How Do Solar Panels Affect My Commercial Roof? 

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your commercial building, you’re probably wondering how it will affect your roof. That’s a smart question—and one we get a lot. Your commercial roof is a major investment, and any new addition, especially something as significant as solar panels, deserves careful consideration. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been helping businesses protect their roofing investments for over 40 years. So let’s walk through what you really need to know about how solar panels affect your commercial roof—honestly, clearly, and with your long-term building performance in mind. 

Will solar panels damage my roof? 

This is probably the biggest concern for property owners and managers. The short answer: they don’t have to—as long as they’re installed correctly. 

Improper solar installation is one of the most common causes of damage. Mounting hardware that penetrates the roof membrane without proper sealing can lead to leaks and eventually serious structural damage. We’ve seen it happen: a great idea like solar turns into an expensive mess when roofing and solar teams don’t coordinate. 

Here’s how to avoid it: 

• Have a roofing expert inspect your roof before the panels are installed. 

• Use non-penetrating racking systems when possible, especially on flat commercial roofs. 

• Work with a solar company that understands commercial roofing, or better yet, let your roofer work directly with them. 

When done right, solar panels can be installed without compromising the roof’s watertight integrity. 

Will solar panels void my commercial roof warranty? 

This is an important question—because the answer is often yes, if you’re not careful. 

Most commercial roofing warranties come with strict guidelines. Drilling holes in the membrane, adding weight, or making modifications without approval can void parts (or all) of the warranty. That puts you at serious financial risk down the road if something goes wrong. 

Here’s how to protect your warranty: 

• Contact your roofing manufacturer and installer before any solar work begins. 

• Get written approval and documentation. 

• If your roof is still under warranty, have the original installer present during the solar installation. 

At Weather Shield, we often coordinate directly with solar teams to make sure your roof stays protected—and your warranty intact. 

Is my roof in good enough shape for solar panels? 

This is a critical question that too many people overlook. If your commercial roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, installing solar panels now can be a costly mistake. Why? Because in 10 years (or less), when the roof needs to be replaced, you’ll have to pay to remove and re-install all those panels—which is not cheap. 

A quality commercial roofing system can last 20–30 years or more with proper roof maintenance, especially under programs like our Max Life™ Roof Care. But if your roof is already showing signs of wear or has a history of leaks, it’s best to address those issues first. 

Our advice: 

Get a professional roof inspection before going solar. 

Consider re-roofing or restoring your roof if it’s older than 15 years. 

Factor long-term roofing and solar timelines together. 

This kind of planning can save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. 

Can solar panels actually help protect my roof? 

Believe it or not, yes—solar panels can extend the life of your commercial roof in some situations. 

Because solar panels shade parts of the roof, they can reduce direct UV exposure and slow the aging of roofing materials. They also provide a buffer against hail and weather-related wear in the areas directly beneath the panels. 

However, this isn’t a guarantee. Solar panels only cover a portion of the roof, and the areas around the mounting points still need to be sealed and maintained. Also, improper panel placement can actually block proper drainage, leading to standing water and roof damage. 

That’s why proper planning and professional collaboration are key. 

Who should inspect or maintain the roof once the solar panels are installed? 

After solar panels go up, it’s easy to forget about the roof underneath. But even with solar, your commercial roof still needs regular inspections—especially because the panels can make certain areas harder to reach. 

At Weather Shield, we recommend sticking to a roof maintenance program like Max Life Roof Care, which includes scheduled inspections, debris removal, sealant checks, and repair of minor issues before they turn into costly problems. 

After solar installation: 

• Inspect your roof at least twice a year and after major storms. 

• Watch for signs of roof leaks near mounting points. 

• Have the solar installer and roofer walk the roof together when maintenance is needed. 

This protects both your solar investment and your roof’s lifespan. 

Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels? 

If your roof is older, yes—this is usually the smartest move. 

Think of it this way: you don’t want to put new carpet over a cracked floor. If your roof has fewer than 10 years left, solar installation becomes a gamble. Removing and reinstalling panels costs thousands of dollars, and it’s work that needs to be done carefully to avoid damage. 

We often help clients bundle a new roof with solar panel installation, planning both timelines together. This ensures your investment in clean energy is backed by a solid, long-lasting commercial roofing system.  

What’s the best roofing material for solar panels? 

Flat or low-slope commercial roofs work best with solar panels—and so do materials that are: 

• Durable 

• Weather-resistant 

• Easy to seal around mounting points 

TPO, PVC, and EPDM are common choices. Metal roofs can also support solar, but they require special considerations. 

If you’re not sure what material is on your roof, we can help identify it and advise whether it’s a good match for solar. Not every commercial roof is a candidate—but with the right materials and installation, most are. 

Can I install solar on a leaking or damaged roof? 

We strongly advise against it. 

Solar panels are a long-term investment. Installing them on a roof that already has leaks or ponding issues is like building a house on a cracked foundation. You’re just asking for more problems—and they’ll be harder (and more expensive) to fix once the panels are in place. 

If you’re seeing signs of roof damage like: 

Water stains on ceilings 

Visible membrane bubbling or cracking 

Drainage issues 

Debris buildup or pooling water 

…get those issues addressed before solar even enters the conversation. 

If you’re considering solar panels, your roof isn’t just the platform—they’re partners. A solid roof supports your energy investment, and proper coordination between your solar installer and commercial roofing contractor is essential. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve seen firsthand how solar and roofing can work hand in hand—but only when done with care, planning, and full transparency. We’re here to help you protect your investment, reduce risk, and find cost-efficient solutions that work long-term. 

Want help planning your roof for solar? Reach out to us here—we’re happy to walk your roof, review your options, and coordinate with your solar team to make sure everything is done right. 

Kurt Wassink

VP of Sales

Kurt Wassink brings over 20 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, combining his deep expertise with a strong background in sales. He currently serves the Grand Rapids region for Weather Shield Roofing Systems, helping clients find tailored roofing solutions to protect their assets. Kurt holds a B.A. in Psychology and English from Calvin College and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University, equipping him with strong problem-solving and communication skills that enhance his client-centered approach.