Are you considering installing solar panels on your Seattle roof but feeling uncertain about where to start? Are you concerned that your roof is too old to get solar panels?
At Roof Smart, we’ve guided countless homeowners through the process of pairing solar panels with the best roofing materials, ensuring leak-free, durable solutions that maximize energy savings.
Our SmartMatch Needs Analysis process pairs you with the best roof for your home based on your needs, preferences, and budget.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know before installing solar panels on your Seattle roof, from assessing your roof’s age and structure to understanding weather risks and the best installation timing.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to decide if your solar panel investment is worthwhile, maximizing your roof’s lifespan while minimizing future costs and hassles.
What factors do I need to consider before installing solar panels?
- How old is your roof?: Installing solar panels can make it difficult to repair or maintain your roof, so it’s important to time the installation just right. If your roof is 15+ years old, you should replace your roof BEFORE you install the solar panels. Otherwise, you’ll just have to pay extra money to remove the solar panels a few years down the road when you need to replace your roof.
- Size and layout of your roof: Make sure that your roof has enough space to fit solar panels. If your roof has a lot of dormers, multiple levels, or lots of add-ons and weird angles, there might not be a good spot to install solar panels.
- Does your roof get enough sunlight?: If you’re a resident of the Greater Seattle area, there are several factors working against you. Summers here are beautiful, but the fall, winter, and spring have a lot of gray, rainy days. Think about how many days of sunlight we actually get to help you decide if the installation cost is worth it. Another thing to consider is the direction your roof slope faces. Does it get enough sunlight during the day? West and south-facing slopes are usually ideal. Also, is your home surrounded by trees or buildings that put your roof in the shade for too long? Ensure that the spot you want to use for the solar panels has as much access to the sun as possible.
- Is your roof at risk of damage from bad weather?: Installing solar panels easily costs thousands of dollars, so the last thing you want is for them to get damaged. If you are a Seattle homeowner with trees on your property, your roof is at risk of being damaged during a windstorm. It’s possible that your homeowner’s insurance might help cover damage to your solar panels, but we recommend checking your policy to be sure.
When is the best time to install solar panels?
If your roof is old and due for a replacement, this is the perfect opportunity to shop around for a roof replacement with solar panels in mind. This way you can make sure that your roof is prepared for solar panel installation beforehand and you know that the lifespan of the solar panels and your roof will be aligned.
Solar panels typically last around 25 years, so it’s best to make sure that your roof will last that long when you’re installing them.
If you install them on an older roof (especially on asphalt shingles), you might have to keep paying for costly repairs to maintain your roof. Or you’ll have to pay extra to remove the solar panels and then reinstall them after you replace your roof. Either way, it will cost you extra.
If you want solar panels for your home but recently got a roof replacement, this is bad timing for a solar panel installation because there are some additional preparation steps you need to take before the roof goes on, especially if you have asphalt shingles.
For residents in the Greater Seattle area, the best time to install solar panels is spring. This allows you to take full advantage of the sunny summer months and get as much sun exposure as possible before the rain rolls in for the winter.
Which roof type is best for solar panels?
By far, standing seam metal roofs are the superior choice for solar panels. The solar panels clamp right onto the seams, meaning that you don’t need to drill into them. You’ll completely avoid the risk of leaks that you get with other roofing materials that need to be drilled into.
Metal roofs are also durable and low-maintenance, meaning that you don’t have to worry about the shaded areas underneath the solar panels growing moss or collecting debris that will harm the roof.
You can put solar panels on other roof types, but they won’t have the same benefits. With all other roof types, the solar panels must be drilled into the roof, increasing the risk of leaks.
Materials like tile or slate will have the same low-maintenance benefits as metal, but they’re much more expensive.
Most people have asphalt shingles, which aren’t the best option for solar panels because they can grow moss and will be extra susceptible to leaks due to the additional holes where the panels are secured to the roof.
Avoid Costly Mistakes: Prepare Your Roof for Solar Panels
Now you know the critical factors to consider before installing solar panels on your Seattle roof, including roof age, size and layout, sunlight exposure, and weather risks. If you’ve been worried about potential extra costs or the risk of damage during storms, understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision.
Your next step is to consult with a roofing expert who understands solar panel installations, ensuring your roof is ready to support this investment.
At RoofSmart, we specialize in helping Seattle homeowners prepare their roofs for solar panel installations, guiding you every step of the way. Contact us today to make sure your home is solar-ready!
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