Solar is everywhere in the Phoenix Valley, and for good reason given how many sunny days we get here. What does not get talked about as often is what solar means for the roof underneath the panels. A solar array is usually expected to last 25 years or more, and taking it down and putting it back up to deal with a roof problem later is a lot more expensive than checking the roof first. Here is what we look at before any solar installation goes on a Phoenix-area home.
Why Your Roof’s Condition Matters More Than the Panels
Most solar installers will tell you the same thing we do: if your roof will not comfortably outlast the solar warranty, deal with the roof first. Removing and reinstalling a solar array to do a repair or replacement underneath typically costs more than it would have cost to handle the roof ahead of time, on top of the time your system sits offline. Before any installation, we recommend a full roof inspection so you know exactly how many years of life are left before panels go on top of it.
Tile Roofs and Solar: What Installers Need to Get Right
Tile is the most common roof type across Valley neighborhoods, and it is also the trickiest to mount solar on correctly. A mounting system that is not flashed and sealed properly around the tile can crack tiles during installation or leave gaps where wind-driven rain gets underneath. We check that any solar mounting on a tile roof uses proper tile hooks or standoffs rather than drilling through the tile itself, and that the underlayment beneath the array is in good shape before the panels go on, since that underlayment becomes much harder to reach once the array is in place.
Shingle and Foam Roofs Under an Array
Shingle roofs handle solar mounting more easily than tile, but the same rule applies: the roof should have enough years left on it to outlast the panels, and flashing around every mounting point needs to be installed and sealed correctly. Foam roofs on flat sections are common for additions and patio covers in the Valley, and those need a mounting approach that does not puncture the waterproof membrane, plus a recoat schedule that accounts for working around the array.
If Your Roof Is Getting Close to the End of Its Life, Replace First
We recently completed a full tear-off and reroof on a Phoenix Valley home, the kind of job that makes the most sense to schedule before solar goes on rather than after. If your roof is more than 15 to 20 years old, or an inspection turns up underlayment that is already failing, it is almost always cheaper to reroof before installation than to pay to remove and reinstall an array a few years in. If you already have solar installed and the roof underneath needs attention, we also handle the panel removal and reinstall. We take the panels off, repair or replace the roof, and put the array back in place once the work is done. If you are deciding between tile, foam, or shingle for that reroof, our guide to choosing the right roof material for Phoenix’s climate walks through the tradeoffs.
HOA Rules on Solar in the Valley
Arizona homeowners generally have more protection from HOA solar bans than homeowners in many other states, though HOAs can still have a say over where panels are placed and how they look from the street. If you are in a managed community, check your HOA’s specific rules on placement and screening before you finalize a design, and confirm the details with your installer and HOA directly rather than assuming, since rules vary by community.
Get a Free Roof Inspection Before You Go Solar
BlackHorse Roofing & Construction offers free roof inspections across the Phoenix Valley, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Surprise, and Ahwatukee. We will give you an honest read on whether your roof is ready for solar as-is or needs attention first, before you commit to an installer or a design. We are licensed (ROC #342877), bonded, and insured in Arizona.
Call 602-890-9512 to schedule a free inspection, or request one online.