Before installing solar panels, it’s important to evaluate the condition of your roof. If your roof is old, damaged, or nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it before installing solar may help avoid the cost and hassle of removing and reinstalling panels later.
A professional roof inspection can identify issues such as damaged shingles, leaks, storm damage, flashing problems, or structural concerns. Roof orientation, shading, available space, and other factors should also be considered when planning solar.
If you already have solar and need roof work, Jiles Construction provides both roofing and solar services, including repairs to existing systems—even those installed by other companies. Serving Central Texas, Jiles can evaluate your roof and solar system together to help you plan the right next steps.
Should You Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?
If you’re thinking about going solar, there’s one major part of your house you should evaluate first:
Your roof.
Solar panels are designed to remain in service for many years.
So installing a new solar energy system on a roof that’s already approaching replacement age can create an avoidable problem.
If the roof needs replacement later, solar equipment may need to be removed and reinstalled to access the roofing system.
That’s why roof condition should be part of the solar conversation from the beginning.
How Old Is Your Roof?
Start by determining the approximate age of your existing roof.
Age alone doesn’t determine whether a roof requires replacement.
Installation quality, materials, maintenance, weather exposure and storm history all matter.
But an older roof deserves a thorough evaluation before solar installation.
Have Your Roof Professionally Inspected
Don’t simply assume the roof is ready.
A professional evaluation can look for issues such as:
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Previous storm damage
- Flashing problems
- Water intrusion
- Deteriorated roofing materials
- Structural concerns
- Other visible problems
The objective is to determine whether the roof is a suitable foundation for the planned solar system.
Why Doing Both Projects Together Can Make Sense
If your roof does require replacement, completing that work before installing solar can simplify the process.
Instead of installing solar and later removing the panels for roofing work, you can address the roofing system first. Then solar can be installed on the updated roof
Roof Orientation and Solar
Roof condition isn’t the only consideration.
A solar evaluation may also consider factors including roof orientation, available surface area, shading and structural conditions.
Every property is different.
That’s why Jiles performs an on-site assessment rather than treating every home as though it requires the same solar system.
What If You Already Have Solar and Need Roof Repairs?
This is becoming increasingly important as more Texas homes have solar.
Jiles provides solar panel repair and support for existing systems, including systems originally installed by other companies.
If roofing work is required around an existing solar system, contact professionals familiar with both roofing and solar.
What If My Original Solar Company Is Gone?
You’re not necessarily stuck.
Jiles services and repairs existing solar systems, including “orphaned” systems where the original installer is no longer available.
That can include diagnosing system problems and determining an appropriate path forward.
One Company for Roofing and Solar
There’s an advantage to working with a company that understands both systems.
Your roof protects the house.
Your solar system sits on that roof.
The two should be evaluated together.
Jiles provides roofing and solar services throughout Central Texas, including New Braunfels, San Antonio, Austin and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels be installed on an older roof?
Potentially, but the roof’s condition should be professionally evaluated before installation.
What happens if my roof needs replacement after solar is installed?
The solar equipment may need to be removed or otherwise accommodated so roofing work can be completed.
Does Jiles repair solar systems installed by other companies?
Yes. Jiles services existing solar systems, including systems whose original installers are no longer operating.
Start With the Roof
Solar is a long-term investment.
Make sure the structure supporting that investment is ready.
Contact Jiles Construction for a roof and solar evaluation before beginning your Central Texas solar project.
