How to Tell If Your Roof Is Right for Solar Panels
- Newport Solar Staff
- Jan 10
- 3 min read
A Homeowner’s Guide
Thinking about switching to solar energy but not sure whether your roof is a good fit? Your roof plays a major role in how efficiently a solar system performs and how long it lasts.
The good news is that many homes are excellent candidates for solar, even if they are not perfectly oriented or brand new. A professional evaluation looks at several key factors to determine whether solar makes sense for your home and how to design the most effective system.
Below are the primary considerations solar professionals use when assessing roof suitability.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, most residential roofs in the United States are suitable for solar with modern system design and equipment.
Roof Orientation and Pitch
The direction and angle of your roof influence how much sunlight your solar panels can capture throughout the year.
In Rhode Island and across New England, south-facing roofs generally produce the most energy because they receive consistent sunlight during peak daylight hours. East- and west-facing roofs can also perform very well, particularly when the pitch is moderate. While these orientations may generate slightly less energy than a south-facing array, they are often still strong candidates for solar.
General guidelines include:
Ideal pitch for south-facing roofs: 25–45 degrees
Ideal pitch for east- or west-facing roofs: 10–25 degrees
North-facing roofs typically receive less direct sunlight, but that does not automatically rule out solar. In many cases, installers can design systems that use other roof planes or optimize performance through layout and equipment selection.
Shading and Sun Exposure
Sun exposure plays a major role in how much energy a solar system produces. Shade from trees, chimneys, nearby buildings, and roof features can reduce output, especially when panels are shaded during peak daylight hours.
That said, shading does not automatically rule out solar. Professional solar design includes a detailed site and shade analysis to understand how sunlight moves across your roof throughout the day and across seasons. When shade is present, experienced installers can often reduce its impact through thoughtful panel placement, selective tree trimming, or the use of advanced system components.
Many modern solar systems use microinverter technology, such as those from Enphase, which allows each panel to operate independently. This helps minimize the effect of partial shading and supports more consistent energy production across the system.
It is also important to consider seasonal sun angles in New England. While winter days are shorter, solar panels are designed to perform efficiently even when the sun sits lower in the sky. Cooler temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency, and light snow typically slides off panels quickly due to their smooth surface and tilt. A well-designed system accounts for these seasonal changes to deliver reliable, year-round performance.
Roof Age and Structural Condition
Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more, so it is important that your roof is in good condition before installation.
Common signs your roof may need attention include:
Curling or cracked shingles
Missing shingles
Visible leaks or water damage
Installing solar on an aging or compromised roof can lead to additional costs later if the system needs to be removed for repairs. During the evaluation process, installers also assess whether the roof structure can safely support the added weight of a solar array. This step ensures the system is secure and built to last.
Roof Size and Roofing Material
The size of your roof affects how many panels can be installed and how much energy your system can produce. Larger, unobstructed roof sections provide more flexibility in system design and often result in higher energy output.
Roofing material also plays a role:
Composite (asphalt) shingles and metal roofs are typically ideal for solar installations
Rubber, slate, or cedar shake roofs can still support solar, but often require custom mounting solutions
An experienced installer will evaluate your roof type and design a system that protects both the performance of the solar array and the integrity of your home.
What This Means for Your Home
Determining whether your roof is right for solar helps ensure your investment delivers long-term value, reliability, and performance. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that even roofs with less-than-ideal conditions can still support highly effective solar systems when designed thoughtfully.
If you are considering solar and want guidance tailored to your home, a professional evaluation is the best next step. A reputable local installer like Newport Solar can assess your roof, answer your questions, and help you understand the best options for your property.