Rooftop solar is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make – but before you start planning your system, it’s important to make sure your roof is up to the task. The good news is that most Arizona roofs can easily support solar panels with no problem at all. That said, every home is different and there are a few important factors to take in.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through things to consider with rooftop solar, including how to know if your roof is suitable for solar panels and why it’s advantageous to take care of any roof repairs before you solar panels are installed.
How much do roof-mounted solar panels weigh?
Solar panels aren’t exceptionally heavy, but they’re built to be durable – strong enough to withstand high winds, extreme heat, and Arizona’s monsoon rains. The exact weight of a solar panel will depend on the brand and model, but most fall within a fairly standard range.
The panels used in most residential installations weigh between 45 and 55 pounds, depending on the manufacturer. These panels typically measure around 5.65 by 3.75 feet, with a surface area just over 21 feet. This works out to to roughly 2.6 pounds per square foot. .
Larger 72-cell panels, often used in commercial solar installations, weigh a bit more, but since these panels cover more surface area, the weight per square foot remains similar at around 2.4 pounds per square foot.
In addition to the panels, your roof will also need to support mounting hardware that holds the panels securely in place. All in all, a properly installed solar system is well within the limits of most modern roofing structures – if your roof is healthy.
How do I know if my roof can support solar panels?
In the vast majority of cases, your roof will be able to safely support solar panels. Mobile homes and some manufactured homes typically support much less weight and may require special panels and racking systems.
On average, solar panels add just 2 to 4 pounds per square foot to the roof of a typical home, which is well within the structural load limits of most modern construction (typically built to handle 20 pounds per square foot or more).
That said, every home is different and it’s important to be sure your roof falls within that vast majority that’s ready for solar.
Before installing solar panels, your solar provider should coordinate a roofing inspection, which should include a structural evaluation. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we hand this task over to the roofing experts at Azul Roofing Solutions, our sister company. Their licensed roofers will evaluate your home's design, the age and materials used in your roof, and the specs of your solar energy system, considering things like:
- Structural integrity: Are the trusses, rafters, or beams in good condition?
- Weight tolerance: Can your roof safely support the full system load, including panels and mounting hardware?
- Roof condition: Are there signs of damage, rot, or aging that could pose a risk?
If your roof’s structure is sound, you’ll pass the roof assessment and can move forward with the solar project. If your roof needs upgrades, you’ll be provided with specific recommendations. We can review these together and decide how to best proceed with your installation.
See: 4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Quality Roofing for Solar Installations
How long will my roof last with solar?
Solar panels installed properly won’t shorten your roof’s lifespan – in fact, they might actually help protect it!
Because solar panels are mounted a few inches above your roof, they act as a shield against the elements. They act as a barrier to Arizona’s intense sun, as well as rain, wind, and even hail, reducing wear and tear on the roofing materials underneath. In many cases, this can extend the life of the roof underneath the array.
With proper installation, care, and maintenance, your roof and solar panels can work together to keep your home powered and protected for decades.
Is my roof suitable for solar?
There are many things to consider when assessing a roof’s suitability for solar, including space, structural integrity, orientation, shading, pitch, and age. We look at all of these aspects as part of our free solar consultations – contact us for personalized, professional guidance.
Do you have enough roof space?
Solar panels need unobstructed roof space to generate the most energy. Expect at least around 65% of your usable roof space to be covered in solar, but more may be necessary depending on your energy usage.
Obstacles like chimneys, skylights, vents, or HVAC units can limit how much usable space you have for solar panels. During your solar assessment, we’ll check if your roof layout supports the system size you’re aiming for or if we need to take an alternate design approach.
Is your roof structurally sound?
Even though solar panels aren’t especially heavy, they still need to be installed on a stable surface. Most high-efficiency solar panels are warrantied up to 30 years, with a functional lifespan well beyond that it properly maintained. Obviously you want your roof to remain strong and sturdy for the duration of their lifespan – otherwise you could end up facing the costly process of removing and reinstalling your solar panels to conduct necessary repairs or re-roofs. This labor cost is absorbed by the homeowner, so it’s best to know with certainty that your roof is in good shape before you proceed with solar panel installation.
We work with Azul Roofing to conduct expert roof assessments for all our solar projects. Their team of skilled roofers will be able to assess your roof’s age, structural integrity, and any need for repairs before proceeding with solar installation. If anything needs attention, we’ll discuss your options to make sure your system is built on a reliable foundation from the start.
What direction does your roof face?
South-facing roofs are considered ideal for solar in Arizona, as they receive the most amount of sunlight throughout the day. But you can also install a solar system on east, west, and even east facing roofs depending on other factors. North is typically not advised as the amount of sunlight expires is significantly less.
If you’re unsure which way your roof is oriented, don’t worry – we’ll consider this when designing your solar system to ensure your panels get the most amount of direct and indirect sunlight for maximum energy generation.
Is shade an issue?
Shade can have a major impact on solar performance. Even a small amount of shade across part of a panel can reduce output for the whole system. Trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can all cast shade on solar panels, and shading patterns can change depending on the time of day and year.
We’ll conduct a detailed shading analysis to determine whether solar is viable on your roof. If there is some shading, we might recommend microinverters to help minimize the impact and keep your system operating efficiently.
What’s the pitch of your roof?
Solar panels perform best when installed at an angle to maximize sun exposure, usually between 10 and 45 degrees. Most pitched residential roofs in Arizona fall within this range.
But if you have a flat roof, solar is still an option! We can use specialized mountain equipment to tilt the panels at the best angle for optimal exposure and maximum energy generation.
See Similar: Why Bird Proofing Your Solar Panels is Essential for Long-Term Performance
How old is your roof?
If your roof is nearing the end of its life, it’s best to handle any replacements before installing solar. We’ll cover this aspect in more detail below…
5 reasons to replace your roof before getting solar
If you’re thinking about going solar but your roof is showing its age, it might make sense to tackle both projects at once. While combining solar and roofing might sound like a big undertaking, it can actually save you time, money, and future headaches.
Here’s why replacing your roof before installing solar panels is a smart move:
1. One point of contact for both projects
Managing two major home improvement projects at once can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This is why we partnered with Azul Roofing Solutions – to offer customers a seamless experience that makes things simple.
Instead of juggling multiple contractors and schedules, you'll have a single point of contact who handles everything from inspection to installation. Our teams work closely together, coordinating critical communication and scheduling so that you don’t have to.
3. Avoid future costs and disruptions
Solar panels can operate for many decades is properly maintained. If your current roof needs repairs a few years down the road, you’ll have to pay to remove and reinstall the solar panels. By replacing your roof before going solar, you reduce the risk of mid-life roof repairs and avoid having to disturb your solar array down the line.
4. Boost your home’s value
Solar panels and new roofs both offer excellent returns on investment, especially when paired together. A report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that homes with solar sell for a premium of about $15,000 while Remodeling Magazine estimates that a new roof can boost resale value by over $17,000. Together, that’s a significant value-add for your home, whether you’re planning to stay long-term or sell in the near future.
See: Selling Your Home With Solar Panels: Expert Guide 2025
5. Optimize your roof for solar
A new roof gives you the opportunity to design with solar in mind. For example, certain materials work better with solar panels than others. And by coordinating with your roofer, solar standoffs and flashing can be installed during the roofing process to create efficient, watertight foundation for your panels.
Because we partner directly with Azul Roofing Solutions, our teams are already aligned – meaning fewer delays, cleaner installations, and greater peace of mind for you.
Keep Reading: Replacing Your Roof? It's a Great Time to Add Solar
What happens if you need to repair or replace your roof after installing solar panels?
If you need to repair or replace your roof after installing solar panels, don’t worry – it’s a common process that’s definitely manageable. The key is to work with experienced professionals who understand how to safely remove and reinstall your solar system without causing damage to any components.
The cost of removing and reinstalling solar panels depends on several factors:
- The size of your solar system
- How many panels need to be removed and stored
- Whether any mounting hardware needs to be replaced
- Storage and labor involved during the project timeline.
Because solar panels are connected to electrical systems and secured with specialized mounting equipment, moving them is not a DIY job. Improper removal or reinstallation can damage your system and void warranties, so it’s critical to have a qualified solar installer handle the process.
At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we’re happy to manage any solar removal and reinstallation, even if the panels were installed by a different company. Contact us now to learn more about the process and discuss your options.
Learn More: Is it Safe For Your Health to Have Solar Panels on Your Roof?
Expert roofing for solar panels
At the end of the day, a successful solar installation starts with a strong, reliable roof. That’s why we partnered with Azul Roofing Solutions, a trusted Arizona roofing company with strong expertise in preparing rooftops for solar. Whether your roof needs a pre-solar assessment, minor repairs, or a full replacement, the team at Azul will ensure it’s ready to support your solar system for decades to come.
As sister companies, Sun Valley and Azul Roofing share a commitment to quality and customer care. By working together, we streamline your project from start to finish, giving you one point of contact for both roofing and solar. This not only saves you time (and headaches!) but also ensures every component of your home upgrade works seamlessly together.
Contact us now to discuss your solar panel installation or visit Azul Roofing Solutions for all your roofing needs.
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