What “solar roofing” means
Rooftop solar panels (or solar shingles) mounted to your existing roof to turn sunlight into electricity. Most homes use racked panels; solar shingles are an option during reroofing.
Are you a good fit?
- Asphalt shingle, metal, and many tile roofs work
- Sunny south/southeast/southwest roof planes
- Minimal shade 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Roof has ~10+ years of life left (or plan a reroof first)
Quick install steps
- Site survey & design (measurements, shade, electrical)
- Permits/HOA submitted by installer
- Installation (racking, wiring, panels/inverter) — usually 1–3 days
- Inspections → Utility PTO (permission to operate)
Roof & material tips (VA & NC)
Coastal/wind zones: ask for corrosion-resistant hardware and wind-rated mounts
Asphalt shingle: flashed, sealed penetrations protect against leaks.
Metal standing seam: clamp-on mounts reduce penetrations
- Coastal/wind zones: ask for corrosion-resistant hardware and wind-rated mounts
- Asphalt shingle: flashed, sealed penetrations protect against leaks.
- Metal standing seam: clamp-on mounts reduce penetrations
- Reroof soon? Either bundle reroof + solar or consider solar shingles
Costs & options that move the needle
- System size and panel efficiency
- Roof complexity (multiple planes, steep pitch)
- Electrical upgrades (main panel/subpanel)
- Battery now vs. pre-wire for later
Fast maintenance pointers
- Use your monitoring app weekly
- Light rinse for dust/pollen on cool mornings (if safe)
- Annual pro check: fastener torque, flashing, labeling, and performance
Ready for clean, code-perfect solar roofing?
Book a Free Roof & Solar Assessment with Solar Doctors.