Solar Panels and Your Roof's Warranty
Many commercial facilities want to add solar panels to their facility. The benefits of solar often out shine the logistics of making sure your roof can hold the system, last as long as the system, and install won’t void your warranty. This article advises you on how to maintain your warranty to maintain that protection on your roof.
Your Roofs Warranty
A roof warranty is a great perk to have. However, they have very particular stipulations that must be met to avoid voiding the warranty. Adding additional penetrations and equipment to your roof can void your warranty when the proper steps and contractors are not consulted. Below you can find best practices to avoid voiding your warranty when installing solar.
New roof with solar installed within 1 year of roof completion and warranty date
1. Pre-install Warranty Inspection:
- Let your roof warranty company know that your putting solar on and have them come out to pre-inspect the new roof.
2. Pre-solar Panel Installation Paperwork:
- Make sure all paperwork is filled out and turned in with necessary information on the panels you are installing.
3. During installation:
- Make sure the panel system is not welded or adhered directly to the roof membrane. Many Manufactures will not honor your warranty if panels are attached this way.
- Any roof penetrations or anchors must be installed or flashed according to your roof manufacturer’s specifications and possibly by a certified technician.
- Make sure penetrations or anchors for solar racking are accessible for a final manufacturer inspection.
4. Post-installation inspection:
- Notify your warranty company that solar installation is complete. They will come out to re-inspect and make note of any repairs that must be made to continue warranty coverage.
New roof with solar installed after 1 year of warranty date
1. Pre-install Paperwork:
- Let your roof warranty company know that your putting solar on and complete necessary paperwork.
2. During installation:
- Make sure the panel system is not welded or adhered directly to the roof membrane. Many Manufactures will not honor your warranty if panels are attached this way.
- Any roof penetrations or anchors must be installed or flashed according to your roof manufacturer’s specifications.
- Make sure penetrations or anchors for solar racking are accessible for a final manufacturer inspection.
3. Post-installation inspection:
- Notify your warranty company that installation is complete. They will come out to re-inspect and make note of any repairs that must be made to continue warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Every company will have specific steps to follow to maintain warranty coverage after a solar installation. Make sure to consult with the warranty company and one of their certified contractors to guarantee your warranty stays intact. Proper Installation of the right system with proper inspections before and after solar install will insure your warranty stays intact and your roof last as long as your panels do.
Clear communication with your roofing contractor on your intentions to add solar will go a long way in making sure the integrity of your roof and warranty stay in tact. Also, make sure you hire a reputable solar company that has installed on your kind of roof material before and that works well with roofing contractors.
For More Information on roof warranties, please read this article also.
