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Solar Panels & Tile Roofs: Is an Install Possible?

September 2, 2022

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There is no doubting the ever-increasing popularity of solar panels for homes, nor the numerous benefits they provide. Panels that are both more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective to produce are being mass-produced by manufacturers yearly. Solar power is an obvious alternative for those interested in lowering our carbon footprints, utilizing renewable energy sources, and developing more environmentally responsible lifestyles.

If your roof is covered in tiles, you might be curious about the process of installing and mounting solar panels on your roof. Don't worry; this article will address how solar panel installation is completed on a tile roof.

solar panels on tile roof

What's the process for installing solar panels on tile roof?

Contact a professional to help install your solar panel. The process followed by each expert varies, but here are some key steps involved.

  • A Professional Inspects Your Roof

Measuring is the first step in any method that produces a quality installation. The expert will evaluate your roof either remotely or in-person to determine the optimal location for the installation based on the available space, the roof's pitch, and the roof's orientation. From this vantage point, they will take measurements to determine the best location to secure the rail brackets and system. Following the rooftop inspection, the location of the inverter and the wiring will be determined.

  • Taking Out a Few Tiles

When asking, "How are solar panels on tile roofs?" the first few steps will look slightly different for a tile roof than other kinds of roofs. When the installers initially go up on your roof, they will begin removing certain tiles to get ready to install the mounting brackets. Tiles will need to be removed by the installation team to gain access to the rafters and the roof structure to determine the necessary measures and length of railing for your solar panels. To provide more mounting points for the brackets, the installers may also need to make small modifications to the cavity in your roof.

  • Putting the Mounting Brackets Into Position

After confirming that the distances between the rafters are appropriate and that the measurements are accurate, the installers will affix mounting brackets made of stainless steel to the rafters. After the brackets have been fastened, the removed tiles are replaced where they were before moving. The tiles will need to be ground or cut to fit around the newly installed brackets to preserve the roof's integrity and ensure that the tiles sit flush with the roof's surface. If any tiles are cracked or damaged during installation, your crew will replace them.

Installers with sufficient experience will check to see that the mounting brackets are completely fastened and that the integrity of the roof's waterproofing has not been damaged. Flashing and other waterproofing material will be fitted around the newly installed solar panel brackets if necessary by the people installing the solar panels.

Tiled roofs require additional labor because the initial task of removing tiles and fixing brackets is unique to these types of roofs. As a result, the pre-installation procedure has to be detailed.

  • Putting the Racking System in Place

Installing the racking system, or what we'll refer to as a tile roof solar mount, is the next step once the brackets have been repaired. These racks are the anchor point for the solar panels; they are made of an aluminum alloy and are placed across the roof before being fastened to the brackets.

solar racking system in florida

  • Affixing the Solar Panels

It is now time to put the solar panels on the roof, as all of the preparatory work has been finished. The solar panel is then hanged to the rail via clip. These clips bolt onto the edge of the panels and onto the metal rails that are fixed to the mounting brackets. If the areas under the recently installed panels need to be reached for any reason, the removal and maintenance of these specially designed brackets make it simple. At this point, the solar panels have been safely fastened to the roof's structure. 

During the warmer months, the increased area between the tiles and panels on the roof produces a pocket of circulation that, in turn, helps keep the panels at a comfortable temperature. If you are interested in learning more about how solar panels can be used to cool your roof, we have a comprehensive tutorial that explains how the process works.

  • Establishing an Electrical Connection

Let's look at some of the other considerations that go into installing solar panels now that we've covered the topic of "how are solar panels installed on tile roofs?" in the previous section.

During the process of installing solar panels on clay tile roof, the electrical cables that run underneath them are strung to form what is known as a "string." The string is brought to the inverter by passing it under a tile and then through a hole in the roof. Not only will the installers finish the work required on the roof, but they will also guarantee that all of the wiring and electrics are properly taken care of. After the installation has been finished, it will no longer be essential to access the inverter unless it is to perform maintenance or retrieve data. Most modern systems can wirelessly transmit all data to an application on a smartphone or a web-based platform.

The solar panels on your tile roof installation process shouldn't take more than a couple of days and won't necessitate major structural alterations to your house. The only work that will require modifications is removing and changing the tiles to install the mounting brackets and create a path for the wiring to get to the inverter. This will be the only work that will require revisions. Drilling a relatively basic hole is typically all that is required to create a passageway for the wiring.

solar install on tile roof in florida

Verdict 

You can install a solar panel on your tile roof. Get in touch with a professional at Go Solar Florida State today and enjoy the benefit of solar panels. Each roof is distinct in size, shape, orientation, and material. Before beginning any work, get an exhaustive remote assessment and an honest estimate and ensure you employ the service of the best profession you can find around. We can guarantee that you will reap the greatest benefits possible from your solar system for many years. Get in touch with a professional today and enjoy the benefit of solar panels. HomeAdvisor estimates the quote for installing solar panels at $17,926 - $34,22.

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