Installing solar power in a home is one of the biggest ways that homeowners can make their home more energy independent and valuable, but with shingles being one of the most common roofing materials in our area countless homeowners wonder if they can install solar panels on asphalt roofing. This is a crucial question to get answered before continuing on your solar power journey. Attempting to have solar panels installed on an incompatible roofing material can have the job on hold until you upgrade your roofing material.
We’re going to dive into whether or not homeowners can have solar panels installed on asphalt roofing, and what it might involve. We’ll also look into some of the alternative options for mounting your solar panels if you can’t mount them where you want to. In the end, we’ll point you to a trusted local resource for getting premium solar equipment installed flawlessly.
Can I Install Solar Panels on Asphalt Roofing?
First, we’ll get to the short answer. Yes, homeowners are able to install solar panels on asphalt roofing without much trouble at all. While the process is relatively straightforward for those familiar with the process, attempting a DIY solar roof installation can be incredibly dangerous. That said, asphalt shingle roofing is one of the two most common roofing material choices for residents of Kansas and Missouri, so it is relatively easy to find someone to perform the installation, but finding a trusted installation authority can be more challenging.
There are only a few major differences between installing solar panels on asphalt roofs and installing them on other roofing materials. The biggest difference is in the footings or mounting components that are used to hold the solar panel rack to the roof. While this may not seem like a significant difference, an improper installation can come loose and create a considerable hazard.
How Solar Panels Are Installed On Shingles
When Barrett Solar crews install your solar panels on your asphalt roof. They use components known as Sun-Moto mini mounts, which are used in one of two ways during installation. The mounts can be used as a rafter mount, or as a deck mount, each requiring a different number of attachment points.
The rafter mount only needs one bolt, but it must go through the roofing and into a rafter in the attic or crawlspace. This provides a secure installation but also more roofing penetration. The deck mount is attached to the decking directly with four bolts and some caulk. This prevents any deep roofing penetration while still providing an engineer-approved mounting solution.
Other Ways Solar Panels Can Be Installed
There are two other methods for installing solar panels, and they are also common in our area. The first is installing on other roofing types, like metal, and the other option is to use ground mounts to create a freestanding mounting solution.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing can support solar installations just as asphalt roofing can, though the installer will need different mounts to be compatible with the metal roofing.
Ground Mounts
Yet another option for installing panels is to have them located on a ground mount, which allows unique or even historical roofing to remain unaffected by the installation.
Trust Barrett Solar For A Perfect Solar Installation
If you feel the time is right for a solar power installation, Barrett is ready to install solar panels on asphalt roofing if that’s what you need, just reach out to speak to a local expert about getting started.