Solar Compatible Roofing: Which Roofs Work Best

If you’re thinking about solar, your roof is one of the first questions installers will ask about. Is the roof in good condition? What material is it? How much tilt and shading exists? This blog will help homeowners understand which roofs are well-suited for solar and what steps to take before panels go up.

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Which roof materials work best for solar?

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• Asphalt Shingles: Most common and easy to install on. Installers have standard mounting methods.
• Metal Roofs: Excellent for longevity and ideal for standing seam metal (no roof penetrations required in some cases). Metal roofs are durable in snow and hail prone regions.
• Tile or Slate: More complex. Requires experienced installers and more care to avoid damage.
• Flat Roofs: Often use ballasted mounts or low tilt racking; accessible but may need roof reinforcement and additional water proofing.

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Roof Age Matters

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A key best practice: don’t install solar on a roof that will need replacement within 5-7 years. Solar removal and reinstallation add avoidable costs, so many homeowners replace an aging roof before installing panels.

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Orientation and Tilt

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• South-facing roofs capture the most sunlight in the northern hemisphere, but west and east faces are also viable.
• Roof tilt affects seasonal output. Many homes have fixed tilt based on roof slope; flat roofs allow tilt optimization

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Shading and Obstructions

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Check for trees, chimneys, vents, or nearby buildings that can cast shade during peak sun hours. Even partial shade on a string of panels can reduce system output unless microinverters or optimizers are used. 

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Structural Considerations

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Older homes might need a structural assessment to confirm the roof can support panels plus racking (snow loads are a key concern in Canada). Reinforcement is occasionally necessary.

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Snow, Wind, and Hail Protection

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Racking that secures panels against wind uplift and positioning panels so snow slides off more easily is very important. The panels Orizon Energy uses are hail resistant to a point that they actually add protection to your roof which would more easily be damaged by hail especially in Alberta.

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Roof Warranty and Insurance

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Installing panels usually doesn’t void roof warranties when done by qualified installers, but check terms with the manufacturer and insurer. Good documentation of installation helps with future roofing claims.

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Pre-Install Checklist

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• Get a roof inspection and estimate remaining life.
• Remove and schedule any planned roof work before panels go up.
• Ask Orizon Installers about flashing, mounts, and warranty coverage.

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Most common residential roofs in Canada are solar compatible when in good condition. The best outcome comes from pre-install planning: inspecting the roof, addressing aging materials ahead of installation, and choosing mounting solutions best suited for local weather. The best part is Orizon Energy helps you with all of this leading up to installation to make sure you are prepared and ready to go solar.

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