A Roofing Contractor’s Guide to Responsible Solar Rooftop Installations

By Advanced Roofing Inc., Ft Lauderdale, FRSA. 

Solar rooftop systems continue to increase in popularity throughout the United States. 

Utilizing the power of sunshine for a home or business is becoming a popular energy alternative in more than just the Sunshine State. Clients can significantly reduce energy costs and receive tax incentives when they change to solar energy. This has made solar power a financially viable option for many. Companies that take up social responsibilities like reducing their carbon footprint, also benefit by attracting customers and potential employees who value social and environmental responsibility from companies.  

Rooftop solar energy systems will typically last around 30 years, so it’s important for roofing contractors to make sure a roof is ready to protect their client’s building for years to come. A major issue in the marketplace is disreputable solar contractors selling solar through financing mechanisms like PACE, which allows a property owner to finance the up-front cost and pay it back over time through a voluntary property tax assessment, without assessing the viability of the rooftop. As of 2016, 40 percent of new solar installations on existing roofs resulted in damage to the roof itself.  

Roof leaks and vent pipe flashing are a few of the common problems that have occurred after solar panels were installed by unqualified contractors. This opens owners up to the possibility of the roof system failing several years into the life of the new solar array, causing additional and unexpected costs associated with the removal and re-installation of the solar array following a roof replacement.  

A few other common issues encountered when installing solar include:  

• Lack of conditions inspection by a qualified roofing company to measure the worthiness of the rooftop for a solar installation.  

• Not meeting code requirements for solar attachments and a lack of municipality inspections. 

• Poor quality of attachment details for solar racking systems: putting racking systems on your roof not only alters a core part of the home or commercial property, but there are parts of the installation process that put the roof at risk if done incorrectly, potentially causing roof leaks and system failures.  

• Roofing systems that should last 20 years are deteriorating faster due to installing solar on roofs with less than optimal service life remaining.  

• Owners are securing PACE financing for old roofs, which are then ruined when faulty contractors cut up the roofing system, leaving owners with no money to pay for a new system.  

• Lack of communications between the owner, solar contractor, product manufacturer, roofing contractor and the city leads to many additional issues. 

So how do owners protect their roofs while making the switch to solar? Just like any major project, choosing the right service provider is essential to a rooftop solar installation. The commercial system is much different than your average residential system and requires a different approach. Installing the right components can help ensure home and business owners receive their anticipated return on investment. This provides a great opportunity for roofing contractors to lead by solving problems before they become issues.  

Be sure to keep in mind the long-term implications to a roofing system in addition to evaluating if its current state is suitable for solar. Remember, all systems are not created equally. Engage your customers by educating them on the impact of the solar array on their rooftop and, if it is not a fit for their roofing system, let them know about alternate solutions such as solar carports and ground-mounted renewable energy solutions.  

When it comes to installation, roofing contractors need to ensure the proper solar racking or mounting solutions are installed based on the roof type. Involve the city’s building department in designing the connection details and follow all mandating and product approvals. When selecting products, it’s not only important to use time-tested, proven products that will last 25 years and generate a good ROI for your client, it’s also critical to make sure products and systems are installed adhering to roofing manufacturer guidelines in order to maintain warranties. Good communication with manufacturers will alleviate the headache of voided warranties for your clients. 

Much like traditional roofing systems, solar energy systems require maintenance to achieve maximum ROI for the building or homeowner. Commercial buildings require professional operations and maintenance (O&M) services for each solar project to realize their full value potential. Those without regularly scheduled maintenance programs to support the product and power production, do not typically provide the best ROI for the customer. The key is to get involved. Engage reputable solar contractors. Contractors should look for signs of deterioration in sealants and enclosures. Spot checking five percent of the mechanical connections for signs of movement in torque markings, etc. can save an owner from a much larger issue down the road in the event of a significant weather-related event that could cause large scale failure. More sophisticated thermal imaging of electrical panels for poor terminations and electrical system checks are very beneficial as well, but require trained professionals and specialized equipment. 

The Federal Income Tax Credit is currently at 26 percent, is available for business owners and provides strong ROI. A reputable contractor will have knowledge of the tax benefits available for commercial properties, when they expire and what they entail. 

A rooftop solar panel installation is a great investment that won’t lead to roof damage when done by a professional, experienced installer. 

Learn more about FRSA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory. 

Original article source: FRSA