How is a roof inspected with solar panels on it, or before solar goes up?
Short answer. Before solar, an inspection should confirm the roof has enough life left to outlast the panels, check the decking the mounts will attach to, and document the roof's condition. With panels already installed, an inspector can check visible mounts, flashing, wiring routes and the roof around the array, but cannot see most of the shingles underneath without panels being removed.
Before solar: what to check
- Remaining life. Panels often stay up 25 years or more. A roof with less than about 10 to 15 years left should usually be replaced first.
- Decking. Soft or delaminated decking will not hold mounts well. Look in the attic for stains and sagging.
- Storm damage. Hail bruising found later, under panels, is much harder to document and claim.
- Layers. Two layers of shingles complicate mounting and should come off first.
- Photos. A dated photo record before installation protects you if leaks or damage show up later.
With panels in place: what can be seen
- Flashing and sealant at each visible mount and conduit penetration.
- Shingles around the array edges, which collect leaves and pine straw.
- Critter guards, since squirrels and birds like to nest under panels.
- Conduit and wiring routed across the roof.
- Stains in the attic below the array.
What cannot be seen
Shingles directly under the panels and many mounts in the middle of the array. A drone can cover the overall layout, but a full assessment of the hidden area may require the solar company to remove some panels.
See replace your roof before solar and what to expect from a roof inspection.