Pat Hune, Broker, 1st Southwest Realty, October 2018
There are pros and cons to solar panels. Homeowners often overlook the condition of the roof before installing solar panels. This should be a big concern for any homeowner considering solar as it is extremely expensive to remove and replace solar panels – typically around $6,000. If someone other than the solar company does this work it voids the warranty. Solar leases are typically for 20 years. According to EnergySage.com the life expectancy of solar panels is about 25-30 years.
Flat roofs need constant maintenance and have a life span of about 10-15 years. Debris should be removed at least twice a year. The typical flat roof needs a new sealer applied at least every three to four years. Removing debris and sealing does not typically require removal of the solar panels. With a life span of 25-30 years for solar panels and 10-15 for a flat roof a full roof replacement may be required during the life of the solar panels.
Asphalt shingle roofs have a 10-15 year life span. If the roof area where the solar panels will be installed is more than 10 years old homeowners should consider replacing the shingles on that side of the house.
Many owners think tile roofs last forever. This is not true. Tiles are just a cosmetic cover. The felt or underlayment is what keeps out the moisture. Depending on the age and quality of the underlayment most tile roofs need the tile removed and the underlayment replaced every 15-20 years.
Metal and slate roofs are very expensive. Homeowners with these types of roofs do not want solar panels due to the damage that will be caused during the installation process.
If the solar panels are more than twenty years old and the roof needs replaced the homeowner may decide to remove the panels permanently. This brings up the problem of disposal. Solar panels often contain lead, cadmium, and other toxic chemicals that cannot be removed without breaking apart the entire panel. “Approximately 90% of most PV modules are made up of glass,” notes San Jose State environmental studies professor Dustin Mulvaney. “However, this glass often cannot be recycled as float glass due to impurities. Common problematic impurities in glass include plastics, lead, cadmium and antimony.” Today recycling costs more than the economic value of the materials recovered, which is why most solar panels end up in landfills. California is in the process of determining how to divert solar panels from landfills at the end of their life. The disposal problem has yet to be solved.
The bottomline is, before installing solar panels be sure to have a roofer check the condition of your roof. It may save you a lot of money in the future.