READY TO STOP PAYING UTILITY BILLS? WHY EXPERTS SAY SOLAR SYSTEMS AND METAL ROOFS ARE AN “UNBEATABLE DUO”

Learn pro tips for how to maximize an investment in residential solar systems

Key Points

• Re-roofing your home is a great time to consider installing a solar system to help your home become energy-independent

• Installing solar on the right kind of roof is essential to help protect your investment and savings

• Building industry experts share 6 tips to help you maximize benefits of a rooftop solar system    

Are you sick of being at the mercy of your local utility company and the seemingly never-ending rising costs of electricity?

This year might be a great time to consider how to turn your roof into your own personal power producer. Residential solar systems can greatly reduce—or even eliminate—your reliance on your local utility company. And with the cost of solar panels continuing to go down as they become mainstream, re-roofing is the perfect opportunity to seriously think about going solar.

Long lasting metal roofs are great for rooftop solar systems, and easy to install with specialized clamps that don't damage the roof. Image courtesy of MRA member S-5!

But before you consider getting a solar system for your home, experts say the first step is making sure you have the right roof to support it.

“To keep costs down and protect your investment in a rooftop solar system, it’s important to choose a roof that is strong and durable, as well as allows for easy installation and long-term maintenance,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director.

Quality metal roofs last up to 50-plus years, far exceeding the predicted life span not only of typical asphalt roofs but today’s residential solar panels, which are estimated to last roughly 25 – 30 years. That’s critical, because if the roof underneath fails before the panels do, the savings generated by solar can be quickly wiped out. Should you need to replace your asphalt roof (which may only last 10 – 20 years) before your solar system wears out, you will be faced not only the cost of repairing or replacing your roof, but also the significant labor costs required to remove and re-install a solar panel system.

Other important considerations include how the system will attach and be installed on the roof. When installing rooftop solar systems, drilling or penetrating the roofing material or decking should be avoided as much as possible. Rather than screwing or bolting systems into the roof itself, today’s metal roofing systems use specialized clamps and accessories that attach solar systems securely without the need for drills or holes. That keeps the roof weathertight and helps eliminate potential leaks or damage that may ultimately compromise the roof’s integrity.

Well-known builder Matt Risinger of The Build Show endorses metal roofing for rooftop solar systems in his recent video.

To stress this point, well-known Austin, Texas builder and social media influencer Matt Risinger of The Build Show recently his latest “Going Solar? 3 Reasons Why Metal Roofing is Best” video he considers quality metal roofing and residential solar system installation to be an “unbeatable duo.”

“No rooftop penetrations. That’s got to be the number one reason I like the combination of metal roofing and solar,” said Risinger. “There’s nothing that has to be sealed or weather proofed. We basically leave a weather tight roof in place and simply clamp everything onto it.”

“Compared to a typical asphalt roof, metal is going to go through hailstorms and wind storms much better, no problem,” he added.

For homeowners looking to protect their solar system investment, the experts share the following 6 key tips:

1. Think long term. Metal roofs are the best option for photovoltaic systems, greatly reducing the risk of a roof failing before a solar panel system does. The estimated lifespan of solar panels is typically about 25 to 30 years while metal roofs last for 50-plus years, two or three times the average lifespan of other types of roofing materials. That means the roof will easily outlast the panels.

   
   

2. Start with a strong base. Metal is exceptionally strong and durable yet lightweight, able to support the weight of heavy solar systems by using a simple attachment and clip solution that does not require drilling holes into the roof or the need for self-ballasted systems, reducing the possibility of roofing failures and potential leaks. Additionally, no structural support is needed to help carry the extra weight of the solar panels.

   
   

3. Maximize the energy savings. Considered “cool roofs,” metal offers additional energy efficiency benefits, especially combined with solar. Even basic, unpainted metal roofs will reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. Metal roofs with special coatings deliver high total solar reflectance and high infrared emittance, keeping homes cool and saving energy by re-emitting most of what solar radiation is absorbed.

   
   

4. Reduce environmental impacts even more. Metal can be 100 percent recycled rather than dumped into a landfill at the end of its long life. It reduces long-term maintenance by naturally resisting moss and fungus, cutting down on the need for strong chemical treatments.

   
   

5. Consider all-season climate conditions. Even when the sun isn’t shining and solar isn’t top priority, metal stands up better to other climate extremes including hurricane-force winds, severe rain and hailstorms, heavy snowfall and dangers such as wildfires.

   
   

6. Find a qualified contractor. Some contractors push homeowners towards a certain roofing material, not because it’s the best or most appropriate, but simply because it’s the option the installer is most familiar with. Make sure your installer is properly trained, experienced and skilled in installing metal roofs to accommodate solar panel systems.