Think Twice Before Deciding To Install Solar Panels On A Tile Roof

Although they come with a higher upfront cost than many other roof types, including the highly popular asphalt, tile roofs take the cake for longevity (they can last up to a century), energy efficiency, and, most of all, curb appeal. Because of these considerations, tiles are the best roof type for increasing property value, meaning extra cash in your pocket when selling. That said, homeowners are increasingly tempted to install solar panels on their roofs, whether tiles, steel, or asphalt. You wouldn't blame them.

Thanks to the two-year-old Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners are entitled to a 30% tax credit on installing roof-top solar panels. They can also access an additional 10% tax credit for buying American-made solar panels. Today, for every $1 reduction in your yearly energy bills, your home value increases by $20. To put this in perspective, a solar panel that saves you $300 per year will also add $6,000 to the value of your home. So why not dash for a solar panel? Not so fast. While there would be little to worry about before installing solar panels on a metal roof, it's different with a tile roof. The main issue is that tiles are fragile. They easily crack when roofers repeatedly walk on them during installation. This — and more — are some of the issues to consider before installing solar panels on a tile roof.

As we've seen, although roof tiles can withstand high-speed winds, water, frost, and even fire, they can't withstand heavy weight. Unfortunately, roofers have to walk a lot on the tiles during solar panel installation. Because of this pressure, tiles often splinter and crack. Granted, you can be lucky to lose only a few tiles during the installation process. However, some homeowners have reported losing up to 40. With a slate tile costing anywhere from $5 to $30 per square foot, that's as much as $1,200. It's wise to discuss this with your contractor and tie up issues concerning who bears responsibility for damaged tiles. Of course, one way of minimizing this kind of damage is if roofers place their feet where there is stronger tile support.

It's not just the weight, though. Roof tiles can break because of using the wrong drill bit. The problem is that a wrong drill bit will cause too much vibration, gradually weakening the tile's structural integrity. Finally, you'll need to pay attention to your solar panel brackets and how you use them. Brackets hold the solar panel to the tiles, and if your roofers don't install them correctly, some tiles can easily break. As a side note, ensure the solar panel brackets will fit the thickness of the timber tile battens on your roof. So, should you avoid installing solar panels on your tile roof? Far from it. There are several reasons tiles are an excellent roofing material.