will have on their roof. I took this question to our lead installer Trip.
About Trip: Trip is our reputable and skilled lead solar array installer. Trip is a straightforward guy that is trusted by the members of our community. He prides himself on educating the buyer on everything solar. Trip takes a personal approach with the customer even gives out his personal cell phone number in case they have any questions or concerns.
Can solar panels damage your roof?
Trip: Not if they are installed correctly.
The racking system joins the solar panels to your roof. A hole must be created in the rafter to secure the racking system. To prevent water from getting through the new hole, the bolt will be surrounded by flashing, which is a metal or plastic shield that fits under existing roof tiles. This flashing is additionally sealed with tar or comparable material. The lag bolt hole is also filled with a sealant to protect against water drainage in your roof.
Solar panels actually serve as a barrier to protect your roof from sun, rain, snow, and hail. The panels are made to withstand exposure to various weather conditions.
In addition to providing a barrier from harmful weather, rooftop solar arrays allow air flow between the roof and the solar panels, which increases airflow and adds a cooling effect of the solar array. In turn, the cooling helps the efficiency of solar panels.
Rooftop solar can turn your roof from a liability to an asset. Your rooftop goes unused without solar. Rooftop solar can produce your own energy with the option to net meter unused energy.
