The Top Roofing Materials To Use With Solar Panels

When people first start researching solar panels, they often wonder whether their roof is made of the right material. We’ll look at the top roofing materials to use with solar panels and whether any materials disqualify roofs from consideration.

Asphalt Shingles

Most houses across the country use asphalt shingles as the roofing material, and that’s great news! This is the best overall material for solar panel installation since drilling studs is easy, and you’re left with sturdy mounts. Once workers install the studs, they’ll seal the space between the studs and panels with flushings—this keeps water from leaking into your home.

Corrugated Metal

Metal roofs are among the best options for solar panel installation. The standing seams allow for easy attachment without the need for drilling. That means the workers will spend less time up on your roof, driving down the total installation cost. Additionally, metal roofs provide extra reflection that can help optimize the energy your panels capture each day.

Tile

Clay, slate, and concrete tiles are workable options for solar panels, although you may need to pay a higher installation fee than for shingles or metal. That’s because the installers will need to remove some shingles and install panels directly to your roof for proper stability, adding a few extra steps to the process.

That said, tiles offer great protection from the elements, so your installation costs may even out with less of a need for ongoing roof maintenance.

Tar and Gravel

Solar panels function best when installed at an angle, which is why sloped roofs are ideal. However, tar and gravel roofs are still excellent candidates for solar energy because there are plenty of angled mounting options. With a bit of extra hardware, your tar or gravel roof provides a sturdy platform to support panels without leading to any cracks in your home.

Now that you know the top roofing materials to use with solar panels, take the next step toward energy independence and give us a call. No matter what roofing material you have, any solar panel company in Albuquerque worth its salt can help!