As long as the sun has been shining, it has provided solar power. Sunlight helps plants grow and warms up cold environments. Throughout human history, the sun has helped with drying out mud bricks and togas. The sun can even help tell the time of day. That’s a lot of power!

Modern technology harnesses solar power to power homes and cities. It starts with a solar panel system. The number of solar panels needed for an effective system depends on the size of a home. A 1,500-square-foot home will benefit from 15 to 18 panels. 

Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into energy. Specially designed batteries store that energy. That energy can then be used at any time. That includes at night or on a rainy day. Solar power systems have become a popular option for many homeowners.

But before all of that happens, you need to have solar panels installed on your home and the roof’s condition is very important. What if your roof has reached the end of it’s life and you need a new one?

I Need a New Roof, Will Solar Companies Pay For It?

The short answer to the question of solar companies paying for a new roof is “no.” That should not deter you from considering this a solar system even if you need a new roof. Many incentives can help with the overall costs of adding this type of system to your home. 

There is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. That would be a 26% deduction of the cost of a solar system applied to your taxes for the year. That is a decent deduction, but it will phase out in the coming years. It will drop to 23% in 2023 and to 10% in 2024. That is good motivation to put a system in place this year! 

Replacement Before Installation 

The first consideration with having a solar system installation is whether the roof can withstand the weight. A typical roof lasts between 30 to 50 years. It depends on the type of roofing material used in its construction. If your roof is close to its “expiration date,” then it would be prudent to have it inspected. 

The majority of solar companies don’t get involved with roofing services. They can work in tandem with a contractor that installs the new roof. They might even be able to recommend a roofing contractor. Solar companies leave the job of roof installation to professionals. 

A solar system will have the same durability as a new roof. That is why it makes sense to get the home roof and the panels installed concurrently. 

Void Warranty Issue 

A roof that does not need replacement might still be under a warranty. An installed solar panel system can void the warranty. That is why many solar companies offer their own warranty to cover the areas where the panels have been installed. 

This specific warrant might be good for ten years. It is vital to ask questions about the warranty and ensure the details are in your contract. 

What About Solar Shingles? 

Solar shingles are an option for a roof replacement. They provide the same protection as a typical roof. They also offer all the benefits of solar energy. The problems with solar shingles have to do with cost and access. 

Not many solar companies offer solar shingles as an option. They also come at a much higher cost than solar panels. The shingles have also proven to be less effective. 

Read More: Tesla Solar Roof

Savings With a New Roof

The longer you stay in your home, the more likely you’ll need to replace the roof. A solar panel system can save a homeowner tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system. Those kinds of savings can help to offset the cost of roof replacement. 

A new roof will also boost the value of your home. That is also true with the addition of a solar panel system. 

Net Metering

You could also reduce the costs of a solar panel system and new roof installation with net metering. This is a process where you would sell back solar power to your local power company. That would mean the power company would send you money each month! 

Net metering occurs as your solar panels collect the energy for storage. That power is measured in credits. After you use the credits for your home, the leftover energy gets sold back to the power company. 

In a way, you could be powering your neighbor’s home, but getting paid. Not every state offers net metering. It is important to see if this is an option in your community as part of your overall solar plans. 

Even with the potential costs of a new roof, a solar power system is a smart option for any roof.

Solar Benefits 

Positive Impact on the Environment 

Solar energy does not generate greenhouse gases. There is no water pollution from solar energy. It is also a quiet form of energy. No one hears the sun working! 

Huge Savings on Utility Bills 

Your dependence on a power company reduces when you create your own energy. These savings will be immediately evident on your utility bills. 

Less Wasted Electricity 

Where is the nearest electrical plant to your home? The distance the electricity has to travel between that plant and your home can trigger a loss. It can be as much as 5% of the power generated. A solar system goes from your roof to your circuits. No loss. 

Added Jobs 

The solar industry experiences growth each year. It will create more jobs for panel manufacturing and installation. That is a boost to the economy for everyone to appreciate.  

Endless Supply 

Solar power is an endless supply of power. It is not disrupted by global events. Solar power can even be collected on cloudy days. 

The best spot for a solar panel system is on the roof of a home. What happens to the existing roof? Do solar companies pay for a new roof? The answers to those questions can help you make an informed decision about having a solar panel system installed in your home. 

Additional Reading: Disadvantages of Solar Energy: Top 7 You Should Know