Can Solar Panels Be Installed on Corrugated Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs demonstrate resilience against diverse weather conditions. They effectively withstand heavy winds, rainfall, hailstorms, and fires, offering protection in high-altitude regions prone to natural disasters. This durability translates into long-term cost savings, as frequent roof replacements become unnecessary.

Both solar panels and metal roofing materials are recyclable and possess extended lifespans. When considering solar panel installation, you should assess the expected lifespan of your existing metal roof. Simultaneous roof replacement and solar panel installation may be advisable depending on the roof's condition.

You can install solar panels on corrugated metal roofs. Most metal roof types accommodate solar panel installation using specialized mounting systems. Keep reading, and you'll discover more valuable information.

Metal Roofs and Solar Panels Are an Excellent Match

Installing a metal roof is a not bad choice if you're considering solar energy. Metal roofs are durable, often outlasting their counterparts. When the time comes to replace your roof, opting for metal could be a savvy investment.

A corrugated metal roof can endure up to 45 years, outstripping the typical 15-20 year lifespan of asphalt composite shingles. Since most solar panel systems are expected to perform optimally for 25 years and often continue efficiently beyond that, pairing them with a durable metal roof makes perfect sense.

When the moment arrives to update your panels—perhaps three decades from now—you won't need to fuss with new brackets and rails. This approach can save considerable time and money, especially if you plan to remain in your home for many years.

Installing Solar Panels on Corrugated Metal Roofs

Metal corrugated or ribbed roofs are another favored choice for roofing, particularly when installing solar panels. These roofs differ from standing seam roofs in that they lack the necessary seams to mount clamps directly. Therefore, you'll need to use traditional penetrating mounts to secure your solar system. Attach these corrugated roof solar mounts either on the sides or the top of the metal ridges, steering clear of the valleys where water tends to collect and debris from rain and snow accumulates.

Alternatively, if you want to skip drilling holes, consider opting for adhesive thin-film panels that adhere directly to the roof.

For a penetration mounting setup, L-feet brackets are typically positioned over or between the ribs and screwed into the roof's trusses or purlins. To prevent water leakage, a rubber bushing seals the underside of these brackets. The solar panels and their accompanying racking system are then secured to these brackets, ensuring a stable and leak-free installation.

What Can We Offer?

Mibet's metal roof solar mounting systems are used in both commercial and residential projects with tin roofs. These systems include standard components such as L feet brackets, aluminum rail profiles, and solar clamps. They can be adapted to various metal roofs such as corrugated, trapezoid, and standing seam sheets.

The L-feet hanger bolt is a key component in solar mounting systems, designed specifically for installation on corrugated or trapezoidal sheet metal roofs. Hanger Bolt applies to install on both wooden rafters and steel purlin. Both types can be applied with L-feet and plates. Our L-feet comes with rubber gasket seals, so you don't have to worry about applying messy sealant all over your roof. Interested in learning more about our L-feet? Click here!

Can Metal Roofs Handle the Weight of Solar Panels?

Most metal roofs are strong enough to support solar panels. Yet, each roof is unique and must be individually assessed before installation.

A certified structural engineer will examine your roof's integrity to ensure it can bear the extra weight of the solar panels. Typically, if the roof meets the requirements, the engineer will approve the installation.

For those few roofs that don't meet the standards, additional measures will be necessary. The engineer will recommend how to reinforce the roof's structure. If you decide to proceed, these changes will be implemented, and upon completion, the engineer will conduct a final review and approve the project.

Will Solar Panels Damage a Metal Roof?

Investing in a metal roof means planning for longevity, as these roofs often last for decades. Naturally, you wouldn't want to compromise the lifespan of your roof. Solar panels, despite their potential to generate free electricity for years, might raise concerns about possible damage.

Fortunately, if solar panels are set up correctly according to industry norms, there's no risk of harming your roof, either now or in the future. Rather, they tend to safeguard it. Solar panels are robust, built to endure harsh weather, and they serve as a protective layer that minimizes everyday deterioration.

When attaching solar panels to a metal roof, the risk of leaks is minimal. On standing seam metal roofs, panels are usually mounted without needing to make any holes. For ribbed metal roofs, although installation requires drilling, the fastening system used is specifically engineered to seal against water, securing your roof throughout the life of the panels.

Install Fall Protection on Corrugated or Trapezoidal Metal Roofs

When installing fall protection on corrugated or trapezoidal metal roofs, you must consider two key aspects: safety and preventing leaks. These roofs lack standing seams, which typically serve as attachment points for safety equipment. Therefore, you need to secure safety gear directly to the roof.

This often requires drilling into the roof to secure the anchor. You should ensure that the installer uses a type of anchor that doesn't leave your roof prone to leaks once it's removed at the end of the job.