5 Reasons Your Solar Panels May Be Causing Roof Leaks

Adding a solar array to your building is eco-friendly and can help lower your electricity bills. The most cost-effective location for this type of system is on the roof, and the industry has adopted

best practices that are designed to minimize solar panel roof leaks while reaping the benefit of the sun’s energy. Stainless steel and aluminum flashings and fasteners are designed to withstand

inclement weather. However, there may still be issues, especially in the cool, rainy winter months. Here are five reasons your roof may leak. Let’s dive right in!

1. Insufficient Planning

Failing to take the roof age and materials into consideration majorly affects the building roof. These are the key reasons for new solar panels causing roof leaks when it rains. Drilling into the

existing roofing materials is required for the proper installation of most solar panel systems. While they may be set up on commercial roofs of virtually any kind, some materials don’t work as well

as others, and special attention may be needed at the time of installation.

2. Inadequate Load Capacity

Modern rack systems are generally lightweight. However, depending on the number of panels, type of array, and the ballast used to secure them, the weight could still be too much for your

roof to handle. Some states, counties, and municipalities require an engineer evaluation before approving the project to ensure the structure is sound.

3. Sub-standard Installation Methods

Poor installation is another common cause of solar panel roof leaks. If the solar installers are new, inexperienced or not qualified roofers, they may unknowingly cause damage to the roof or

leave it vulnerable to leaks when the bad weather moves in.

4. Incompatible roofing materials

If you do not have the perfect roof for solar panels, inferior or inappropriate installation techniques may be responsible for solar panel roof leaks. Make sure not to use terracotta tiles, slate,

clay and timber shingles in the commercial roofing as these are susceptible to damage and leaking after installation, particularly in cold, wet weather. As the area under the solar panels won’t

be visible, replacing the roofing materials with composite shingles may prevent future leaks.

5. Old or Worn Roofing Materials

It may be tempting to add a solar panel system to an older roof. If the materials need replacing, the solar array and the conduits will have to be removed. Not only is this expensive, but the

panels may also be damaged upon removal, adding to the expense and causing solar panel roof leaks.

Depending on age, type and materials there are several rooftop components including rooftop supports that allow access to the panels and inadequate drainage that can also cause solar panel

roof leaks.