With the benefits of tax deductions and easy financing, the widespread acceptance of solar panels has been happening in communities all over the United States, but can solar panels void your roof warranty? There are new modern technologies and efficiencies rolling out with regularity making transitioning away from the use of fossil fuels easier than ever. But what considerations do you need to consider when having solar panels installed on your roof? And if roof mount is not an option, what other options are available to generate green solar energy?  

Can Installing Solar Panels Void my Roof Manufacturer Warranty?  

As a trusted roofing company in the Washington, NOVA, and Richmond markets, one of the most frequent questions the team at Shanco gets asked is, will installing solar panels void my roof warranty? This is a great question, and it depends on your manufacturer's warranty.  

Depending on what your warranty says, there are several things that are paramount to ensuring that you meet or exceed the shingle manufacturer's warranty. 

First, the installation of solar panels needs to adhere to the warranty expectations. Any deviation from the expectation could void your roof warranty. Ask your roofing contractor for a copy of your warranty. Schedule a consultation with the roofing company and the solar company to ensure that the details are worked out before anyone starts drilling holes in your roof.  

Second, get a roof inspection. If your roof is in the middle stages of its lifecycle or the tail end, it may behoove you to wait to install solar panels until a full roof replacement is needed. Or it may be beneficial to look at other solar products that do not require a rack mount attachment that will puncture your roof.  

Third, look at solar reviews. If you see bad reviews regarding installation on sites like the BBB or Google, steer clear and seek out a more reputable company. Having the right installer can preserve your roof warranty.  

What Does My Roof Warranty Say About Solar Panels? 

Roof warranties typically have two parts; the installer side and the manufacturer's side. 

The installation warranty will cover any problems encountered through improper installation. This is typically handled by the roofing company you work with. The duration of the warranty may vary from company to company. 

The manufacturers' side will cover any defects in the manufacturing process.  

A roofing warranty may be voided if 

  • Damages were sustained during the solar panel installation process 

  • Unapproved fasteners or incorrectly used fasteners were used to install the solar panels 

  • The waterproofing process did not occur during/ after installation 

  • The roof rack was installed incorrectly or poorly 

Working together with both companies is a surefire way to avoid your warranty being voided. 

What Does My Roof Warranty Say About Adding Rooftop Solar Panels? 

Depending on who installed your roof there may be two portions of our warranty. There is the installation component and the materials component.  

Your installation warranty will help you if there is a faulty installation of your new roof. The materials warranty will protect you if there are defects in any of the materials installed on your roof. Do not assume that all warranties say the same thing and have the same coverage. Be sure to acquire a copy of your warranty before agreeing to have solar panels added to your roof.  

Your roof warranty may be voided if 

  • Your roof received damage during the solar panel installation process 

  • Waterproofing was not completed during or after the installation 

  • The rack-mount system was not installed to the shingle manufacturer's specifications 

  • The wrong fasteners were used. 

Are There Solar Panels That Will Not Void My Roof Warranty? 

Rackmount solar is not the only solar product on the market. In fact, there are several options that may not mount on the roof or solar shingles that will entirely replace your roof. 

Ground Mount Solar Panels 

Ground mounts will take up a section of your yard. Instead of mounting on your roof, a structure is built on the ground to house the panels. The tricky thing about the ground mount is they are closer to the ground and may be susceptible to having light blocked by trees or structures.  

Solar Shingles 

Solar shingles will replace your traditional roof shingles with shingles that double as panels. The great thing is there is no required structure that will go on top of your roof. They have two roles, protect your home and generate clean energy all while mounting flat on your roof decking.  

What’s Different About Solar Shingles, Roof Mount, and Ground Mount Solar Panels? 

The solar industry is always changing and updating its products. Homeowners may have property restrictions, HOA’s, trees or nearby buildings. If one type of solar does not work for your home, check out other options that may work.  

Roof Mount Solar 

  • May cause roof warranty to be voided 

  • Does not replace roof shingles 

  • Requires a structure built on the roof of your home 

  • Must remove them to replace/ repair your roof shingles 

Ground Mount Solar 

  • Not good for small yards 

  • Easy to access 

  • Can be obscured easier by buildings and trees 

  • Preserve roof warranty 

Solar Shingles 

  • Perfect fit if you need a new roof 

  • Less weight than other roof mount systems 

  • Typically tied into the roof decking 

Schedule a Roof Inspection or Solar Shingle Consultation with Shanco Roofing 

Our award-winning team of roofing professionals would be happy to provide a free assessment of your roofing system or discuss solar installation for your home. Shanco Roofing is a leader in the roofing industry. We have offices in the DC Metro, NOVA, and Richmond.