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Should Schools Install Solar Panels on their Roofs?

If you’re part of a school district with aging roofs and rising energy bills, the question of whether to install solar panels on school rooftops is probably on your radar. Perhaps you’ve heard about other Michigan districts adopting eco-friendly practices. Maybe your community has asked about sustainability. Or maybe you’re just looking for creative ways to fund necessary roof upgrades. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems™, we’ve been helping schools and commercial properties navigate roofing challenges for over 40 years. Recently, we keep hearing the same question: “Should we consider solar panels on our school’s roof?” The short answer? It depends on your goals—but in many cases, the benefits are too good to ignore. 

Let’s break down the pros and cons of solar panels on your school’s roof.

Why Are Schools Considering Solar in the First Place? 

There are two majors reasons: energy savings and roof project funding. 

Across Michigan (yes, not just out West), we’re seeing more and more schools exploring rooftop solar. And it’s not solely about “embracing sustainability.” Solar energy offers long-term cost savings by reducing your monthly electricity bills. For cash-strapped school districts, that’s a big deal. 

Even more compelling? Solar installations can often be combined with roof replacement projects—opening the door to state and federal grants, rebates, and other financial incentives that help fund both the new roof and the solar array. 

So if your school has an aging roof, solar may not just be a renewable energy upgrade—it could be the strategic solution that helps you pay for that much-needed roof replacement, too. 

How Does Solar Help Fund Roof Projects? 

This is where it gets interesting. 

There are several grant programs and financial mechanisms that make solar and roofing combinations very attractive. For example: 

• Federal tax credits and rebates through programs like the Inflation Reduction Act. 
• Michigan-based incentives designed to help public institutions adopt green energy. 
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or energy service contracts, where a third party covers the upfront cost in exchange for a portion of the energy savings over time. 

Here’s the simple version: you replace your roof and install solar at the same time. Your energy costs drop. Those savings start helping to cover the cost of the project from day one. Once the system pays for itself, you’re left with a cash-positive, energy-saving asset for decades. 

We’ve partnered with solar contractors and school districts in Michigan who are doing exactly this—and getting impressive returns. 

Are There Risks or Drawbacks to Putting Solar Panels on a Roof? 

Naturally, schools and facility managers want to know: what’s the downside? 

Here’s what to watch for: 

• Roof penetrations: Anytime something gets mounted on a roof—HVAC units, vents, or solar panels—it creates potential points for leaks. But here’s the good news: modern solar racking systems often use ballasted or non-penetrating methods that sit on the roof without drilling through it. These systems are wind-tested and secure. 
• Future roof repairs: If you ever need to fix or replace your roof after solar is installed, the panels may need to be removed and reinstalled—adding cost and complexity. That’s why the best time to install solar is right after a new roof is installed, giving you decades of smooth operation with minimal disruption. 
• System design and weight: Not every roof is ideal for solar. Your roof needs to be structurally capable of supporting the added weight, and the layout needs to maximize sun exposure. 

So yes, there are things to think about. But when the install is done correctly—and paired with a roof built to handle it—the risks are low and manageable. 

Will Solar Increase My Chance of Leaks? 

This is a fair concern. Nobody wants to install a shiny new roof only to poke holes in it for solar. 

At Weather Shield, we always recommend limiting penetrations wherever possible. Many solar racking systems today are designed to anchor into sidewalls or weighted frames, rather than drilling into the roof membrane itself. When penetrations are necessary, we apply the same waterproofing standards we use on critical areas like plumbing vents and HVAC curbs. 

In other words: yes, leaks can happen if systems are poorly installed. But with the right approach, materials, and experienced team, they’re very rare. 

Why Rooftop Solar Beats Ground-Mounted Systems for Schools 

If your school has land available, you might be wondering: why not just build a solar farm out back? 

You can—but there are a few downsides: 

• Takes up green space that could be used for sports, outdoor learning, or future expansion. 
• Aesthetic issues: Large solar farms can be an eyesore, especially near neighborhoods. 
• Security and maintenance: Ground arrays can be more vulnerable to vandalism or damage. 

Rooftop solar makes use of space you’re already maintaining—and keeps the system hidden from view. It’s clean, quiet, and, when done right, practically invisible. 

Take Michigan State University, for example. They’ve added solar arrays to their parking structures and rooftops across campus. Schools in Flint, Detroit, and Grand Rapids are doing the same. And because those panels sit on already-existing infrastructure, they’re not taking up a single extra inch of land. 

So What’s the One Thing to Remember About Solar on School Roofs?

If you’re a school district with aging roof assets and a limited capital budget, solar may be the unlock that lets you tackle both problems at once.

By combining solar with your commercial roofing project, you can:

• Access funding you wouldn’t qualify for with roofing alone
• Dramatically lower your energy costs
• Extend the lifespan of your building assets
• Make a real, visible commitment to clean energy

And with a well-designed, non-penetrating rooftop system, the risk of leaks or structural problems is very low.

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’re helping schools across Michigan take this smart step forward. We’re not solar installers—but we do work hand-in-hand with trusted solar partners to make sure your roof is ready to support a solar array safely, efficiently, and for the long haul.

If you’re exploring solar for your school or just want to understand your options better, we’re happy to walk you through the process—no pressure, just straight answers.

Let us know how we can help.