Homeowners interested in solar panels for their home can often overlook the condition of their roof as an important qualifier in the solar installation process. Not every home is going to qualify for solar and that’s just the reality of it. Whether it be shading, the home’s energy usage, or the condition of the home’s roof. Shading can be remedied with tree work, while a new roof replacement can remedy any roofing issues.
It is important to understand that the solar panels and inverters available in today’s market are strong in quality, production, and warranty. When you install solar panels, you are installing a power plant on your roof with a 25-30 lifespan — with some products like Maxeon solar modules even have a 40-year warranty!
Your roof is the foundation of your solar installation. The system that is going to last for over 25-years first needs a strong starting point. If your roof isn’t expected to last another 25-years, installing solar without first address the roof can cause unnecessary costs and complications down the line.
More and more homeowners today in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida are pairing roof replacements with the installation of their solar panels. And with Public Service Solar’s status as a GAF Master Elite Roofer, we make it easy to get started right with a good foundation from the very beginning.
Why Roof Condition Matters Before Installing Solar
Solar panels last 25+ years on average. While your roof might be fine for an installation today — 5, 10 or 20 years down the line it might be a very different story. If you were to install on an older roof that needs replacement down the line, you are looking at removing and reinstalling (R&R).
Removal and installation is not free or charge of course. First the system must be completely turned off. Then the panels, inverters, and mounts are removed one by one. They are stored safely on a truck, or in the driveway, garage etc. while the roofing installation is underway. After the roofing installation is complete, new mounts must be installed, and then the rails, inverters and modules. A typical cost for R&R can run between $3,000-$8,000+. Money that could have best been spent on a new roof to begin with.
Furthermore, when planning for a solar installation building permits are required. Included in a standard permit package is a structural building permit. By which a certified engineer or architect must put their professional stamp on the line to certify that not only can the roof handle the weight of the solar panels, but also the weight of the solar panels with heavy snowloads and in hurricane force winds. If the roof is in such bad condition that there are structural deficiencies, the project may get put on hold altogether.
Another consideration is warranty implications and insurance considerations. Typical solar panels installations are warrantied for 25 + years with Public Service Solar going a step beyond with our industry leading Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. This would include the system components and the physical roof penetrations themselves. What is not covered is leaking unrelated to the solar which can be a result of poor roof conditions.
How Long Do Different Roof Types Last?
Asphalt Shingles (Most Common in NJ & PA)
The most common roof type in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania solar markets are asphalt shingle roofs. Most asphalt shingle roofs have a 20-30 year lifespan.
Signs of aging include:
- Curling or buckling shingles
- Granule loss in gutters
- Dark streaking or algae growth
- Missing or lifted shingles
If your asphalt roof is 15 years or older, a professional inspection is highly recommended before installing solar.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are strong foundations for solar and with a 40-70 year lifespan, metal roofs are arguably the best surface for solar installations . We often see metal roofs in the PA & NJ markets on buildings like barns. In all Public Service Solar Markets (NJ, PA, and FL) metal roofs on a residence are premium and often seen on high-end homes. Besides the resilience of a metal roof, many standing seam metal roofs can utilize specialized solar clamps which require no roof penetrations at all.
However, older metal roofs should still be inspected for:
- Rusting
- Loose fasteners
- Panel separation
Tile Roofing (Common in Florida)
Typical lifespan: 30–50 years
Tile roofs are durable but require specialized mounting techniques. Cracked tiles, underlayment deterioration, and improper flashing can create issues if not addressed prior to solar installation.
In hurricane-prone areas of Florida, wind-rated mounting systems are especially important.
- 30–50 year lifespan
- Tile breakage risk
- Proper mounting technique matters
The 15-Year Rule — When to Consider Replacing Your Roof First
One of the first qualifying questions you will be asked when calling into Public Service Solar will be “how old is your roof?” Of course every situation is unique, but at Public Service Solar we generally take the age of 15 years as the the age in which we would recommend re-roofing.
If a roof is 15-20 years old, the solar lifespan will exceed the roof’s lifespan. When you can consider the cost of a new roof vs. the cost of R&R in the future, the cost of doing a new roof at the time of installation is way more financially advantageous.
Roof ad solar cost comparison example:
- Replace roof now + install solar
vs - Install solar → remove → re-install later
Why More Homeowners Are Combining Roof Replacement + Solar in 2026
In 2026, market conditions have shifted. Equipment pricing has normalized after the 2025 rush and solar financing options have evolved. As a result, many homeowners are choosing to upgrade their roof and solar system together. The benefits of combining the work include:
- One contractor handling both projects
- Unified warranties
- Streamlined permits
- Financing options that include roofing and solar
- No finger-pointing between separate companies
With Public Service Solar, you can expect a solar installation with our Platinum Promise – Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on your solar installations AND the GAF Golden Pledge Lifetime Roofing Warranty on your roof installation.
Solar financing allows the homeowner to finance additional site work needed for the completion of the solar project which can include tree removal as well as roof replacement. When financing a solar and roofing installation it is possible to still be cashflow positive from the day one with the right set up. Of course every home is different, but with new solar PPA options, savings with an upgraded roof are possible!
When combining a roof and solar with one company, there is no contractor blame game, better warranty protection.
How to Determine if You Need a New Roof Before Solar?
Here are common red flags:
- Active roof leaks
- Soft spots or sagging decking
- Shingles curling or lifting
- Excessive granule loss
- Damaged flashing
- Previous patchwork repairs
- Roof older than 20 years
At Public Service Solar, we include a pre-sale site survey free of charge. By discussing the age of the roof with the homeowner and viewing satellite images, we can get a pretty good idea of the situation, but nothing beats an on-site assessment.
Many solar companies will require a deposit or letter of intent before rolling a truck on site. Not Public Service Solar. We want our customers to be confident in their decision to go solar. An on-site assessment can verify measurements, shading, electrical infrastructure, and of course the condition of the roof.
During the complimentary site survey, our experienced solar technician will arrive on site and complete the following assessments:
- Verify roof measurements down to the centimeter – This is important in eliminating the need for change orders or future cancellations. It gives the customer full confidence in the layout and pricing staying the same from the beginning of the process.
- Inspect shingle condition – On site our technician will inspect the shingles looking for signs of uplift, degradation, and granular loss.
- Inspect electrical infrastructure of home – Our technician will verify the electrical panel and amperage of the home’s electrical infrastructure verifying any possible needs for electrical upgrades.
If a roof inspector determines the roof has less than 10 years of remaining life, installing solar without reroofing may not be recommended.
Remember: solar permits require structural certification. If your roof doesn’t meet standards, it may delay your project.
Get Started with Free Roof & Solar Evaluation in NJ, PA & FL
If you are interested in solar panels for your home but are unsure whether your roof may be in need of a replacement, leave it to the professionals. With Public Service Solar’s free, pre-sale site evaluation you can expect:
- Drone inspection
- Solar production modeling
- No obligation quote
- Roofing + solar bundled options
- Financing & PPA available
We’ll even go a step further and an upon installation include complimentary wire guards. This ensures a clean, finished look while protecting your roof even further but eliminating access points for birds and critters.
Contact Public Service Solar today to get started!
