Installing solar power on rural tiles

4 FAQs about Installing solar power on rural tiles

Can you put solar panels on roof tiles?

Putting solar panels directly on top of tiles is a no-go — they'll break. Drilling through the tiles may result in damage to the underlayment, the base layer of your roof. Some installers choose to take out specific roof tiles and put in special mounts for the solar panels or even add a racking system.

How do I install solar panels on a lightweight tile roof?

The best way to install solar panels on a lightweight tile roof is through a method called inset solar installation, also known as a “comp-out” installation. This technique removes the section of tile where the solar panels will be installed and replaces it with composite shingles before mounting the solar array.

How do you install solar panels on a new roof?

Mounting the solar panels – Once the new roof section is complete, a solar expert installs the racking system and solar panels securely onto the composite shingles. Unlike tile, these shingles can handle the weight and pressure of solar mounting without breaking.

Can solar panels be installed on lightweight tiles?

If installers attempt to mount solar panels directly onto lightweight tiles, several issues can arise: Tile breakage: Walking on or drilling through these tiles can cause cracks or breaks, which may lead to roof leaks and structural damage.