What Is the Best Roofing Material for Solar Panels?
In solar panel roof installation, two factors matter most: the solar system’s cost and the roofing material, along with roof angle and area. And while the factor of cost is obvious – all things being equal, the cheaper the solar panel system, the better – choosing the right roofing materials without overpaying is a bit more complicated.
So what material is best for roof solar panels?
There’s no obvious choice. While some roofing materials are considered “best” for solar panel systems in general, the actual best option depends on your budget, location, and HOA rules, as well as how long and reliably you want the solar panel system to work.
Read on to learn more about roofing materials for solar panels.
Why Is Roofing Material Important?
Roof solar panel systems are designed to last 25 to 30 years. If your roof is past your solar roof system’s lifespan, you may end up spending more on R&R (removal and replacement) costs.
The roof’s material can also affect your total installation costs, since not all solar system providers work with every roof type. Not to mention, an ideal roofing material optimizes a solar system’s energy output, or your system’s efficiency in converting solar into electricity.
5 Most Common Roof Types for Solar Panels
Asphalt, metal, tile (clay or concrete), synthetic slate, and flat roofs are the five most common and best roofing materials for solar roof installations.
Each type is compatible with solar use. But each differs in price, lifespan, and total solar panel roof installation costs.
Before we take a closer look at each one, let’s briefly go over them:
| Roof Type | Compatibility | Installation Difficulty | Lifespan | Best Use Case | Avg Installation Cost (USD) | Quick Note |
| Asphalt Shingles | High | Easy | 15–30 yrs | Most homes | $10,000–$18,000 | Most affordable |
| Metal Roof | Excellent | Easy–Moderate | 40–70 yrs | Long-term investment | $12,000–$20,000 | Long-term savings |
| Tile Roof (Clay/Concrete) | Good | Moderate | 50+ yrs | Premium homes | $15,000–$25,000 | Higher labor cost |
| Slate Roof | Moderate | Difficult | 75–100 yrs | Historic, luxury, high-end homes | $20,000+ | Premium installation |
| Flat Roof | Excellent | Moderate | 20–40 yrs | Commercial and modern homes | $12,000–$22,000 | Depends on racking |
1. Asphalt Shingles: The Most Common & Affordable Option
If your home already has asphalt shingles, then you’re solar roof ready. Asphalt shingles are widely considered to be one of the best roofing materials for solar panels.
However, because they’re made of asphalt and fiberglass, they’re shorter-lived than your panels.
Rooftop solar panels, built with silicon and durable tempered glass, can withstand decades of exposure, reaching 25 to 35 years. On the other hand, asphalt shingles can last only 15 to 25 years.
If your asphalt roof is well-built but already 10 years old, adding solar panels may only lead to R&R (removal and reinstallation) expenses in the next 5 to 15 years.
Even with its shorter lifespan, it’s still one of the most common and best roofing materials for home solar systems.
For one thing, asphalt roofing allows fast solar system installation (1 to 3 days). Drilling and mounting are easier.
Most solar roof systems are also compatible with asphalt material. This is why installation costs are lower ($10,000–$18,000) than for premium options like tile and slate roofs ($15,000–$25,000).
Source: Kseng
2. Metal Roof: The Gold Standard for Roof Solar Panels
Although most installers are used to asphalt shingles, installing solar panels on them usually takes more work and drilling than newer clamp systems used on some metal roofs.
A standing seam metal roof with solar panels, for instance, is one of the easiest options. Metal is one of the best roofing materials for installing solar panels. Metal roofs require less drilling and effort to install solar panels than asphalt or slate.
Metal roofs are also extremely durable, with a lifespan of 40 to 70 years. There’s no question whether your solar panels can outlive them.
Metal roof types may include standing seam roofs, corrugated metal roofs, and steel roofs.
Solar panels on a standing seam roof need only clamp mounts and no drilling. Corrugated metal roofs need bolted mount installation, while steel roofs need rail-mounted systems.
Among the three metal roof types, standing seam metal roof solar panels are the most efficient and installer-friendly solutions. Closely similar to asphalt roof installations, solar installation on a metal roof runs between $12,000–$20,000.
Source: Yuens
3. Tile Roof (Clay & Concrete): Durable but Complex Installation
Installing solar panels on tile roofs is popular in premium homes situated in warmer climates like California and Southern Europe.
One key advantage is how solar on a tile roof can handle high heat and UV exposure significantly better than asphalt.
Asphalt roofs can last only 15 to 30 years, but clay and concrete tile roofs can last up to 50 years or even a hundred.
Clay and concrete tile roofs are also natural insulators. Given their high thermal mass, solar panels on a tile roof absorb heat slowly during the day, then release it at night. As a result, indoor temperatures are more regulated 24/7. Your home’s airflow benefits, and so do the solar panels themselves.
Unlike flat asphalt shingles, a tile roof’s curved shape creates natural ventilation channels, allowing air to circulate under solar panels and integrated solar roof tiles. This, in turn, helps preserve the panels’ efficiency as they get hotter.
On the flip side, the trade-off of tile roofs’ longevity and natural insulation is their cost. Tile roof installation costs an average of $15,000–$25,000. It is the most premium option after slate roofs, but it’s also the slowest to install.
One reason is the fragility of clay and concrete materials, which are more brittle than metal and asphalt. Solar workers may need temporary walkways during installation to avoid damaging the fragile structure.
Solar installation on tile roofs may also require specialized techniques to prevent leaks after the solar panel setup. Installers may temporarily remove or notch tiles or use custom flashing during the process. This added complexity helps explain the higher cost.
4. Synthetic Slate Roof: Most Premium & Luxurious, but the Trickiest
Tile roofs can be delicate and easily broken, so mounting solar panels on slate roofs requires extra care. Slate roofs aren’t very sturdy, so a “piece-by-piece approach” to installation is essential to prevent cracking.
Standard solar panel roof installation on a slate roof may take up to 6 days, while asphalt roofs may only take a day or two.
Remember, not all solar companies want to deal with slate roofs. So you may need to find and hire niche installers with specific slate expertise, starting at $20,000 (up to $35,000) for an average installation. It is 15% to 30% more than for a flat or asphalt roof.
Even though solar installation is costly for synthetic slate roofs, they are widely popular, especially for high-end homes.
One big advantage is that slate roofs can last extremely long – 100 to 150 years. That fits four to six generations of rooftop solar panels.
Slate roofs are also elegant and visually appealing. This is why synthetic slate roofs are perfect for historic-look renovations and prestigious homes.
5. Flat Roof: Most Flexible & Efficient Option for Modern Homeowners
Unlike pitched roofs, flat roof solar installation makes it possible to engineer the perfect solar system setup for optimal energy production.
On a flat surface, you can place panels true South and tilt them at the perfect angle (10-30 degrees). That is why flat roofs are considered the “blank canvas” for solar.
Flat roofs are also easy to walk on for installation. This simplifies the mounting process and maintenance. For only $12,000–$20,000, you can get a full flat-roof installation in 1 to 2 days for a residential setup.
However, not all flat roofs can withstand solar panels. Before installing, an engineer should check whether your roof can handle the added weight of a full solar system. Also, without proper drainage, water and debris can accumulate in the grates, leading to “ponding” and, ultimately, leaks.
What Is the Best Roofing Material for Solar Panels?
The best roofing material for a solar panel depends on your priorities.
If you need durability and a no-hassle installation, metal roofs are your best choice. But if you have a limited budget and long service life isn’t a priority, asphalt shingles can work.
If your home is up for four more generations of solar panels, then slate and metal roofs are your top picks.
But if you want a modern-style home, a flat roof solar installation is the most flexible and optimal choice.
If you’re thinking about going solar but aren’t sure whether your roof is ready, or whether the potential savings are worth it, a free solar quote can help you choose the best option for your situation.
FAQ
What roof is best for solar panels?
South-facing roofs with minimal or zero shading work best for solar panels. The roof material also plays a role. Asphalt shingles or a standing seam metal roof make installation easier than other roof types.
Can you put solar panels on a metal roof?
Yes, metal roofs are ideal for solar panels, especially standing seam types. Why? Because you don’t need to drill. This speeds up the installation process and makes it less costly.
Can you put solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes, solar panels can be set up on flat roofs using tilting systems that allow them to be adjusted toward the sun.
