Is My Roof Good for Solar? Here’s How to Find Out

So, you’re thinking about going solar—great choice! But before you start imagining lower energy bills and clean power from the sun, there’s one crucial question: Is your roof actually good for solar panels?

As someone who’s been through the process, we can tell you that not every roof is solar-ready. But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through the key things to consider so you can decide if your roof can handle the switch to solar.

1. What Direction Does Your Roof Face?

Solar panels love south-facing roofs because they get the most sunlight throughout the day. If your roof faces east or west, you can still generate plenty of power, just with slightly lower efficiency. North-facing roofs? They’re not ideal, but depending on your setup, solar may still work.

2. How Much Sunlight Does Your Roof Get?

Think about your roof throughout the day. Does it get plenty of direct sunlight, or is it covered in shade from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings? Too much shade can reduce your solar production, but the good news is that modern solar panels are more efficient, and technologies like microinverters can help offset some shading issues.

3. What’s the Condition of Your Roof?

Installing solar panels is a long-term investment—they’re going to be up there for 25+ years. If your roof is old or needs repairs, it’s best to fix it before installing solar. I’ve seen homeowners regret skipping this step because removing and reinstalling panels for roof repairs later can be costly.

4. What Type of Roof Do You Have?

Solar panels work best on asphalt shingles, metal, and tile roofs. If you have a flat or a unique roofing material (like wood shake or slate), solar is still possible, but it might require special mounting equipment. If you’re unsure, a solar installer can assess it for you.

5. How Much Space Do You Have?

The more space on your roof, the more panels you can fit, which means more power. However, even smaller roofs can work well if you use high-efficiency panels. A good solar company will help design a system that maximizes your available space.

Next Steps

If your roof checks most of these boxes, congratulations! You’re likely a good candidate for solar. If not, don’t be discouraged—there are workarounds, like ground-mounted solar systems or community solar options. The best way to know for sure? Schedule a free solar assessment. A professional will evaluate your roof and let you know exactly how much solar energy you can produce.

Thinking about going solar? Feel free to reach out —we'd love to help you navigate the process and see if solar is the right fit for your home.