I have concluded that the best roofing materials are metal (color shingles), tile, asphalt shingles and asphalt and gravel.
The roofing requirements for installing solar panels are broad, but different roofing materials have different effects on solar panels. Choosing a better roofing material has very many benefits for solar panels. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, you can make a choice among the above materials according to your actual situation.
Since a metal roof is a relatively complete piece of the whole, it has an excellent load-bearing capacity that far exceeds that of other types of roofing materials. It can perfectly support the weight of the PV system. Its service life can reach more than 40~70 years.
Metal roofs are very affordable and quick to install, and are not suitable for projects with short deadlines.
If your metal roof is a light-colored material, it will reflect the sunlight better, which not only keeps the indoor temperature cooler, but also improves the light utilization rate of the solar panels.
Since metal is a conductive material, special attention needs to be paid to electrical grounding when installing solar panels. At the same time, metal roofs are prone to rust and corrosion in humid environments and require regular roof maintenance.
Tile roofs have excellent heat and water dissipation properties, so you often see them in hot or humid environments.
The cost of tile roofing is relatively low compared to metal roofing, which can save you more money on subsequent installations. Shingles have a lifespan of about 30 years.
Because shingles are stacked piece by piece on your roof, some of the shingles will need to be removed when installing solar panels, and the shingles are more brittle, which can add more expense to your installation process.
The installation of solar panels destroys part of the structure of the shingle roof, which can have an impact on the waterproofing of your home.
Asphalt shingles are more widely used as an affordable roofing material and are the most common roofing material. Asphalt shingles have good waterproof performance, can effectively resist the erosion of rain.
Asphalt shingles have a service life of 20-30 years, and can last longer if properly maintained. Moreover, asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be quickly installed on the roof, reducing construction time and costs.
However, the service life of asphalt shingles is limited by the environment, and in harsh environments, the service life of asphalt shingles may be shorter than that of photovoltaic systems, so more attention is paid to routine maintenance.
Asphalt shingles produce a pungent odor during construction, so workers need to be well protected during installation, which invariably increases costs.
Asphalt roofing not only has good waterproof, reflective, but also has other materials do not have plasticity.
A typical asphalt roof will last 20-30 years, but if the roof is damaged, you can repair it more easily. It is very easy to install solar panels. The cost is also only slightly higher than asphalt shingles.
Similar to asphalt shingles, asphalt roofing produces irritating gases during the construction process, and it’s important to avoid the potential for injury from boiling hot asphalt during the pouring process.
If you want to complete the construction at a lower cost and quickly, you may choose metal.
If you are in an area that experiences frequent thunderstorms, you may choose asphalt and gravel.
If your area is hot and humid and you have the energy to maintain your roof, you can choose tile or asphalt shingles.
