Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?

Installing solar panels is one of the most popular ways homeowners are trying to lower energy bills and increase home value, but some homeowners understandably worry about one key thing: will solar panels damage my roof?

At Happy Roofing, we've repaired and replaced hundreds of roofs across the greater Naperville area, and we've seen the good, the bad, and the avoidable when it comes to solar-related roof issues. While we don't install or partner with any companies that install solar panels, we understand roofs and what can cause damage to them.

In this article, you'll learn:

• How solar panels are typically installed
• The most common ways solar panels can damage a roof
• How to prevent roof damage from solar panel installation
• What questions to ask before your solar install to protect your home

We'll walk you through the risks and what precautions you can take so you can move forward with confidence if you decide solar is right for you.

Table of Contents

• How Solar Panels Are Installed
• Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?
• How to Prevent Solar Panels From Damaging Your Roof
• Assessing Your Roof's Overall Health

How Are Solar Panels Installed?

Most residential solar systems are mounted using a series of brackets or racks that attach directly to your roof's surface. In the most common setup, these mounting systems sit on top of the shingles, with bolts or lag screws drilled through the roof deck and (typically) into the rafters. Once secured, installers apply sealant around the penetration points to help prevent water from getting in.

This method is widely used, but the sealant isn't guaranteed to last the life of the roof, and those roof penetrations are often the source of leaks. There are also under-shingle mounting systems, where brackets are placed beneath the roofing layer itself. These systems can offer a better moisture barrier because they flow more directly with your roof's overlapping shingle layers, instead of relying solely on surface sealant.

We've included a photo of the Solar Panel Hangers from Solar Tools USA's website to give an example of the brackets used to mount panels to the roof's surface:

Can Solar Panels Damage Your Roof?

Solar panels can damage your roof, but it largely depends on the installation quality. Most solar panel damage we've seen has less to do with the panels themselves and more to do with how they were installed. A high-quality solar system that's installed by a skilled team (emphasis on skilled) with roofing experience shouldn't compromise your roof.

Here are the most common issues we see with solar panel installations:

• Leaks from poorly sealed penetrations: When bolts or brackets are mounted through your shingles, any weak or rushed sealant work becomes a future entry point for water, especially in climates that see heavy rain or snow, like Northern Illinois.
• Shingle damage during installation: Not every solar crew understands how to walk on a roof without causing harm. These companies aren't roofers, and their job is to install the solar panels. We've seen cracked, scuffed, or loosened shingles simply because an installer didn't know how to distribute their weight properly or dragged heavy equipment across the surface. Some solar installation companies will partner with a roofing contractor to help mitigate unnecessary damage, but not all of them take precautions.
• Structural damage or premature wear: If solar panels are added to an aging or already-compromised roof, they can accelerate deterioration by adding weight or introducing new potential points of failure (leaks). It's important to assess the life of your roof before adding solar panels, as any future repairs or replacement will require the removal and reinstallation of the panels, adding to project costs.

These risks don't mean solar panels are a bad investment, they just highlight the importance of doing it right. It all comes down to understanding the condition of your roof, ensuring the installation is done with care, and working with a company you trust.

Can Solar Panels Void My Roof Warranty?

In many cases, solar installations that involve roof penetrations can void your existing roof warranty. These warranties often have strict terms about who is allowed to work on or alter the roofing structure. When a solar company drills into your shingles or deck without coordinating with a roofing professional, you could unknowingly lose coverage, leaving you on the hook for repairs if something goes wrong.

We can't speak for every contractor or roofing manufacturer out there, but at Happy Roofing, our workmanship warranty is voided if solar panels are installed after we've completed your roof.

• New roof penetrations compromise our original work. Drilling into the shingles and roof deck creates new vulnerability points that we didn't install or seal, so we can't guarantee how those areas will perform long-term.
• We can't control the quality of the solar installation. Even small mistakes during panel mounting, like improper sealing or over-tightened hardware, can cause leaks or damage that have nothing to do with the roof's performance.
• Installers may not walk the roof with care. Solar crews don't always understand how to move across a roof without damaging shingles. Something as simple as outside temperature can affect the level of care needed when walking on asphalt shingles, and not every solar crew is trained to follow best practices.
• Future repairs become a gray area. If there's a leak or issue under or around the panels, it's difficult to isolate whether it's due to the roofing work or the solar system, especially if it's been several months or years since the installation. This makes it hard to verify who is responsible for the damage.

To be clear, we're not anti-solar. But we are committed to protecting homeowners from finger-pointing and surprise out-of-pocket repairs. If you're considering solar, ask the company if they include a warranty and what will be covered. If you've had roof work done recently, you can always reach out to your roofing contractor and ask them how solar will impact their specific warranties.

How Can I Prevent Solar Panels From Damaging My Roof?

The best way to avoid problems down the line is to take the right steps before any panels go up. While some homeowners assume the solar company is handling everything, solar companies aren't always trained on how to protect your roof.

Here's how you can prevent roofing issues if you're considering a solar install:

• Involve your roofer early. If your roof is newer or still under warranty, reach out to the original roofing contractor before any solar work is done. They can inspect the roof, advise on compatibility, and flag any issues that should be addressed first. They can also give you clarity on how their warranties will be affected.
• Review your warranty. Some warranties (including ours) are voided if another contractor makes modifications to the roof, especially if they involve drilling into the shingles or decking. Read the fine print and understand the limits of any warranties that you may have in place before approving solar installation.
• Ask the solar installer helpful questions. Don't hesitate to ask anything that could help you make a more confident decision. Do they coordinate with a roofing partner? Are their crews trained on how to walk and work on a roof without causing damage? What methods will they use to ensure water stays out of your home?
• Document everything. Don't rely on verbal assurances alone. Make sure your contract outlines exactly who is responsible for water sealing, future repairs, and what happens if a leak appears under or near the solar panels. If any good warranty promises are being made, make sure you see them in writing.
• Time the project strategically. If your roof is more than 15 years old or close to needing a replacement, it's usually better to replace the roof before adding solar. This avoids having to remove the panels later, which can be costly and disruptive, and can ensure a longer lifespan for both systems.

Ultimately, the goal is to make sure your solar investment doesn't compromise your roof's integrity or shorten its lifespan. Taking these proactive steps can save you thousands in unexpected repairs or unknowingly voided warranties. As with any decision, you deserve to have a clear understanding of all the moving parts before making a decision for you and your home.

Getting an Assessment of Your Roof's Health

Roof damage from solar installs isn't uncommon, but it's often preventable. The key is making sure your roofing system and solar panels are working together, not against each other. This starts with a good understanding of how the solar company operates and how much they value longevity. Ask questions, do research, and take the time you need to properly evaluate your options when it comes to solar installation companies.

If you're considering solar, especially on a roof that's aging, recently replaced, or under warranty, it's worth having a strong understanding of everything that the solar installation is going to affect. A thorough roof inspection can give you insight into your roof's health and whether solar panels are a good idea in its current condition.

We offer no-pressure roof consultations to help homeowners stay ahead of any roofing concerns. We'll inspect your roof, answer your questions, and guide you as best we can without any obligation to move forward with us.