Many factors can affect the cost and design of your SunPower solar panel system. Different roof types require different installation methods. A lightweight tile roof can pose unique challenges for solar installers. These are some things to consider before adding solar energy to your tile roof.
What’s unique about solar roofs made of lightweight tiles?
Clay tile roofs made of cement and clay, also known as Spanish tile and terracotta tile, are common in the southwest and the western United States. These three shapes are often associated with this type of tile: “W”, “S”, or flat tile. Lightweight tiles are those that weigh less than nine pounds per square foot. You may have attempted to walk on a tile roof to repair or maintain it. You might have damaged some tiles because they are fragile and easily broken.
It is not advisable to place solar panels directly on top of a lightweight tile roof. These tiles may not be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, but they are not made to withstand additional pressure. Solar installation can cause cracks or breaks that could damage the roof, leaks, and other damages. The underlayment is the protective layer beneath tiles and shingles that can be damaged by drilling through them.
Solar installers may choose to remove individual tiles and install special tile replacement mounts. This method is safe for heavier tiles but not for lightweight tiles. Even if this method is followed and the solar panels are mounted successfully without any tile breaking, there is still the possibility of problems down the line. Vibrations from wind passing between panels and the racking system on top of lightweight tiles can cause future problems.
How to install solar panels on tile roofs.
An inset solar installation is a preferred method to install SunPower’s efficient solar panels on a lightweight tile roof. This will increase the cost and time required for your project, but it will provide long-term durability and prevent potential damage to your home.
A roofing professional will remove the tile roof and lay new composite shingles. The roof’s waterproofness is ensured by sealing the transitions with flashing (sheet metal).
The solar expert then installs the solar panel on the composite shingle. Composite shingles are unlikely to sustain damage that can lead to a compromised roof, especially when compared to the possibility of accidental damage to lightweight tiles.
Once the composite shingles have been installed, the surrounding area is filled with the removed tiles. This gives the roof an attractive appearance with the solar array built-in.
What benefits does an inset solar panel install bring?
As with other roof replacements, costs related to solar-necessary upgrades may be eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit.
Inset installation is a popular choice for homeowners because of its overall appearance. Inset installations give the impression that your home was built with solar power. This style is popular for new homes that have solar energy predetermined. You can also keep any extra tiles from your roof removed for composite shingle installation. This is a benefit that homeowners might not know about. Some conventional solar system installers will install solar panels on tile roofs without a comp-out. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go ahead with the solar installation. These solar panels will remain in your home for many more years.