If you have a tile roof, you might be wondering if it’s compatible with solar panel installations. After all, a tile roof is beautiful, durable and a great investment. You’ve already put money into it and you’re not about to strip it off so you can have solar panels.
The good news is that yes, you absolutely can put solar panels on a tile roof. In fact, it’s an excellent way to unlock the power of the sun while also making your property more beautiful and valuable
Tile Roof Compatibility
One of the best reasons to choose a tile roof is its stunning beauty, and people love how they last for decades. However, one of the reasons many people think that solar panels won’t be compatible with a tile roof is that many tiles are heavy, and although strong, they can be brittle. Modern solar technology and installation methods have remedied that, and today you can have both solar panels and tile roofs.
Key Considerations
Some of the key considerations you need to take before you install solar panels on a tile roof include:
Roof Condition: Is your tile roof damaged? How old is it? If it’s still in good shape, it doesn’t have any cracks or damage, and it’s well cared for, it will make a perfect candidate for solar panels. However, if your roof is in need of replacement or repair, those problems will need to be addressed before you can proceed.
Roof Age: Are the tiles 10, 15, 25 or more years old? The age of the roof plays a crucial role in determining whether it needs to be replaced before installing solar panels. If the roof has a thinner coating, it may not be suitable for supporting solar panels, and replacement might be necessary. However, if the roof is relatively new, it might be advisable to wait another 10 years before considering solar panel installation
Tile Type: Are your tiles made of clay or concrete? What is the weight of your tiles? If you have concrete or other heavy tiles, you’ll need to ensure you have the roof design that can support the weight of the heavy tiles underneath.
Mounting Method: There are two mounting methods for putting solar panels on tile roofs – penetrating and non-penetrating.
Penetrating installation involves actually mounting the solar panels to the roof structure beneath the tiles. This type of installation can be harder to do when you’re using heavy tile roofs, and you need to make sure your flat roof beams (the ones your roof trusses or wall plates are attached to) are intact underneath.
Non-penetrating installation relies on placing the solar panels on top of the tiles without actually drilling holes. Instead, attachments can be placed beneath the panels or rely on ballasts or adhesives to hold them securely in place.
Roof Orientation and Shading
Is your roof oriented correctly toward the Sun? Are there trees or buildings nearby that might cast shadows on your roof? If your roof is shaded more than six hours a day, your solar panel efficiency will likely be lower than if you have a roof with the best exposure to sunlight.
Benefits of Solar Panels
Energy Savings: Are you tired of forking over money to your electric utility company every month? With solar panels, the sun’s power is used to generate electricity, which you can use to power your home or business. However you choose to use it, less energy is needed from your utility company. You’ll start to reduce your monthly electric bills.
Environmental Benefits: Solar power is known for its “green” nature. As you harness the sun’s light, your usage of energy from fossil fuels is lowered. You’ll likely reduce the amount of carbon line emissions. You may even save trees through cutting back on the paper bills once you have monitoring and automatic payments for your solar panels.
Financial Benefits: With so many people wanting to opt in to solar power, many governments, utilities and other companies offer incentives, rebates and even tax credits for going solar. You can not only save money on your electric bill, but you may also receive money back from local tax incentives and your utility company.
Resale Benefits: You’ve likely noticed more and more homes for sale that boast about being powered by the sun. As it becomes easier for people to afford, more and more people will choose this eco-friendly choice. If you decide to sell your newly installed solar panel home, you may find that prospective buyers are willing to pay a premium for the added value.
Installing solar panels on a tile roof is not only possible but also beneficial for homeowners seeking sustainable energy solutions and long-term cost savings. With proper planning, assessment, and professional installation, you can enjoy the advantages of solar power while preserving the beauty and integrity of your tile roof.
Ready to explore solar options for your tile roof? Contact us at Royal Solar for expert guidance and a customized solar solution tailored to your needs.