Knowing the best roof type for solar panels in Florida is one of the very first things most people want to know before buying a solar installation. Some roofs are better suited to solar panels than others – especially in the hurricane state of Florida. By knowing this information, you may know if and when you need a roof replacement.
Why Is Roof Type Important for Solar Panels?
- You can minimize solar installation costs.
- You can avoid disruption to your solar power system due to roof repairs.
- You can minimize energy costs.
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What Are The Best Roof Types for Solar Panels in Florida?
Shingle Roofs
The majority of homes in Florida have shingle roofs, made up of asphalt or composite shingles. Composite shingles feature a mix of materials including laminate, wood and slate; asphalt is often made of fiberglass or cellulose mat in addition to asphalt.
In our experience, shingle roofs are one of the best options for solar panel installation in Florida as they are:
- Durable – they can last up to 20-30 years, which means you won’t likely need to replace your roof during your solar panel’s lifetime.
- Simple to install on
- Only require standard penetrating mounts
- It isn’t problematic to install solar panels.
- Easy to seal the system to prevent water leaks and holes.
- Minimal fire risks.
- Inexpensive to install as no special tools or requirements are needed.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are possibly THE best roof type for solar panels in Florida. Why? Because they last anywhere between 40-60 years!
- Extremely durable and non-flammable.
- Can be energy efficient if your metal roof is light in color (as it will keep your house cool).
- No need to drill into the roof.
- If it has standing seams, Florida Power Services can attach the solar panels directly to the seams – lowering the installation costs!
Read Related: SOLAR LEASES VS. SOLAR LOANS IN FLORIDA: DON’T GET RIPPED OFF
What Are The Worst Types of Roofs for Solar Panels?
While solar is still possible on the following types of roof, they are considered less than ideal:
Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are favored by some homeowners around the Florida coast, due to their durability with salt. But we seem to be in other areas of the Sunshine State too. They can last for over a hundred years! So if yours is relatively new, you won’t need to worry about its age before putting solar on. However:
- They can complicate the solar installation process.
- You can expect higher labor costs than shingle or metal.
- Tiles will need to be removed and replaced with mounting feet and flashing.
- Your choice of solar installers may be limited due to the difficulty of working on tiles.
Tar and Gravel Roofs
Tar and Gravel roofs are very energy efficient as the gravel reflects sunlight well. They can also last around 20-30 years and can be simply patched if damage arises. As relatively flat roofs, however, they come with some drawbacks:
- Additional hardware is often required to position the solar panels at a better angle.
- Extra hardware can increase installation costs.
Do You Need to Replace Your Roof?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the current condition and age of your roof.
- Most metal and tile roofs will be in a great state and remain so for decades – so replacement is unnecessary.
- However, with shingle, gravel or tile roofs it is often wise to replace them with a more solar-friendly and durable material.
Pro Tip: If your roof is 5-10 years away from a replacement anyway, it’s wise to replace it before you install solar panels in Florida.
What Is The Best Roof Angle for Solar Panels in Florida?
- Around 30 degrees is considered the optimal angle.
- But this varies with the location of your property.
- Florida Power Services can mount your panels at the optimal angle, to increase the efficiency of your solar power system.
What Is The Best Roof Orientation for Solar Panels in Florida?
Florida is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so the best direction for your solar panels to face is south. However, east or west-facing roofs also generate enough energy to make solar a money-saving investment.
What Roof Color Is Best for Energy Savings?
Generally, the lighter the shade of your roof is, the more sunlight it will reflect – which will keep your Florida home cool to minimize the need for AC.
Do Solar Tax Credits Apply to New Roofs?
Many people ask us if you can apply the Federal solar tax credit reductions to new roof installations.
The short answer: No.
For the long answer, here’s what the IRS says:
“Qualified solar electric property costs are costs for property that uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in your home located in the United States.
No costs relating to a solar panel or other property installed as a roof (or portion thereof) will fail to qualify solely because the property constitutes a structural component of the structure on which it is installed.
Some solar roofing tiles and solar roofing shingles serve the function of both traditional roofing and solar electric collectors and thus serve functions of both solar electric generation and structural support. These solar roofing tiles and solar roofing shingles can qualify for the credit.
This is in contrast to structural components such as a roof’s decking or rafters that serve only a roofing or structural function and thus do not qualify for the credit. The home doesn’t have to be your main home.”
Read Related: SOLAR TAX CREDIT INCREASED TO 40%!
INSTALL SOLAR PANELS IN FLORIDA
If you want to install solar panels in Tampa, Florida and its surrounding areas then contact us today. Florida Power Services ‘The Solar Power Company’ is a fully licensed and insured solar installer with over 25 years of experience.
Don’t forget that now is the time to act to save 40% through federal tax credits. Lock in your price now, before it’s too late! Apply for a Fixed Rate Solar Loan Today!
Contact Us Today!
Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can make your solar dream come true! We also can assist with helping you gain solar financing thanks to our partnerships with local financing companies.
