Over the past decade, more homeowners have started using solar panels to power their homes. Many are turning towards the clean energy of solar panels to help the environment and reduce their electricity bill.

If you’re looking to install solar panels, you may be looking to place them on your roof, especially if you lack the space for a ground-mounted system. However, one of the biggest questions homeowners ask before moving forward with installation is if their roof is the right fit. Luckily, most roofs are solar-friendly though some materials are more suitable for solar panels. Below, we’ll review the best roof materials for solar panels.

Best Roof Material for Solar Panels

Whether you have an asphalt roof or a metal one, solar panels can be installed on nearly every type of roof. However, some roofing materials are more suitable for solar panels as they provide a more stable foundation. These include:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt is the most common type of shingle used on housing and is also the best roof for solar panels. These shingles are made from a fiberglass or cellulose type of mat that is very flexible and durable, making it the perfect material for solar panels. Installing these panels is very straightforward and is done by drilling studs into the roof and attaching the mounts to these studs. The space between the panel and the studs is then sealed with flashings to prevent water from entering your home.

Metal

If you have a metal roof with standing seams, it’s a perfect candidate for solar panel installation. The standing seams eliminate the need for drilling to attach them, which reduces the cost of labor. Plus, metal roofs provide additional reflection where the sun doesn’t hit the panels, keeping your house cooler.

Tiles

While the cost of installing solar panels on a tiled roof is more expensive, clay, slate, or concrete tiles are still one of the best roofs for solar panels. These shingles are slightly more waterproof and usually last longer than other shingles. Installation usually requires the removal of the tiles to prevent breakage. Additionally, the feet of the solar panel need to be fastened directly to your roof to ensure proper fastening.

Tar and Gravel

Despite most gravel and tar roofs being flat, they’re still good candidates for solar panels. However, you’ll want to make sure the panels are at a 30-degree angle to ensure optimum electricity production, which may require some extra hardware. The extra layers of asphalt in these types of roofs provide good support for the panels and prevent leaks or cracks.

Solar energy isn’t just what you use to power on a few porch lights or a watch. Today, solar energy is harnessed more and more as a way of going green and saving money. There are now close to 2 million solar installations in the U.S., and that number is expected to double by 2023.

One reason people are now installing solar panels in increasing numbers is that it has become much more affordable to do so. In fact, the cost has come down by more than 70% in the past eight years. Additionally, you can enjoy tax incentives, including the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and, in many cases, state tax breaks, as well.

If you are one of the many American homeowners who care deeply about the environmental benefits of cleaner energy, then there has never been a better time to consider installing solar panels on your roof. Solar panels can help your home become more energy efficient, which also increases the value of your home, all while helping the environment. If you’re looking into having solar panels installed on your roof, you likely have some questions, such as “can I put solar panels on my type of roof” and “how will solar panels affect my roof?” Let’s take a look at some answers to these common queries.

Do I Need A New Roof Before I Put Solar Panels On?

Whether you need a new roof for your solar panels depends on a few factors, but the main factor to consider is the condition of your current roof. Your roof should be fairly new and in good condition if you’re going to install solar panels on it.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), asphalt shingle roofs — by far the most popular roofing material — last about 20 years. Of course, condition does not always directly correlate with age, so it’s important you know not only how old your roof is but also what sort of shape it’s in currently. Especially if your roof is more than five years old, you should consider having a professional evaluation done on your roof to help determine whether it is holding up well and is ready for solar panels.

If your roof is nearing the end of its projected lifespan or is in poor condition, then you are typically better off replacing it before installing solar panels. This ensures your roof will be able to support the solar panels, which weigh about the same as adding a second layer of shingles, and keeps you from having to pay to take down the panels when it comes time to replace the roof and reinstall them after the new roof goes on.

Most solar panels last 25-30 years or more, so you don’t want to install them on a roof that will need to be replaced long before they do. If you find that you need to update your roof in order to install solar panels, you can include this expense in your tax credit. You should also research what types of roofs work best with solar panels. If you’re worried about the expense of a new roof, remember, having solar panels installed can eventually save you tens of thousands of dollars, so it’s a good investment.