No, solar panels don't damage your roof when they're properly installed. The mounting hardware is attached into the roof framing and sealed with flashing so water stays out. Most roof leaks blamed on solar are caused by improper installation or by putting panels on a roof that was already worn out. Solar panels can actually help protect your roof, too.
This is one of the biggest worries for Massachusetts homeowners considering solar. Holes drilled into your roof sound scary, and nobody wants water stains on ceilings a year after going solar.
The good news: solar installations are designed to keep your roof watertight. Here's what actually happens when solar panels are installed, and how to make sure it's done right.
How are solar panels installed on a residential roof?
On a typical asphalt shingle roof, solar panel installation follows the same basic steps:
- Metal mounts are bolted into the rafters, the framing under your roof, not just the shingles.
- Every roof penetration gets flashing, a metal piece that slides under the shingles and directs water away.
- Sealant goes around each attachment point for another layer of protection.
- Rails, often called the rack, attach to the mounts, and the solar panels attach to the rails.
Done this way, water runs right past the mounts the same way it runs off the rest of your roof. Tile and metal roofs use different solar mounting hardware, but the goal is the same: hold the solar panels in place without damaging your roof.
Do solar panels cause roof leaks?
Not when they're installed properly. When a leak does show up, it's usually for one of these reasons:
- The mounts missed the rafters or weren't flashed and sealed the right way
- The panels went on a roof that was already near the end of its lifespan
- Rushed or careless work by an installer cutting corners
That's why the roof matters so much. An old roof is more likely to leak with or without solar, which is why it often makes sense to replace your roof before installing solar panels.
What can cause damage to your roof during solar installation?
Roof damage from solar almost always traces back to the work, not the panels. Cracked shingles from crews walking carelessly, mounts placed in the wrong spot or skipped flashing can all cause damage over time.
Structural damage is rare. Before any solar system goes up, the roof is checked to make sure it can carry the weight. A reputable solar company will also inspect the attic and roof deck for soft spots before going any further.
Does your roof need replacing?
Tell Mark about your roof. He'll tell you if your home qualifies for a new roof when you go solar, with no upfront cost.
Talk to MarkCan solar panels help protect your roof?
They can. The part of your roof under the solar array is shaded from direct sun and shielded from hail, wind and heavy rain.
In Massachusetts, where roofs get hit with summer heat and winter storms, that's real protection. Solar panels can actually help your roof by protecting it from the elements, which can cut down on wear to the shingles they cover.
Can a roof handle the weight of a solar system?
Most roofs in good condition can. A solar panel system adds some weight, but it's spread across the roof.
The roof structure is checked as part of the design and town permit process. If your roof is sagging or has soft spots, that's a sign it needs work before solar.
What about Massachusetts snow?
Solar panels are built to handle heavy snow, and snow often slides off panels faster than it melts off shingles. When it comes to solar panels and ice dams, the cause is heat escaping into your attic, not the panels.
How to install solar panels without damaging your roof
- Start with a solid roof. If yours is 15 years old or older, a roof replacement before solar is usually the smart move. Otherwise you may face panel removal and reinstallation later, when the roof gives out under the panels.
- Get a roof inspection. A roofer or an experienced solar installer should look at the roof before anything is designed.
- Work with a qualified solar contractor. Ask how they attach the mounts, flash every roof penetration and seal the solar mounting points.
- Know who to call if you ever spot a leak or a loose panel.
Signs your solar panels are causing a leak
If solar panels are causing a leak, you'll usually see it inside first:
- Water stains on ceilings under the solar array
- Damp spots or drips in the attic after rain
- Loose or lifted shingles near the mounts
Call your solar installer right away. Most leaks near mounts are small and simple to fix when they're caught early.
Choosing a solar installer for a watertight solar panel installation
The installer makes all the difference. Look for solar companies that have been doing residential solar for years, explain exactly how panels and your roof will be protected, and stand behind their work.
If your roof is getting older, a new roof can be part of the project. For Massachusetts homes that qualify, you can get a new roof with solar panels with no upfront cost, so your roof stays solid for as long as the panels need it.
Worried about putting solar on your roof?
Tell Mark about your roof. He'll tell you if it's ready, or if a new roof should come first.
Talk to MarkFAQs About Solar Panels and Your Roof
Do solar panels cause roof leaks?
Not when they're properly installed. Every roof penetration is flashed and sealed so water runs past it. Most roof leaks blamed on solar come from improper installation or from panels put on a roof that was already at the end of its lifespan.
Can solar panels ruin my roof?
No, not when an experienced solar installer does the work on a roof in good condition. Solar installations are designed to hold the solar panels in place for decades without damaging your roof.
Do solar panels protect your roof?
They can. The part of the roof under the solar array is shaded from direct sun and shielded from hail, wind and heavy rain, which can slow down wear on those shingles.
What if my roof is old?
Then it's usually best to replace it before going solar. For Massachusetts homes that qualify, a new roof can be included when you go solar, with no upfront cost.
About Mark Featherstone
Mark has been in solar for over 12 years, working at some of the biggest solar companies in the country, before co-founding Your World Solutions. His goal is simple: help homeowners get into solar deals that actually work for them, and make sure they understand every part of it before they sign.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Every home and roof is different, and roof condition, timelines, costs and what's included vary by home and aren't guaranteed. No upfront cost applies to homes that qualify. Have a qualified roofer inspect your roof before making a decision.