Solar Panels on Metal Roof. a Definitive Guide
Solar panels on a metal roof are an excellent choice if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and long-lasting option for your solar panels.
Solar panels can be installed on many different roofs, including metal ones. If you’re looking for a high-performing, durable, and energy-efficient option, as well as something that’s financially beneficial, metal roofing is the best option for you.
But how does metal roofing enhance the efficiency of solar panels?
In the article, we’ll have a look at the benefits of solar panels on a metal roof and how it improves the efficiency of energy generation and power saving.
Can You Put Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?
Solar panels on metal roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Metal is one of the best roofing materials for solar panels.
Metal roofs are durable and light and very often they’re made of recycled eco-friendly materials. It is also one of the best roof materials to use for solar panels.
It’s easy to install and the durability of both the solar panels and metal roof make it a perfect match.
Solar panels have a long lifespan of 25-30 years, but metal roofs have an even longer lifespan. If you’re environmentally conscious, metal roofing is great as it is also eco-friendly.
Metal is also extremely sturdy and strong and is one of the most reliable materials to support the weight of solar panels. It’s durable, anti-flammable, and requires little to no maintenance.
How Efficient Is It to Use Solar Panels on a Metal roof?
When combined with solar panels, metal roofs offer a wide range of energy-efficient benefits.
Metal roofing systems are considered cool roofs due to their reflective ability, which reduces the amount of energy captured beneath the surface of the roof and increases the solar panels’ ability to absorb more energy.
If your metal roof is coated with reflective paint, it will help keep your home cool during the summer. It also cools the surface of your metal roof which makes it safer to work on during the day when the roof can become incredibly hot.
This paint coating will also improve the performance of the photovoltaic modules of your solar panels, enabling them to generate higher amounts of energy.
Under the sun, PV modules usually become very hot. This increases the electrical resistance of the circuit they are powering, reducing its efficiency. Despite what many people think, solar panels work better at cooler temperatures, which means you have to pay close attention to the best place to install them.
A cool metal roof decreases the amount of heat and increases the efficiency of solar panels, giving you more bang for your buck. It will help save energy on cooling while producing more energy at the same time.
Do solar panels heat up your roof ? No. The heat of the sunlight that is directed onto your roof, is absorbed by the solar panels and converted into electricity.
Solar panels in turn keep your home cool by keeping direct sunlight off of your roof. They provide a cover from the thermal heat of the sun and reduce the amount of heat that would usually be absorbed. This ensures your home is cool in the Summer, and can trap additional heat in Winter.
Can Solar Panels Be Installed on a Corrugated Metal Roof?
Solar panels can be installed on corrugated metal roofs. If your corrugated metal roof has a direct attachment that enables the solar panel to be mounted, you can install a solar panel onto a corrugated metal roof.
You will need to drill holes into the roof and then ensure that the holes are made watertight. Before you install the panel, though, make sure you know where the support beams are and use those to drill the holes.
Does the Type of Metal Effect the Solar Panel?
The best type of metal roofing for solar panels is standing seam panels.
Installing solar panels on your roof is relatively straightforward. Standing seams use clamps and clips that are attached to the ribs of the roof. The solar panels are then mounted and installed. Using standing seam panels is best for solar panels as they’re easier and more secure.
They also ensure that the weight of the solar panels can be handled.
What Type of Solar Panels Should Be Used for A Metal Roof?
The best type of solar panels to use is thin-film, PV panels and crystalline panels. Crystalline silicon panels are efficient and resistant to most weather conditions.
Thin-film PV panels offer higher efficiency per square foot and are easy to install. They’re a lower-emissions renewable energy option.
For more options have a look at our top-rated flexible solar panels.
Can You Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof? (FAQs)
Do Solar Panels Ruin Your roof?
Solar panels that have been properly installed don’t cause any damage to the exterior or interior of your roof.
Once the solar panels are installed the lag bolts are then covered with roof flashing, a thin material that prevents water from penetrating certain spaces on the roof.
This helps to prolong the life and quality of your house roof. Have a look at how many solar panels will fit on your roof.
Can You Put Solar Panels on a Tiled Roof?
Yes, you can. Solar panels can be installed on many roof types. When installing solar panels on a tiled roof some tiles are removed and stainless-steel brackets are screwed onto the rafters. The removed tiles are then put back into their former place.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels are incredibly resistant. The average lifespan of home solar panels is between 25-30 years. They are incredibly durable and require very little maintenance.
The most common maintenance is cleaning the panels. The accumulation of dust and dirt after an extended time should be cleaned to maintain quality and prolong shelf life.
Cleaning enhances the efficiency of the solar panel by 5%. Some solar panels can last for up to 50 years.
Are Solar Shingles Worth It?
Yes. If you’re a homeowner and need a new roof, then solar shingles are worth it. If you want to retain an aesthetically pleasing look and roof functionality, solar shingles are a good option.
They are not only more durable than regular shingles, but they’re also multifunctional. Having solar shingles is a lifetime investment. Be sure to read up on the solar panel shingle roof mount before installing your solar shingles.
Can Solar Panels Get Struck by Lightning?
Yes. Lightning can strike solar panels and cause major damage. Even though direct strikes are rare they can damage and melt certain components of the solar panel.
The high voltages of lightning can damage and break the conductors, PV panels, and components. It can also create sparks that could ignite the combustible material.
However, lightning protection should be included in the design process. If your climate is prone to lightning, make sure to check that your solar panels are protected from lightning exposure before purchasing.
Did You Find Our Blog Helpful? Then Consider Checking:
- Solar Panels on Flat Roofs
- Best Roof Pitch for Solar Panels
- Do Solar Panels Damage Roof?
- Can Solar Panels Be Installed on a Slate Roof
- Solar Panels for Home
- How Many Solar Panels to Run a House off Grid
- Solar Panel Setup for Rv
- How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Rv
- Portable Solar Panel for Electric Car
- How to Choose Solar Panels
- Flexible Solar Panels vs Rigid
- Solar Panel Efficiency
- How Do Solar Panels Work
- Solar Panel Maintenance
- Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days
Advantages of Solar Panels
In 2021, solar power supplied about 2.8% of America’s total electricity consumption. With so many advantages of solar energy, it’s no surprise that more and more homeowners are going solar.
Solar panels provide homeowners with a clean source of energy that protects the earth by reducing carbon emissions. Not only that, they also save homeowners on their electric bills by using the sun’s energy to power their homes.
You may be thinking about investing in solar panels, but solar installation is a costly investment and you want to make sure that the expense is worth the benefits.
- What Are Solar Panels?
- Types of Solar Panels
- 1. Lower Electric Bills
- 2. Form of Renewable Energy
- 3. Long Lifespan
- 4. Low Maintenance
- 5. Option for Upgrades
- 6. Cool Roof
- 7. Adaptable
- 8. Increased Home Value
- 9. Financial Incentives
- 10. Pays Itself Off
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar photovoltaic panels are technological equipment that use solar cells to collect energy from sunlight. The solar cells, arranged in a grid pattern, convert the absorbed sunlight into electrical energy that can be used to power your home.
Homes with solar panels can stay connected to the grid or be off the electricity grid. If homeowners want energy independence, it is possible for homes to be disconnected from the grid, but homeowners must buy a solar battery for energy storage. All excess energy will be stored in the solar battery for later use.
Monocrystalline
There are three main types of solar panels. Constructed from silicon crystals, monocrystalline panels are the most expensive and longest-lasting. They are the most efficient type of solar panel, as they convert about 24% of sunlight into energy.
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline panels are an appealing choice for those looking for a cheaper option. However, while they are lower in cost, they are also lower in productivity, with an energy efficiency rate of 20%. They are durable but have a shorter lifespan than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-Film
Valued for their mobility and light-weight material, thin-film solar panels have a shorter lifespan. They are cheaper than monocrystalline panels but also have a lower efficiency rate of 19%.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
The process of converting the absorbed sunlight into electricity occurs in a few steps:
- Sunlight is absorbed by solar cells.
- The absorbed sunlight is converted into direct current (DC) power.
- Next the DC power is passed through an inverter and converted into alternate current (AC) power.
- Once the energy has been successfully transformed into AC power, it goes into outlets of your home and powers your home. Inverters can convert sunlight into either electric energy or thermal energy for household usage.
Advantages of Solar Panels
Lower Electric Bills
Saving on power bills is solar energy’s primary benefit that makes homeowners consider investing in solar energy systems.
Even though there is a big upfront expense for solar panels, eventually solar panels accrue enough savings on energy bills to pay themselves off. The amount that homeowners will save with solar panels depends on local electricity rates. The higher your utility rates, the more money your solar panels will save you on energy usage. Solar panels can save homeowners up to 1,500 on electric bills each year.
Energy production levels also determine how much you save. Depending on the climate and the structure of the roof, solar panels won’t always produce energy at the same rate. Solar panels produce the most energy when they are set in direct sunlight without interference from shade or Cloud cover.
Form of Renewable Energy
By converting the natural light of the sun into clean energy, solar panels are a pollution-free way to create green, clean energy.
The world’s limited supply of fossil fuels is predicted to run out by 2052, which makes solar panels a valuable source of renewable energy. Sunlight isn’t just a natural energy resource, it’s also a sustainable resource.
Every time electricity created from solar panels is used, it saves on using alternative energy sources such as natural gas and fossil fuels, which are limited and have negative environmental impact.
Solar panels don’t generate pollution, which allows homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint by using natural energy. If you want to go green and help preserve the earth, solar panel systems are an eco-friendly way to generate renewable energy.
Long Lifespan
Usually, solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, so they last longer than some conventional roofing systems. Depending on the type, some solar panels can last up to 35 to 40 years.
Low Maintenance
Solar panels don’t take much effort to maintain, usually only needing maintenance about two to four times a year. The inverter will need to be replaced about every 15 years.
Typically, solar PV systems are hardy and durable in the face of storms, hail, and gusty winds. Since they are built to withstand rough weather conditions, they only need occasional repairs.
Solar panels need to be cleaned periodically whenever dust, dirt, bird droppings, or leaves are covering the panels, which decreases the system’s performance. Rain rinses away some dirt and debris, but it won’t get everything.
To clean your solar array, simply hose down the panels to rinse off minor buildup. If your solar panels need a more intense cleaning, use a soft brush or squeegee to scrub off debris with warm, soapy water.
Option for Upgrades
If you ever want to expand your solar array, you can add more solar panels to your roof at any time.
If wear and tear has decreased the performance of your solar panels over time or if your home consumes more power than it used to, you may need to expand your solar array to fulfill your home’s energy needs.
Whether you want to add more panels or solar batteries for extra energy storage, it is possible to upgrade your solar array. Just make sure that any new additions to your solar array are compatible with the old panels, inverters, and solar batteries.
Cool Roof
Solar panels cover your roof, providing shade that cools down your roof and attic. The rooftop solar system absorbs the heat from sunlight and transforms it into energy.
Because the solar panels absorb the heat, your roof doesn’t have to. Ultimately, a cooler roof helps lower your home temperature, as well. As a result, solar panels save on power bills.
Adaptable
Thanks to technological advancements, high-quality solar panels can produce energy even on cloudy days. Productivity of a solar panel is less efficient on overcast days than on sunny days, but they can still convert sunlight to electricity even in indirect sunlight.
Although some roofing materials work better than others when it comes to holding solar panels, solar panels can work on any kind of roof.
The best roofing materials for solar panels include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Clay
- Concrete
- Metal
- Slate
- Tar and gravel
Solar panels also stand up in cold weather. They produce just as much energy in winter as they do in the summer. Sometimes a solar array can even produce energy more efficiently in cold weather than warm weather.
Increased Home Value
Like any home improvement, solar PV systems are an investment that increases the value of your home. Solar panels can increase the value of your house by up to 15,000.
However, leased solar panels won’t add to the value of your house, since in a lease agreement you do not own the panels. Leased panels may make it difficult to sell your home, as potential buyers may find the leased solar panels a turn-off.
Financial Incentives
There are a lot of incentives available to homeowners who install solar technology. Taking advantage of these incentives helps homeowners greatly reduce the cost of purchasing a solar system.
Federal and State Incentives
There are many different governmental incentives available to homeowners with solar systems that vary from state to state.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal investment tax credit is a federal tax reduction that covers up to 26% of costs of your solar power system expenses. However, this rate will decrease to 22% in 2023.
Net Metering
Net metering is when homeowners sell their excess energy to the grid in exchange for credit. These credits decrease the price of your electric bills.
Not only will net metering put money back in your. but you also will be supplying green energy to your local community.
Performance-Based Incentives
As the name suggests, these monetary incentives are based purely off of the performance of your panels. For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced, homeowners may be eligible to claim a flat-rate payout.
The availability of performance-based incentives differs from area to area. But performance-based incentives might be available in some states or with certain utility companies.
Rebates
State governments and utility companies sometimes offer rebates for homeowners who have installed solar panels, another monetary benefit that can help you pay for the solar panels.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Solar renewable energy credits, also known as SRECs, allow you to earn a return on your solar system.
Some states require a certain minimum amount of solar-generated electricity. To meet the required quota, utility companies might buy solar renewable energy certificates.
The of SRECs are influenced by demand, so vary. Generally, solar renewable energy credits are bought for anywhere from 50 to 300.
Tax Credit
State governments offer tax incentives which can cover up to about 10% of the cost of solar panels.
Pays Itself Off
The upfront price tag for solar panels is expensive and may be a turnoff for some people. Although the initial cost is intimidating, solar panels eventually pay themselves off via savings on power bills and financial incentives.
Generally, solar panels pay themselves off in about five to 10 years. Depending on the costs of your local electric bills and the productivity rates of your solar panels, it can sometimes take longer than a decade for the solar power system to pay for itself.
FAQs About the Advantages of Solar Panels
Although solar panels offer many benefits, there are some drawbacks as well, including:
Initial cost. Although solar panels have dropped in cost by 80% in the past decade, it is still expensive to install them. Systems cost 15,000 to 26,000. Not aesthetically appealing. Solar panels look clunky and interfere with the beauty of the roof. Inactive hours. At nighttime, solar panels are unproductive and don’t generate energy. They are also less productive in shaded or cloudy areas. They don’t work on every roof. Some roofs can’t handle the weight of solar panels. Other roofs don’t get enough sunshine. To accommodate solar panels, roofs must have the appropriate angle, shape, space, and amount of sun.
While a solar panel may not be 100% recyclable, there are plenty of materials in a solar panel that can be recycled, including glass, aluminum, copper wire, plastic, silicon, and metal.
It is expensive and difficult to recycle solar panels. As a result, only about 10% of solar panels are recycled in the United States.
Unfortunately, many solar panels end up in landfills, despite the fact that they contain toxic waste that could cause environmental pollution by infecting the ground and nearby water supply.
If installed properly, solar panels will not damage your roof. In most cases, solar panels can actually prolong the life of your roof as they shield your roof from rough weather and the heat of the sun. Only badly installed solar systems lead to roof damage.
Ready for Renewable Energy?
There are a lot of things to consider before going solar, but it’s an environmentally friendly choice that has many advantages: they are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, save money in the long run, increase your home’s value, and keep your roof cool.
If you are ready to add solar panels to your home, you can contact a solar company today.
Danielle Gorski
Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.
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Can You Put Solar Panels on a Metal Roof? A Brief Guide
You might be wondering if you can put solar panels on a metal roof. Yes! In fact, metal roofs have superior compatibility with solar panel systems, particularly when compared to asphalt and other types of roofing.
Read on as our team at PRS Roofing in Debary, FL, discusses the benefits of installing solar panels on metal roofs.
Metal Roofs and Solar Panels Are Fully Compatible
Metal roofs are 100% compatible with solar panel energy systems, including standard PV (photovoltaic) and thin-film panels. However, thin-film panels are only compatible with certain metal roofs—standing seam types, in particular.
Many people falsely believe that you can’t put solar panels on metal roofs without drilling holes during installation, which can lead to roof leaks. However, that’s not always the case. Below, discuss some different types of metal roofs and their corresponding mounting methods for solar energy systems.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs are the ideal choice for installing solar panels. One common mounting system uses S-5 seam clamps to attach the panels to the seams on the roof with no drilling or holes required. The lack of drilling means that installation will be faster and less expensive than with other types of mounting systems.
Corrugated Metal Roofs
Unlike standing seam metal roofs, corrugated roofs do require drilling during installation. However, with installation from a professional and experienced solar energy company, you face no risk of water leaks or damage after mounting the system. Many installers use S-5 penetrating brackets and straddle blocks to install the solar PV panels, securing them onto the roof so they sit on top of the ridges. To prevent the risk of leaks, they apply commercial-grade sealant after installation.
Metal Tile Roofs
For homes or businesses with metal tile roofs, installers can use a mounting system that doesn’t require any drilling to secure the solar panels to the tiles. The installation uses tile mounts, which look very similar in appearance to the actual roof tiles, providing a pleasing aesthetic. The mounting and installation process is simple, and the tile mounts overlap on the existing roof tiles for a durable and water-resistant fit.
Which Types of Roofs Are Best for Solar Panels?
Standing seam metal roofs are the best choice for mounting solar panel systems, as they don’t require any drilling. For home or business owners who are installing or replacing metal roofs, consider choosing a light color. Light-colored metal roofs reflect the sun more than dark roofs, increasing energy savings.
Call Us at PRS Roofing Today
You know longer need to worry about whether you can put solar panels on a metal roof. PV panels are fully compatible with metal roof types, including standing seam, corrugated, and metal tiles. Metal tile roofs and standing seam roofs do not require drilling to install solar panels, whereas corrugated roofs do require penetrating mounting brackets.
Are you curious about metal roofing pros and cons and whether a metal roof is the right choice for your home? Call our team at PRS Roofing today at (800) 750-9198 in Debary, FL, to get a free quote.
About The Author: Austin Matz
Austin Matz, a 28-year-old Central Florida native and Army veteran, boasts extensive expertise in the insurance and roofing industries. As the Operations Manager of PRS Roofing Company in DeBary, Florida, Austin skillfully navigates the complexities of the business. His background equips him to provide top-tier services while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. When not managing roofing projects, Austin can be found sharing his love for the outdoors with his son, exploring new destinations, and creating lasting memories on the water.
Cool Roofs
A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy. This lowers the temperature of the building just as wearing light-colored clothing keeps you cool on a sunny day. Conventional roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon, sun. Under the same conditions a reflective roof could stay more than 50°F (28 °C) cooler. This can save energy and money in buildings with air conditioning, or improve comfort and safety in buildings without air conditioning, by reducing heat flow from the roof into the occupied space. Most cool roofs have high “thermal emittance”—the ability to shed heat by giving off “thermal infrared” radiation. Nearly any type of building can benefit from a cool roof, but consider the climate and other factors before deciding to install one.
Benefits of Cool Roofs
A cool roof can benefit a building and its occupants by:
- Reducing energy bills by decreasing air conditioning needs
- Helping older inefficient (or undersized) air conditioners provide enough cooling for today’s hotter summers
- Qualifying for money-saving rebates from utilities or government programs
- Making it possible to downsize new or replacement air conditioning equipment, saving money and potentially increasing cooling efficiency
- Improving indoor comfort and safety for spaces that are not air conditioned
- Decreasing roof temperature, which may extend roof service life
Cool roofs can also incur a winter heating penalty. That is, absorbing less sunlight at the roof reduces heat conduction into the building, increasing the need for mechanical heating in winter. Beyond the building itself, cool roofs can also benefit the environment, especially when many buildings in a community have them. Cool roofs can:
- Lower local outside air temperatures, thereby lessening the urban heat island effect
- Slow the formation of smog from air pollutants, which are temperature-dependent, by cooling the outside air
- Reduce peak electricity demand, which can help prevent power outages
- Decrease power plant emissions by reducing the demand for energy to cool buildings.
- Help offset global warming by reflecting more sunlight to outer space
Cool Roof Options
There are many types of roof systems available, but the surface solar reflectance of the roofing product—the outermost layer of the roof exposed to the sun is, also known as the roof covering—determines whether the roof is cool or not. There are cool options for nearly all types of roof coverings.
Paths to a Cool Roof
Cool roofing products usually cost no more than comparable conventional roofing products. The easiest and least expensive way to make your roof cool is to choose a cool covering during new construction, or when your existing roofing covering needs to be replaced. Certain types of roofing products can also be retrofitted with cool coatings, but this will incur extra material and labor costs.
Color Choice
White roofing products stay coolest in the sun, reflecting about 60 – 90% of sunlight. However, since about half of sunlight arrives as invisible “near infrared” radiation, we can boost the solar reflectance of dark materials by using special pigments (colorants) that preferentially reflect this invisible light. Such “cool colored” products typically reflect about 30 – 60% of sunlight, staying cooler than conventionally colored products (though not as cool as white).
Products for Steep Roofs (Pitch 2:12)
Asphalt shingles are composed of a fiberglass web coated with filled asphalt, or filled modified asphalt, which has been surfaced with colored ceramic-coated rock. Successive rows of shingles are overlapped. This helps the roof shed water while permitting the shingles to “breathe” (release underlying moisture). Cool option: Choose an asphalt shingle that is surfaced with light-colored or (if a darker color is preferred) cool-colored granules. Field-coating previously installed asphalt shingles roofs to make them cool can create moisture retention issues, may void the shingle manufacturer’s warranty, and is not recommended.
Wood shingles (machine sawn) and wood shakes (hand split) are pieces of wood that are overlapped to cover the roof types. Cool option: Wood shingles and shakes are naturally “cool colored” materials.
Polymer shingles (also known as synthetic or composite shingles) are formed of polymer shaped to resemble asphalt shingles, wood shingles, wood shakes, slate, clay tiles, or concrete tiles. They are overlapped to cover the roof.Cool option: Choose a polymer shingle that is factory-colored with light- or cool-colored pigments.
Clay tiles can be unglazed (terra cotta), or glazed to increase water resistance and provide choice of color.Cool options: Choose a terra cotta clay tile (typically a natural cool color) or a clay tile with a factory-fired light- or cool-colored glaze. Glazed clay tiles can also be retrofit with a field-applied light- or cool-colored polymer coating that is applied when the tiles are installed.
Concrete tiles are typically formed from gray-cement concrete. They can be integrally colored with pigments, or surface colored with a slurry coating (pigment white cement) or with a pigmented polymer coating.Cool options: Choose a concrete tile with a factory-applied light or cool-colored slurry or polymer coating. Concrete tiles can also be retrofitted with a field-applied light- or cool-colored polymer coating.
Slate tiles are split from slate (metamorphic rock) and overlapped to cover the roof.Cool options: Slate tiles are not usually cool.
Metal shingles or tiles are metal pieces, often shaped to resemble asphalt shingles, clay tiles, wood shingles, or concrete tiles, that are overlapped to cover the roof. They can be unpainted, factory painted, or factory surfaced with mineral granules. Cool options: Choose a metal shingle or tile that is factory coated with a light- or cool-colored paint, or factory surfaced with reflective mineral granules. Unpainted metals are typically good solar reflectors but poor thermal emitters, and get hotter in the sun than painted metals of comparable solar reflectance; they are not the best choice. Metal shingles or tiles can be retrofitted with a field-applied paint, but an oven-baked factory-applied paint is more durable and economical than a field-applied paint.
Products for Low.Sloped Roofs (Pitch ≤ 2:12)
Single-ply membranes are prefabricated sheets rolled onto the roof and attached with mechanical fasteners, adhered with chemical adhesives, thermally welded, or held in place with ballast (heavy substances such as gravel, stones, or pavers).Cool option: Choose a membrane that is factory-colored with light- or cool-colored pigments or light-colored ballast.
Built-up roofs consist of a base sheet, fabric reinforcement layers, and a surface layer. How they can be made cool: The surface layer can be made different ways,—typically a cap sheet or ballast—to protect the lower layers from wind and weather. (A cap sheet is typically a fiberglass web coated in asphalt, or a modified bitumen sheet membrane, and is often surfaced with mineral granules.)Cool options:
- Choose a cap sheet with a factory-applied reflective mineral surface or reflective coating
- Substitute reflective marble chips or gray slag for dark gravel in a flood coat of asphalt
- Field-apply a reflective coating
Modified bitumen sheet membranes have one or more layers of plastic or rubber material with reinforcing fabrics, and are surfaced with mineral granules or a smooth finish. These can also be used to surface a built-up roof, producing a hybrid roof. Cool options: Choose a cap sheet with a factory-applied reflective mineral surface or reflective coating.
Spray polyurethane foam roofs are constructed by mixing two liquid chemicals together that react and expand to form one solid piece that adheres to the roof. Foams are highly susceptible to mechanical, moisture, and UV damage, and rely on a protective coating.How they can be made cool/Cool option: The protective coatings are usually already reflective and offer cool roof performance.
Products for Steep and Low-sloped Roofs
Standing-seam metal roofs are formed by joining metal panels with elevated vertical seams; the joined panels cover the roof. They can be unpainted, factory painted, or factory surfaced with mineral granules.Cool options: See “metal shingles or tiles”.
Green (Vegetative) Roofs
You may also consider installing a green roof., which refers to the presence of vegetation rather than the color. Green roofs are ideal for urban buildings with low-sloped or shallow-pit roofs, and can include anything from basic plant cover (extensive vegetative roof) to a garden. or even small trees (intensive vegetative roof). The primary reasons for using this type of roof include managing storm water and creating an attractive and enjoyable rooftop open space.
Green roofs are “inverted” roofs, meaning that the waterproofing membrane is located beneath the plants and most of the roof components. In that location the membrane is well protected from the sun’s degrading UV radiation, but leaks are also much more challenging to find and difficult to repair. Green roofs are considerably heavier and more expensive to construct and maintain than non-vegetated roofs. The underlying structure needs to be able to bear the additional load and the plant cover typically requires some maintenance. You should carefully assess your property, building structure, local climate, and consult professionals before deciding to install a green roof.
Green roofs are cooled primarily by the evaporation of water from plant surfaces rather than by reflection of sunlight. The soil layer also provides additional insulation as well as thermal mass.
Deciding Whether and When to Install a Cool Roof
When deciding whether to install a cool roof, you’ll need to determine whether the energy savings and other benefits will justify the cost premium (if any). How much energy you will save depends on several factors such as your home’s climate and surroundings, the extent to which the roof assembly is insulated, the type of roof you have, and the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. If you are building a new home, you can decide during the planning phase what type of roof to install and whether it should be a cool roof. If you want to convert an existing roof into a cool roof, you have three basic options:
- Install a cool roofing product when your existing roof
- Install a cool roofing product before your existing roof reaches the end of its service life (could be wasteful)
- Apply a cool roof coating to the existing roof, if the type of roof is suitable for coating
Cost and Energy Savings
A cool roof does not necessarily cost more than a non-cool roof, especially if you are installing a new roof or replacing an existing one. However, converting a standard roof that’s in good condition into a cool roof can be expensive.
Climate and Environment
Your climate is an important consideration when deciding whether to install a cool roof. Cool roofs achieve the greatest cooling savings in hot climates, but can increase energy costs in colder climates if the annual heating penalty exceeds the annual cooling savings.
Moisture Control
In warm, moist locations, where roofs are subject to algae or mold growth, dark growths may be more visible on light-colored roofs than on dark roofs. Some roof coatings include special chemicals that prevent mold or algae growth for a few years.
In cold climates, roofs can accumulate moisture through condensation, and it is possible that cool roofs might be more susceptible to accumulating moisture than dark roofs of the same design. Condensation can be avoided using proper design techniques.
Finding Cool Roofing Products
Cool roof qualifications, such as minimum values of solar reflectance and thermal emittance, vary by standard or program, location, building type, and roof slope. Therefore, there is no single definition of a cool roof. However, the Rated Products Directory of the Cool Roof Rating Council reports the solar reflectance and thermal emittance of thousands of roofing products.
Corrugated solar roof panels
- Roof
- Exposed Fastened
- Classic Rib®
- Pro-Panel II®
- 7/8 Corrugated – Roof
- 5V-Crimp
- IC72-Panel Roof
- PBR-Panel
- PBU-Panel
- T1 Roof
- T2 Roof
- T3 Roof
- T4 Roof
- T5 Roof
- Panel Options.
- Magna-Loc 90
- Magna-Loc 180
- T-Armor Series™ 2-3/8
- T-Armor Series™ 3
- Vertical Seam
- Image II™
- Maxi-Batten
- Box-Batten
- Seam-Loc 24®
- Panel Options.
- Exposed Fastened
- Classic Rib®
- Pro-Panel II®
- 7/8″ Corrugated Wall
- IC72-Panel Wall
- PBR-Panel
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CAN YOU INSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON A METAL ROOF?
Solar panels are becoming more popular by the day and we often get the question asked if you can install solar panels on a metal roof. The short answer is yes, but here are some important details that you need to know.
The good news is that metal is one of the best roof materials for solar panels. Ease of installation, durability, and environmental benefits are just three of the reasons to consider putting solar panels on a metal roof.
Selecting a solar installer
Not all solar installers are experts with metal roofs and some won’t even quote the job. But if you have a metal roof, it’s likely there is an installer in your community who understands metal roof solar installations or who works with a roofer who knows what to do.
There are several different types of metal roofs. And installation works differently with each style.
A qualified roofer and solar installer working together in tandem can successfully install solar on a metal roof without causing any damage.
Solar panels: metal vs asphalt roofs
While the majority of solar homes have asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs are actually a better choice if you’re planning to go solar. This is because one of the main concerns with a rooftop solar installation is ensuring there’s enough life left in the roof before putting panels on top of them.
If a roof fails early, it’s an extra expense to remove the solar panels before the roof repair can proceed. But metal roofs last a really long time, making the age of the roof less of an issue.
Standing seam roof
Every manufacturer of solar racking will have a different design, but with a standing seam roof you can have a clamp that securely grips the seam without penetrating it.
This is a great design because it means that you don’t have to worry about permanently modifying the roof and creating entry points for moisture.
Corrugated metal roof
Corrugated metal roofs are what you might see on a barn or other industrial settings, but they’ve found use on residential homes for people who like the industrial aesthetic.
Solar mounts for corrugated roofs have to penetrate the roof. This means waterproofing is critical.
Solar panels are perfect for metal roofs. Metal roofs have such long lifespans, there’s much less of a chance of developing a roof leak that will require you to pay the extra cost of removing and reinstalling the solar panels.
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation is the premier nationwide provider of metal panels for the construction industry. Metal Sales works with architectural specifiers and commercial construction professionals to create inspirational design solutions. With the industry’s largest and most knowledgeable sales and technical support team, Metal Sales has the expertise to address today’s challenges in high-performance, sustainable and Net-Zero building. Metal Sales has outreach around the world. Delivering outstanding roof, wall and fascia metal panels from its 21 facilities throughout the U.S.