Can You Put Solar Panels On a Metal Roof?
For old constructions with no provisions for solar installations, one common query can be ‘can you put solar panels on a metal roof?’
The good news is that metal is one of the best roof materials for solar panels if you fall into this group. Solar panels atop a metal roof are attractive for various reasons, including ease of installation, durability, and environmental benefits.
Can You Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?
Metal roofing can withstand the most severe weather conditions. This makes them last for a long period and light in weight. Solar energy is a long-lasting and clean source of energy that is gaining immense popularity due to its being renewable. Some people, however, get worried about installing solar panels on top of a metal roof. Owing to the bracketing techniques, solar panels can be placed on top of most forms of metal roofs.
The solar installer will drill holes on the roof to mount solar panels on the metal roof. If the solar panel system is not positioned accurately, it can cause various sorts of troubles, one example being leakages.
This becomes a source of concern for many homeowners who think of installing solar panels on their roofs. To eliminate such concerns, many qualified solar contractors provide workmanship and guarantees to assure their consumers of smooth installation.
However, if you have a metal roof, the installer should ideally not need to drill any holes in your roof. This eliminates the risk of future problems.
Solar panels are simple to install on a metal roof. Thin-film and regular PV panels can both be installed on solar metal roofs. Metal roofs are long-lasting and can outlast solar panels. Solar panels can boost a metal roof’s cooling efficiency. A residence with metal roofing and solar panels is also environmentally beneficial.
Common Types of Metal Roofs
1. Standing Seam Metal Roof
Several flat, broad metal panels are crimped together to produce a continuous, disguised join on this roof design. The elevated seam is a vertical leg that runs between each one. This sort of roof is not only lightweight and durable, but it is also watertight when built in conjunction with the required underlayment. It’s almost as though metal standing seam roofs were created particularly for solar panels.
The installer secures a series of high-strength aluminum clamps to the vertical legs with a single bolt. There is no need to drill holes in the roof to secure the mounting rail.
It remains watertight because there are no perforations in the metal; nonetheless, those with asphalt shingles must inspect and maintain theirs. Installing a solar array on a seamed roof is much easier and less labor-intensive, making it more cost-effective.
The clamps and bolts are frequently protected by multi-year guarantees; however, most owners claim their solar panels outlast them.
2. Metal Tile Roof
Another way to install solar panels that do not include drilling holes or penetrating the metal. For standard asphalt tiled roofs, a similar solution is also available.
Metal tiles are already fastened to the mounting rail. It’s only a matter of aligning them with existing tiles and replacing them. The panels are readily joined using guiding metal rods after the device is clicked into place.
The new tiles have the same form as the old ones, so they don’t seem out of place or leave any gaps for moisture to get in. They provide natural protection for the roof, keeping it in good shape.
3. Corrugated Metal Roof
Solar panels cannot be installed on a corrugated metal roof without drilling holes, and every precaution is taken to keep them watertight. It necessitates a specific mounting mechanism that employs straddle blocks as brackets.
They are securely attached to the top ridge, leaving the lower crest, which gathers rain, free of holes. The holes in high-quality brackets are sealed with thick rubber gasket seals, which are more effective and less messy than sealant gum.
Straddle blocks can be used on any metal roof that is uneven or has various degrees of gaps between panels. The blocks correspond with the installation grommets on the back of solar panels on metal roof to guarantee secure placement.
Metal Roofs are Suitable for Solar Panel Installation for Following Reasons
1. Durability
When it comes to solar energy, the life expectancy of your investment is a key factor to consider. Solar PV panels have a 25- to 30-year lifespan. The life expectancy of your roof type must outlast the life expectancy of the PV panels you intend to use to achieve cost-effective solar energy production levels.
Metal roofs have the durability needed to generate solar energy at a low cost. According to a study conducted by the Metal Construction Association in 2014, metal roofs can survive up to 60 years. Metal roofs ensure that your pursuit of renewable energy does not cost you an arm and a leg, in the long run, owing to the necessity to replace your roof type.
2. Eco-Friendly
Solar panels tend to be beneficial for the environment. Unlike other energy sources, they do not give off any harmful substances and are eco-friendly. Their metal roof solar panels are also durable, making them an ideal choice.
Both the solar panels and the metal are recyclable after providing their long-lasting services and are thereby an efficient choice with excellent environmental effects. This combination system allows its owners to get extra environment credit through green building certification programs, some examples of which are LEED and ENERGY STAR.
The fact that metal roofs are made using recycled materials is reason enough to choose them over any other form. Metal roofs will assist you in promoting environmental sustainability by increasing the use of recyclable materials, which will also help reduce pollution.
3. Compatible with all Solar Panel Types
Crystalline solar panels on metal roofs are usually more popular, but thin-film PV solar laminates are also worth considering. Although thin-film panels function similarly, the production procedures are different. If you are confused between these two panels types and want to know more about thin film and crystalline solar panels, we got an exact guide for you.
Most solar panels installed in the US are regular silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels, but residences with metal roofs offer another option: thin-film solar. Only some types of roofs are suitable for thin-film solar, and standing seam metal roofs are one of them.
PV solar panels on metal roofs are divided into silicon and thin-film photovoltaic panels. Thin-film solar panels are more flexible than silicon panels. On metal roofs, you can use both types of solar panels, providing many options.
Solar laminates can also be used on metal roofs and these options. PV solar laminates are available in strips that cling to the metal roof surface, providing another option for solar energy collecting.
4. Keeps Roofs from Getting too Hot
Solar panels on metal roofs absorb sunlight from the atmosphere, lowering the temperature of the metal roof and increasing its life.
Cool metal roofing, like when the metal roofs are covered using reflective paint, is frequently promoted and employed as a method of keeping the house cool in the summer. This also tends to save a lot of money which is utilized for energy.
Metal roofs are also more effective in reflecting an increased amount of sunlight. Some roofs may also have reflective paints to enhance the effect further. By shading the surface of the metal roof, solar panels assist you in saving even more money on the energy bill.
Conclusion
Solar energy is a clean and economical kind of energy that generates electricity through the use of solar panels. Take into account all of the needs to figure out how to make your home or business more energy-efficient.
Mounting solar panels on metal roofs is undoubtedly the most difficult to install on clay or stone tile roofs. The difficulty stems from the fact that the tiles must first be removed before installing the flashing and mounting. After that, the tiles must be trimmed not to come into touch with the mounting gear. All of this extra work adds up to a pricey and difficult installation.
On the other hand, a standing-seam metal roof is the simplest form of the roof to put solar panels on because clamps are installed on the seams to create a base for the racking that will support the solar panels on the metal roof.
Great blog. A lot should be considered when owning or renovating a home. This is a good read