It’s no surprise many homes in New York are topped with metal roofs. They’re built for durability, long lifespan, and energy efficiency. Naturally, many of these homeowners wonder if their roof is compatible with solar panel installation, and whether it will lead to leaks or complications down the line. In this article, we’ll walk through common concerns, explain mounting options for different roof types, and share best practices to help you make an informed decision.
Why Metal Roofs Work Well with Solar Panels
There are a few reasons why metal roofs can actually be ideal for solar energy:
- Longevity: Metal roofs typically last 40 to 70 years, longer than the lifespan of most solar panels. This reduces the need for removing and reinstalling panels due to roof replacement.
- Strength and Stability: Metal roofing provides a solid structure for attaching racking hardware without compromising the roof itself. With the right equipment, solar panels can be installed cleanly and efficiently, making metal roofs one of the best long-term platforms for solar energy.
- Environmental Benefits: Metal roofing materials are often made from recycled content and are fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle, aligning with the environmental goals of solar energy adoption.
Addressing Concerns About Leaks
One of the most common concerns is the risk of roof leaks resulting from solar panel installations. The truth is, with the right mounting equipment and proper installation, this risk can be effectively eliminated. The key is to use mounting systems designed specifically for metal roofs.
Here are a few examples we often use depending on the roof type:
- Standing Seam Roofs – IronRidge QuickMount Lynx:
This system clamps directly onto the standing seams without the need for drilling, preserving the roof’s integrity. That means no penetrations and no leak risks. It’s designed to be compatible with IronRidge’s L-Foot and Rails racking components and uses technology licensed by S-5!, a leader in metal roof attachment solutions.
- Corrugated or Exposed-Fastened Roofs – S-5! VersaBracket®:
This bracket is designed for various corrugated metal profiles and attaches securely using a factory-applied sealant that ensures a weatherproof fit, eliminating the need for messy, field-applied sealants and reducing the risk of leaks.
- Trapezoidal Roofs – S-5! ProteaBracket®:
Great for mounting solar panels on face-fastened, trapezoidal rib metal roofs, it accommodates varying rib widths, heights, and angles, offering multiple module mounting options. The ProteaBracket attaches directly to the sheeting, utilizing a factory-applied EPDM pad to ensure a weatherproof seal without the need for additional sealants.
These systems have been field-tested and used in a wide range of climates, including those with heavy snow and high wind – like we often see in upstate New York.
Installation Best Practices
- Have your roof evaluated first. A professional installer will assess the age, shape, and condition of your roof to determine the best mounting system.
- Ask about the mounting products being used. Your installer should be transparent and provide spec sheets for all of the mounting hardware they will be using for your installation.
- Choose an installer familiar with metal roofs. Solar on a metal roof isn’t harder, it’s just different. Experience matters.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can absolutely install solar panels on a metal roof – and often, it’s one of the better roofing types to do it on. With the right equipment and proper installation, it can be leak-free, long-lasting, and even more efficient than a standard asphalt roof.
If you’re still unsure which mounting solution is right for your home, check out the product specs or reach out to a professional installer who can guide you based on your roof type.
