Solar panel installation is one of the most impactful steps a homeowner in British Columbia can take to reduce electricity bills, improve energy independence, and support clean energy.
If you’re installing solar panels to take advantage of net metering or to generate electricity using solar energy systems, the type of your roof is one of the major considerations.
Different materials, angles, and structural strengths influence how efficient your system will be and how much power it can produce.
Let’s break down which roof types are best suited for solar PV systems and what you need to keep in mind before you go solar.
Key Takeaways
- The best roof types for solar panel installation include shingle, metal, tile, and flat roofs.
- Roof angle, material, and structural strength impact solar system performance and energy output.
- A roof’s condition, age, and load capacity must be assessed before proceeding with solar panel installation.
Different Types of Roofs Ideal for Mounting Solar
At first glance, you might assume any roof is suitable for solar panels. The angle, material, and age of your roof determine the ability to securely support solar panels without compromising either the roof’s or the panels’ performance.
Shingle Roofs
Asphalts are the most common and compatible types for solar installation. Their widespread use across Canada makes them a frequent starting point for solar projects.
Why Do Shingle Roofs Work Well?
- Easy to install racking systems with minimal penetrations
- Materials provide decent durability and cost-efficiency
- Compatible with most solar mounting hardware
There are things you need to be aware of:
- Older shingles may require replacement before installing solar systems
- Lifespan of shingles (usually 15–30 years) may not align with the 25–30 years lifespan of solar panels.
Composite shingles, a variation, are also popular and hold up well under solar mounting. This type of roofing material is generally flexible enough to support panels without compromising structure.
Metal Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs are one of the most solar-friendly options on the market. With raised seams, they allow direct attachment of solar mounts without the need to drill into the roof itself.
Some benefits of installing panels on metal roofs:
- Extremely durable – lasting 40 –70 years
- Reduced installation time thanks to seam-based mounting
- Reflective properties reduce cooling needs in the summer months
Tip: For anyone looking for more energy production and long-term durability, metal roofing paired with monocrystalline solar panels is a smart match.
Tile Roofs
The advantage is that tiles usually last as long as or longer than a solar panel system. This means your roof can accommodate your solar photovoltaic system for many years. Besides, natural airflow under tiles helps with cooling and panel efficiency.
Some challenges during the installation:
- Tiles can be fragile during installation
- May need tile replacement or the use of tile hooks for mounting
- May add cost to the solar installation process
If you have a tile roof, an experienced solar installer, like MAG Solar, will know how to work around the tiles without causing damage.
Tar and Gravel Roofs
Common in older low-slope or flat commercial buildings, tar and gravel roofs can still support solar photovoltaic systems, but mounting must be handled differently. So, what works?
- Ballasted racking systems avoid penetration and rely on weight
- Accommodate large solar power system sizes for commercial applications
Consider other factors, especially when installing larger systems.
- Weight distribution needs assessment due to added gravel and ballast
- Drainage issues may reduce effectiveness
- May require electrical upgrades or roof reinforcements
Before experts install solar systems on tar and gravel, your installer must assess the condition of the membrane to avoid future maintenance conflicts.
Solar Panels on Flat vs Sloped Roofs
Installing panels on flat and sloped roofs each comes with its own methods, hardware, and design logic.
Feature | Flat | Sloped |
Mounting system | Weighted ballast (no drilling) | Penetration mounts (bolted into rafters) |
Panel tilt | Requires brackets for proper tilt | Uses the existing angle of the roof |
Installation speed | Faster, easier access | More labour-intensive |
Solar performance | Adjustable for ideal tilt | Best if already 30–40 degrees |
Structural load | More evenly distributed | Concentrated on mounting points |
Sloped Roofs
If your roof sits between 15 and 40 degrees, you’ll still get good results. At 40 degrees, production may dip slightly—around 1%—but won’t render your system ineffective. Anything steeper might challenge the install and overall energy output.
Have an angle built in, so panels can be mounted directly with racking systems designed for that tilt. Most solar PV systems work best around 30 degrees for optimal sunlight exposure.
Flat Roofs
Flat options don’t have that built-in tilt. Technicians use tilt-up brackets to position the panels at a better angle. The mounting system features a ballast structure that uses weights instead of drilled mounts. That makes the installation process easier and quicker on flat surfaces. Flat roofs also minimize roof penetrations, which is good news for waterproofing and maintenance.
Determining the Quality and Compatibility of Your Roof
Before moving forward with a renewable energy project, assess your home’s overall roof condition. A system that generates excess solar energy can only be installed on a structure capable of supporting it.
Ask yourself:
- Is the roof less than 10 years old?
- Have there been issues with water leakage or warping?
- Will your roof need repairs before the solar installation process?
- Will your roof hold the components required to sustain your electricity usage?
Note that home buyers or existing owners may need to replace older or damaged roofs before installing a PV system.
Roof Strength Requirements for Solar Panels
Mounting solar panels adds static and wind loads to your roof. It’s very important to evaluate the following:
- Dead Load: Weight of the panels, racking, and ballast, if applicable
- Live Load: Snow accumulation, especially relevant in colder BC regions
- Wind Uplift: Roofs in high-wind zones must have secure attachment points
- Seismic Considerations: Particularly in coastal BC, where seismic risk is higher
Your roof must support a minimum of 3 to 5 pounds per square foot of additional load. Some installations also involve mounting microinverters behind the panels, which will slightly increase the weight. A structural assessment is required for permit approvals and safety, and upgrading weak rafters or reinforcing sections can be part of the process.
Maximize Your Roof Space by Installing Solar Panels | Contact Our Solar System Company
Your home’s roof is more than just protection—it’s the perfect foundation for clean energy. With the right planning, solar energy systems can lower your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and generate excess electricity that earns credits and other incentives from BC Hydro.
Our team at MAG Solar can help assess your home’s roof, recommend the right solar power system size, and walk you through permits, federal grants, and financing options. If you’re ready to go solar or just exploring how solar energy works, our team supports every step of your solar system installation process.
Contact us today to get pre-approved and start saving money with renewable energy.
