The global roofing market in 2025 is valued at approximately USD 132.5 billion and is anticipated to grow. Roof type is one of the most important factors you should consider if you are thinking about going solar. Solar panels are not suitable for every roof. Your roof, which significantly impacts the cost and long-term performance of your system, can vary considerably depending on the material, angle, orientation, and even its age. At Solaroof NY, we are experts in both roofing and solar integration for a complete solution to homeowners throughout Long Island and NYC. Whether it is an old roof being replaced or a newer one with new panels, selecting the best roofing structure lays the groundwork for decades of inexpensive solar energy.
In this guide, we will discuss the best roof types for solar panels, installing solar panels on an old roof, and a breakdown of types of roof.
1. Why Roof Type Matters for Solar Panels
Our solar energy system is good as the roof it sits on, and that makes a seamless transition from old to new a critical aspect of joining rooftops + renewable power.The slope (pitch), material, orientation, and other factors of your roof directly influence the viability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of all types of solar panel systems. These problems are both human-made and technological, not to mention a good roof that can be ruined when panels are installed on the surface of an aged (requiring repairs), unsuitable material or in such a wrong orientation. This can lead to increased labor and material costs, decreased energy production, and, in the worst-case scenario, a de-roofing situation forcing you to remove and later re-install the system again. Improper compatibility can damage the roof and solar hardware over time.In the end, selecting a roof type is more than just looks; It is a decision that will influence how well your building performs over its extended life cycle and determines how much it will cost you to operate your system over time. After all, the better match your roof is, the more it will guarantee your solar investment to be a beneficial one for years to come.
2. Best Roof Types for Solar Panels: A Breakdown
Let’s look at some of the most common solar panel roof types and how they perform:
a. Asphalt Shingles
Of course, asphalt shingles which also happen to be the most common type of roofing material in the U.S are among the solar-friendliest products. Solar mounting hardware is typically designed to accommodate asphalt shingles, allowing your solar installation to be completed quickly and at a lower cost.
- Easy to drill and seal
- Cheap in terms of labor and materials
- Ideal for home solar setups
b. Standing Seam Metal Roofs
What type of roof is perfect for solar panels? Standing seam metal often tops the list.They have long vertical seams that allow for a clamp-on attachment method, with no need to drill into the penetrative material.
- No roof penetration required
- Very long-lasting (50–70 years)
- Perfectly suitable for smooth or higher efficiency energy systems
c. Tile Roofs
While tile roofs can work with solar panels, they require some extra time and consideration during installation. This involves removing roof tiles where mounts will be installed and then installing flashing, followed by the eventual custom-fit replacement of those tiles around the mount by the roofer.
- Beautiful appearance
- Requires specialty mounting hardware
- Slightly higher installation cost
d. Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are typically found on commercial buildings and modern residential architecture. Tilt racks tilt panels towards the sun, although this orientation is not the most energy-efficient, as the horizontal plane doesn’t produce electricity.
- Requires angled racking systems
- Typical of urban / commerce locations
- Versatile layout options for the best sunlight exposure
e. Wood Shake Roofs
As a note, wood shake roofs are generally not ideal for solar panel systems because of their brittle nature and fire hazard. Many installers will not even touch wood shingles, and the building code can prohibit it as well.
- High fire risk
- Not suitable for brittle material mounting
- Typically ineligible for solar installation
3. Roof Slope and Orientation
Roof pitches for solar panels are best between 15° and 40°, as this increases the quality of sunlight during the day. Even roofs that are too steep or flat can function, but may need custom racking systems to change the panel angle.The sun hits the northern- and southern-facing sides of roofs differently depending on which hemisphere they are in, with south-facing roofs generating more solar energy in the Northern Hemisphere. Suppose you have an easterly or westerly facing roof. In that case, solar panels can still be viable (especially with the more advanced inverter systems now available), but they will likely produce slightly less power.Flat, ugly-looking roofs may also be suitable for the installation of solar panels; some adjustable mounting systems can tilt these to provide the panels with more direct sunlight.
4. Can You Add Solar Panels to Any Roof?
Nearly all roofs are able to accommodate solar panels, though others may need additional or customised standoffs for mounting. For example, flat roofs often have to have tilt brackets, and clay tile roofs might need new tiles, or special flashings to make sure they are installed right. At Solaroof NY, we offer complimentary roof evaluations to determine if your home is ready for solar so you can choose the most effective, least expensive installation option. Our staff inspects the structural integrity of your roof, suggests custom mounting methods and follows local codes and industry standards to guarantee your system operates reliably and without incident.
5. Why Solaroof NY is Your Go-To Expert
Just like choosing the right roof type is important in solar panel installation, selecting the correct contractor matters. Trust us, we are serving from 25+ years of combined roofing and solar energy systems. Our team has developed a skill set to ensure that every installation is structurally sound, cost-efficient, and fits perfectly within the layout of your home. You get peace of mind as we are fully licensed and insured throughout our journey.We can handle everything from inspecting your roof to determine the best solar system for you to installing and maintaining that system on your behalf at our solar design company. We serve homeowners in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn with high-quality service at an affordable price for energy-saving home improvements. All it takes is a request for a free estimate and consultation, and you are well on your way to energy independence.
6. Final Thoughts
Yet what kind of roof works best with solar panels? Which is right for you depends on your goals, roof structure, and budget. However, some of the most solar-friendly roofs are composition or asphalt shingle-covered and standing seam metal. The fact is, just about any roof can become solar-ready if you know howWith solar, your roof is not just a foundation, it is the source of clean energy for at least 25 years to come. Contact Us | Solaroof NYwe strive to make our professional roofing service more efficient and modern by incorporating solar panels.
