Can You Add Solar to a Metal Roof or Non-Standard Roof in Eastern Washington?
What You Need to Know About Installing Solar Panels on Unconventional Roofs
Can you add solar to a metal roof or non-standard roof in Eastern Washington? Our trusted solar installation company knows residential and commercial buildings in the region come in many configurations – most of which are compatible with solar panel installation.
PacWest Solar can install solar panels on nearly any structurally sound roof type, including:
· Standing seam, corrugated, R-panel and PBR-panel metal roofs
· Clay, concrete, slate, and composite tile roofs
· Flat and low-sloped roofs
Can You Add Solar to a Metal Roof or Non-Standard Roof in Eastern Washington?
Barns, workshops, storage, and other atypical commercial and residential buildings in the region with roofing other than asphalt shingles can support solar panels with the appropriate installation equipment. Rest assured, if your roof is in good condition without large sunlight obstructions, we offer solar panel mounting options to help you achieve your solar energy goals.
Solar Installation on Metal Roofs
Metal roofs offer one of the best surfaces for installing solar panels. Because they have a 40-70 year lifespan – well-beyond the length of our 25-year solar panel warranty – you typically won’t have to worry about future solar panel removal and installation costs during routine roof replacement.
The best solar mounting system for your metal roof will depend on its design:
Solar panel mounting for standing seam roofs
Standing-seam metal roofs allow our Eastern Washington solar installers to quickly and easily clamp mounting hardware onto raised seams without drilling holes and penetrating your roof, eliminating the risk of leaks.
Solar panel mounting for corrugated roofs
Solar panel mounting hardware must be screwed into the top of ridges on corrugated metal roofs and requires careful waterproofing, including specialized mounting blocks with rubber gaskets and sealant at every penetration point to prevent leaks.
Solar panel mounting for R-panel and PBR-panel roofs
Like corrugated roofs, R-panel and PBR-panel roofs require drilling and installing brackets fitted to your roof’s specific rib profile, as well as thorough waterproofing at each attachment point.
No matter what metal roofing style you have, hardware compatibility is crucial. To prevent damage, materials must accommodate temperature-induced expansion and contraction, and metal types must match to prevent corrosion, leaks, and structural deterioration.
Solar Installation on Tile Roofs in East Washington
Clay, concrete, slate, and composite tile roofs are also solar-friendly, but require additional preparation to install solar panel mounting hardware, which may extend your installation timeline. Fragile tiles are usually removed and replaced during solar panel installation. This process prevents breakage from foot traffic and gives our installers access to the roof sheathing to install flashing and to mount brackets or hooks. Specialized shapes exist to accommodate all types of tiles - or in some cases replace them- combining the flashing, mounting equipment, and tile into a single piece of equipment that speeds the solar installation process.
Solar Installation on Flat Roofs
Flat and low slope roofs are another great surface for installing solar panels. They can achieve better energy production than many slanted roofs – as long as panels aren’t installed horizontally. Flat roofs give our East Washington installers the flexibility to adjust solar panel orientation and angle based on your geographic location to maximize energy production and ensure proper snow shedding. They also enable faster installation by providing a safe, stable surface for our installers. Installation options depend on your roof’s structural support and wind exposure, including weighted, ballasted mounting racks that require no roof penetration and mechanical racks that attach with bolts or screws.
Learn More About Our Custom Solar Solutions for Unusual Roof Structures
Can you add solar to a metal roof or non-standard roof in Eastern Washington? Yes! PacWest Solar offers custom solutions to meet your home or business’s needs. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to schedule a complimentary solar installation consultation in Kootenai County (Athol, Coeur d’Alene, Dalton Gardens, Fernan Lake Village, Harrison, Hayden Lake, Huetter, Post Falls), Spokane County (Airway Heights, Cheney, Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Millwood, Spangle, Spokane), or Pullman today.