Thinking about going solar but unsure if your roof is even a good fit? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Mack Solar and Roofing is, “Can my roof handle solar panels?” The truth is, most roofs can—but it’s all about knowing what to look for.
In this post, we’ll break down the key factors that make a roof ideal for solar—so you can feel confident before scheduling your installation.
1. Age of the Roof: Is It Ready?
If your roof is more than 15-20 years old, it might be time for a replacement before going solar. Solar panels last 25+ years, so you’ll want a roof that can match that lifespan.
Good news: At Mack Solar and Roofing, we can handle both your solar and roof replacement in one seamless project.
2. Material Type: What’s Your Roof Made Of?
Asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, and concrete tiles are all great for solar installations. Slate and wood shake roofs? Not so much—they’re more fragile and may need extra planning or even replacement.
- Best materials: Asphalt shingle, metal
- Challenging materials: Slate, clay tile, wood shake
3. Roof Pitch and Angle: Is It Getting Enough Sun?
The ideal roof angle is between 15° and 40°—but don’t worry if yours isn’t perfect. A professional installer can work with almost any roof pitch to maximize sun exposure.
South-facing roofs are the gold standard in Cherry Hill, but east and west-facing roofs can still deliver great performance.
4. Shading: What’s Blocking the Light?
Trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings can block sunlight and lower your solar output. A roof with minimal shading from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is ideal.
If you do have some shading, panel-level optimization tools like microinverters or power optimizers can help reduce losses.
5. Roof Size and Layout
Even a small roof can support a powerful solar system if the panels are efficient and well-placed. We’ll look at:
- Usable square footage
- Obstacles like vents and skylights
- Spacing between panels and edges
Our team uses advanced design tools to maximize every inch of usable space for optimal production.
6. Structural Strength
Most roofs can handle the extra weight of solar panels—but we still perform a structural analysis to be sure. Your home’s safety is our top priority, and we’ll make any reinforcements if needed.
Ready for Solar? Let’s Find Out
Your roof might be more solar-ready than you think. At Mack Solar and Roofing, we offer free inspections to evaluate your roof, explain your options, and design a system that works perfectly for your home.
Schedule your free roof and solar evaluation today, and take the first step toward clean energy and long-term savings.
