Solar energy can be a very confusing topic, especially when in the midst of the planning and installation process. Many homeowners get flabbergasted by a seemingly endless barrage of structural, environmental, and financial issues. Fortunately, many of these questions have simple answers and are often the source of unwarranted stress. One of these common questions deals with the roof’s ability to support the weight of solar panels.

The vast majority of the time, structural support is not an issue. Solar panels are distributed across the roof and are not as heavy as many skeptics think. A solar panel usually adds just a few pounds per square foot of load onto the roof. Any modern roof is designed to support a lot more than that. That then, is the heart of the issue.

If you live in a fairly modern house, say, built in the last 50 years, you are probably safe. This, of course, ignores any extenuating circumstances such as water damage, rot, and other problems that should take top priority anyway. A solar contractor will always do a structural evaluation of the roof before installing panels. Probably 9 times out of 10, or more, the roof is plenty strong.

Occasionally, on older homes, some structural work needs to be done. Again, your solar contractor will inform you of any structural issues in your roof should they arise. To put your concerns at ease, you can walk your roof and feel for weak spots or head up into the attic and examine the trusses. Just always remain safe and bear in mind that a professional installer will undoubtedly do the same thing.

Posted on November 18th in Going Solar by Dan.