Metal Roofs for Homes That Can Support Solar Panels

About Solar Panels

• A solar panel is a collection of photovoltaic cells that are specially treated to allow the cells to collect sunlight. The cells convert light energy into electrical power. The more light that is available to the panels, the more electricity they can generate. Solar panels are installed on the rooftops of homes and other buildings to collect the sunlight needed for power. Years of research have made these panels both lightweight and very efficient, and many different types are now available to operate on many kinds of roofing material, including metal roofs.

Panels on Standing-Seam Metal Roofs

• Metal roofing is a good choice for use with solar panels because metal roofs can last up to 100 years. Replacement of roofing materials and removal of the panels are not a problem with metal roofs. Solar panels are often used with standing-seam metal roofing. Standing-seam metal roofs use side-by-side metal panels that are connected with concealed fasteners, according to the New England Metal Roof website. The panels are joined at the sides in an interlocking seam. These roofs are generally made of galvanized steel or aluminum. This type of roof adapts easily to solar panels which are connected to the roofing with clips of various designs. Photovoltaic cells can also be installed on a thin laminate layer.

Panels on Corrugated Metal Roofs

• Solar panels can also be attached to corrugated metal roofing materials. Corrugated metal has a wavy or ridged profile instead of the flat surface of standing-seam metal roofs. Wood materials can be used to create a flatter surface for the panels. The panels are then installed into the wood support pieces with brackets to provide a sturdy and stable support system.

Integrated-Panel Metal Roofs

• Another type of metal roof integrates the panel directly into the metal material of the roof. These metal roofs are manufactured in the factory and then brought to the building site to be installed as an integrated unit. Yet another type of integrated solar metal roof material bonds the photovoltaic laminate layer directly onto the metal materials at the factory which is then brought to the work site for installation.