What Homeowners Should Know Before Installing Solar Panels
Did you know that solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in Illinois? According to an Environment America report from 2025, approximately 131,112 homes in Illinois rely on solar panels to power their homes.
The push toward clean energy is driving homeowners to consider adding solar panels to their roofs, but some may hesitate because they're unsure how they'll affect roofing materials. Because installing solar panels is a major investment, understanding how they will affect your roof before installation can help you make a more informed decision.
In this blog, we’re breaking down whether solar panels damage your roofing materials and what you should consider before having them installed.
Can solar panels damage your roof?
Some homeowners avoid installing solar panels because they believe they may damage their roof. However, when installed correctly, solar panels shouldn't cause significant damage to your roofing materials. Problems are more likely to occur when panels are installed incorrectly.
Solar panels require mounting equipment to securely attach them to an asphalt shingle roof. These attachment points must be properly installed and sealed to prevent water from getting under your shingles and potentially leading to leaks.
Proper installation helps to protect your roof from potential roof leaks and other damage. Hiring a licensed, experienced contractor can ensure your solar panels are installed correctly and help avoid costly problems down the road.
The age of your roof matters
Before installing solar panels, you should consider how old your roof is. Solar panels are durable and built to last, so having a roof in good condition can help reduce the likelihood of needing to remove them for any repairs or replacement. If your roof has any preexisting issues like cracked, missing, or lifted shingles, address them beforehand.
Otherwise, installing solar panels over existing damage could create more problems for you down the road. If your roof needs repairs or replacements once the panels are mounted, a professional may have to remove and reinstall the solar panels to finish the job. This can make your roofing project even more expensive and time-consuming.
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, a comprehensive roof inspection from a trusted local roofing company like Ken-Z Roofing can help identify problems early, so you can address underlying issues before the panels are even installed.
Roof maintenance with solar panels
Even if you have solar panels installed on your asphalt shingle roof, scheduling annual roof inspections is important to help protect your roofing materials and their longevity. Because the panels take up a considerable amount of space, you may not be able to see your entire roof, making it harder to inspect it for potential damage.
You may still see damaged roof shingles in areas of your roof not covered by the panels. Pay close attention to your roof's condition after severe weather. Damage around the panels, mounting hardware, or flashing could potentially leave areas of your roof more vulnerable to water intrusion.
Over time, worn seals and other signs of damage around attachment points could also contribute to leaks. A professional roof inspection can help determine how well your roof is holding up with the panels installed and identify damage that may not be obvious from the ground.
Catching signs of roofing problems early can help prevent more extensive and costly damage later on.
Be worry-free with Ken-Z Roofing!
As a homeowner, you may find it overwhelming to find the right licensed and insured roofing contractor for the job. At Ken-Z Roofing, we offer peace of mind throughout the entire roofing process. With over 30 years of experience serving homeowners in Northern Illinois, we can help you with your next roof repair or roof replacement. We even help homeowners with insurance claims, so they don’t have to navigate the difficult process alone.
Our team is CertainTeed ShingleMaster Certified, meaning we have the knowledge and skill to properly install CertainTeed shingles. This recognition demonstrates our dedication to providing our homeowners with the highest-quality workmanship using the best materials in the industry.
Call us today at 815-395-8244 to schedule your 12-Point Inspection.
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