Is My Roof Suitable for Solar?

More and more people in Colorado are enjoying the benefits of rooftop solar. Of course, before you can install solar panels, you need to know if your home is a good candidate. The roof is one of the most important items to include in this decision.

At REenergizeCO, we install solar for homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and throughout the Colorado Front Range. Our expert technicians have years of experience designing and installing solar panel systems individualized to each customer’s needs and goals. We evaluate a multitude of factors—including your roof—to determine whether you are a good candidate for rooftop solar.

How Do I Tell If My Roof Is Good for Solar Panels?

Just as a house needs a sturdy foundation, solar panels need a strong and sturdy roof. Optimizing sunlight exposure is also essential for getting the most from the system.

Key components we consider when assessing a roof for solar panels are:

Age & Condition

Most roofs last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. If your roof requires replacement, solar panels will need to be removed and reinstalled. Therefore, it is best to replace your roof before going solar.

Structural integrity is another major concern. A roof that is suitable for solar will have all of the shingles intact and be free of weak spots. It also needs to be capable of bearing the extra weight added by solar panels and other components.

Materials

Some building materials create a more favorable foundation for rooftop solar than others. These include:

• Asphalt shingles
• Composite shingles
• Metal roofs with standing seams
• Tar and gravel (likely requires additional mounting brackets to place solar panels at an angle on a flat roof)

Materials like wood and tile are less amenable to solar, but panels may still be added by adjusting the installation technique. The complexity of the install will be factored into the overall cost of the solar project.

Read More: How Much Are Solar Panels in Colorado?

Orientation

The direction your roof faces is extremely important. For homes in the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs are ideal because they get the most sunlight. Roofs that face east or west may also work, provided enough sun hits the solar panels.

Angle

Whether you have a flat roof or a 45-degree pitched roof, solar is the solution for you. Expert installation can ensure that your solar panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight during the day.

Read More: Why Putting Solar Panels in the Right Place Can Get You Better Results

Shade

Trees, buildings, and other obstacles may cast a shadow on your home. Excess shade will reduce the efficiency of solar panels, so it is critical to account for these issues and—if possible—remove them prior to installation.

The Size of Your Roof

One of the most common questions we get from customers is, “how many solar panels do I need?” Many different factors go into this calculation, one of which is the size of your home.

The bigger your house, the more energy you consume. If you’re interested in rooftop solar, your roof needs to be able to support all of the panels you’ll need to power your home. Professional solar companies examine the square footage of the roof and compare it against your energy usage to determine if the size of the roof is adequate.

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Most homeowners don’t relish the thought of getting up on the roof. When you hire a reputable solar installation company, you don’t have to make that climb. Our experts will get up on the roof for you and know exactly what to look for.

Can My Roof Handle Solar Panels?

The size and weight of a solar panel varies. On average, individual panels weigh approximately 40 pounds and are about 3×5 feet across.

Residential roofs can generally tolerate loads of up to 20 pounds per square foot. An assessment of the condition and square footage of your roof allows us to determine the weight the roof can safely hold.

We find that the vast majority of roofs are strong enough to support a solar panel system. Nonetheless, structural integrity needs to be closely evaluated to ensure a successful installation and the long-term safety of your home.

Is Rooftop Solar Worth It?

We certainly think so, and a lot of Coloradans agree! A recent report found that Colorado ranks 11th in the nation for the growth in energy production through rooftop solar. From the year 2020 to 2022, the power generated by residential solar in Colorado jumped from 701 gigawatt hours to 1,372 gigawatt hours—an increase of more than 95%.

From lots of sunny days to support and incentives from utilities, most homeowners in Colorado find that going solar is totally worth it. Solar panels are built to last and pay for themselves over time, making them a very wise investment.

Benefits of rooftop solar include:

• Significant energy savings
• Maximizing energy efficiency
• Reduced upfront costs through tax credits
• Positive environmental impact
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Less reliance on the power grid
• Increased home value
• Protection against the rising cost of electricity

Find Out If Rooftop Solar Is Right for You!

At REenergizeCO, we have installed solar panels on thousands of roofs throughout Colorado. Our Denver and Fort Collins-based crews make customer satisfaction a priority. We use a custom approach for every install, paying close attention to the condition of your roof and the goals you have for controlling your utility bills.

Interested in rooftop solar? Contact REenergizeCO today!