Key Takeaways 

• Solar does not work the same for every roof. Tile, metal, and asphalt all require different types of mounting. 
  
• The Department of Energy states that it is a great time to add solar when replacing your roof, as performing both replacements together saves you the expense of two roofs. 
  
• However, the correct technique to place solar panels is to start with a roof examination and not with an order for panels. 

Introduction 

Solar sounds simple on paper: panels go up; your bill goes down. But before you commit, there is a catch that nobody will tell you. Do solar panels work on every type of roof? Not equally and getting those wrong costs. Is it Roof Before Solar, or do you install solar now and worry about the roof later? A lot comes down to age. According to Arizona Roofers' Solar Readiness Guide (source), around 40 percent of roofs in Arizona are already more than 15 years old. If your roof is in good condition before installation, your solar system can last 25 years or more without unexpected removal. 

Are Solar Panels Compatible with All Roofing Types? 

Short answer: not equal. Installers can install panels almost anywhere, but "possible" and "smart choice" are two different things. 

While asphalt shingles are the most common and easiest for us to work with, they age the quickest under Arizona's bright sun. Tile roofing requires specialized flashing so that it does not crack. Metal roofing, particularly in the standing seam category, is usually best because clamp-on systems go on without any drilling. For flat roofs, you typically implement a ballasted system rather than rail clamps. 

In terms of pure feasibility, are solar panels suitable for all types of roofs? Sure. However, solar is rarely out of the question for any material; it just depends on whether the roof still has a shelf life. 

Should You Replace Roof Before Solar? 

This is the question that saves real money or costs a lot of bucks if skipped. Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years. In that same sun, the average apologies of a 20- to 25-year-old Arizona asphalt roof is finally coming to an end. If your roof is already ageing, you are creating a scenario for failure that ends up with costly removal and replacement down the road. 

The Department of Energy considers it a good time to add solar during a roof replacement because planning both together prevents having to tear an attended rooftop array off a fresh roof years later. 

A roofer's secret: If your asphalt roof has 10 to 15 years of life left (or less), replace the roof first, solar second. Tile and metal roofs typically outlast most solar panels for several decades. 

How to Install Solar Panels on Roof Surfaces the Right Way 

This is not just hardware; it is a question of sequence. 

1. Inspect the roof first. A roofer examines decking, flashing, and remaining shingle of life before starting a solar installation. 
2. Confirm the load capacity. Solar panels have a marginal added weight of approximately 3 to 5 pounds per square foot. This is usually fine for Arizona roofs, although some older homes may need additional support. 
3. Address roof issues before mounting. Crew arrives only once repairs or reinforcements are done. 
4. Coordinate mounting with roof material. The installer and roofer need to be aligned, as tile and metal require different hardware. This is the very practical center, namely, how to install solar panels on roof surfaces without later looking back. 
5. Seal every penetration properly. As we head into monsoon season, each mounting point needs flashing in place to deter leaks. 
   

The Cost of Getting the Order Wrong 

Some homeowners put panels on roofs that appeared alright; ultimately, they had to take the roof down only for damage to be repaired. I had planned to install the same number if it was placed flat on a new roof, but up in Arizona that would usually cost a couple of thousand dollars, money which could have gone towards the previous one. 

What a Solar-Ready Inspection Covers 

A good pre-solar inspection assesses decking, flashing, remaining shingle or tile life, and water damage. And it addresses the most important question: is there enough life left in my roof to support solar over its long life? 

The Bottom Line 

Installing solar in Arizona works best when the roof project and the panel project are combined. Whether that means putting on the roof before solar or doing it now depends on what's under your shingles or tiles. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Are solar panels compatible with all roofing types in Arizona? 

 Most roofs can support solar panels, including tile roofs, metal roofs, and flat roofs. But the type of mounting is different. 

 2. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar panels? 

 For an asphalt roof: If your asphalt roof is less than 10 to 15 years old, it is typically cost-effective to replace the roof prior to installing a solar system. 

 3. How much weight do solar panels add to a roof? 

 Most residential roofs in Arizona can support the weight of solar panels. In general, most solar panels weigh between 3-5 lbs/sqft. 

 4. What to do with your solar panels on a roof that needs to be replaced? 

 Most licensed solar installers remove your solar panels and reinstall them on your new roof at an additional cost for you to have both your roof and solar installed at the same time. 

5. How long does it take for a solar-ready inspection? 

The average inspection lasts less than an hour, assesses decking and flashing as well as the roof's remaining life.