The Five Most Popular Roofs Types for Solar Systems

Posted by Ryan Armstrong on January 31st, 2018

After you decide on installing solar panels for your home, the next part of the process is to determine the specifications of your solar array. Because most solar panels are installed on the roof of the home, it is important to realize that some roofs can handle solar paneling better than others.

Solar paneling can be installed on almost every material of roof. However, that is not to say that all roofing will cause the solar system to generate the same amount of electricity. For the best results, a solar system should be placed at a 30-degree angle and face north, where you will see the sun for most of the day. For roofs that are flat, you can install additional brackets that can give solar panels these required angles for effective absorption.

Here are the most common types of roofs for solar power in Sunshine Coast:

1. Composite shingles

This is the most popular type of roof, bar none. Composite shingles are inexpensive, are energy efficient, and last a very long time in spite of extreme weather conditions. Needless to say, shingles can support an array of solar panels, but there may be a few exceptions where a stronger material of roof is necessary.

2. Tile

Tile is a material that is almost as common as composite, one that is found in nearly every neighborhood that you come across. Tiles can be made of different materials, themselves, and this is why identifying this material is important before you install a solar system on top of them. Installation costs of solar systems can be more or less expensive depending on what material you have, with clay tiles being one of the most costly. When a solar system is installed on a tiled roof, brackets will be necessary to lift the panels over the roof.

3. Metal

Metal roofing with seams is one of the best materials of roofing for installation of solar power in Sunshine Coast. Because metal is so durable, it is guaranteed to never crack or break off, and will last decades. Most roofs require panel installers to drill holes in order for the brackets to be set up, but standing seams on metal roofs makes installations easier as well, making costs to install ridiculously cheap. Metal roofing is also reflective, making it very capable of bouncing off sunlight, keeping your home cool in the hottest of summers. Unless you already own a metal roof, however, they would significantly raise your solar system’s budget, so buying one is not recommended.

4. Tar and gravel

Homes that have flat roofs will likely have them made of tar and gravel. This type of roof is made with layers of sheets that are finished with roofing felt and hot tar. Mineral coatings are added thereafter. Because tar and gravel roofs are mostly flat, brackets will be needed for solar panels to rest at a 30-degree incline. Installing solar panels on a flat roof is simple, but it is also more expensive than installing on a slanted roof and/or with a different material.

5. Wood

Wood roofs are another common type of roof that you can easily notice. Wooden roofs are versatile in the sense that they can be fitted at any angle or combined with other materials, such as composite shingles. In this case, the requirements of your solar system installation will depend on how your roof is structured. Because solar panels get very hot, wood roofing may not be the best option for solar panels, since wood is very flammable, however, you can coat your roof with a fire retardant to greatly reduce the risk of a roof fire.

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If you are looking at getting solutions for solar power in Toowoomba, then the author of the article recommends Sunny Sky Solar.