Can Solar Make My Roof Leak?

So, you’ve decided to go solar? That’s awesome! We are happy to have you in the club! While you may be excited to get started, you likely have some questions, such as one of our most frequently asked questions, “Can solar make my roof leak?”

This is a great question, and we will answer it in our guide below. Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we share the ins and outs of roof leaks and solar. Let’s go!

Solar Panels & Leaking Roofs

While a solar installation won’t cause a roof leak just because it was installed, if the installation was poorly executed, leaks could occur due to penetration into the roof where the panel is mounted. This is why it is so important to choose a skilled installation company to ensure that your system is up to standard.

Note: Most leaks occur within the first year of installation if there was an issue with the installation process.

Common Types of Roof Damage

Damage caused by roof panels can include:

• Broken tiles
• Damaged shingles
• Structural problems
• Fire hazards from improper wiring

That said, generally, the installation of solar panels can extend the life of your roof by protecting it from inclement weather and elements like sun, rain, wind, and hail. Panels act like a barrier, ultimately reducing the wear and tear on your roof, and keeping it in better condition over time.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Proper Installation Is Important

As we stated above, the best way to prevent leaks is to hire a qualified solar installation company like Solar Bear Orlando which knows how to properly install solar panels to your roof without causing any leaks in the process.

Roof Condition Matters

Remember, if your roof is already old or damaged, installing solar panels could make any existing issues worse. This is why we always assess the condition of your roof before installing anything. Plus, we recommend having routine inspections and maintenance completed to help protect your roof.

Other Causes of Roof Damage

While improperly installed solar could be the cause of roof damage, there are often other culprits of leaks and damage including:

Small Animals & Birds

Small animals like squirrels and birds can make nests under your solar panel systems, which can cause extensive damage, wear and tear, and leakage. To avoid this, we often install wiring mesh that guards the underside of your panels against any of these cute, yet pesky critters.

Water Flow & Debris

Solar panels can leak due to standing water on the roof or debris from trees causing damage to your roof. Most solar racking systems are designed to allow the proper flow of water around the panels, if they were improperly installed, or the wrong size or shape, this could cause standing water damage to your roof. 

But don’t worry, our professionals at Solar Bear Orlando ensure that our installations are completed with water flow in mind, which is important during the rainy season here in Orlando!

Read More > Roof Repairs & Solar Panels: 5 Considerations

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Ready to install solar? You’re in the right place! Our professional and skilled team at Solar Bear Orlando is just a call away. We will ensure that your system is installed as seamlessly as possible, without any nuisances like leaks cropping up down the line.

Get your hassle-free quote from our team today by calling (727) 471-7442 or filling out our online form and one of our sales team members will reach out shortly.