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What Type of Roof Is Best for Homes With Solar Panels?

  • Maximize solar efficiency with the right roofing material
  • Avoid costly compatibility mistakes with your solar investment
  • Get roofing guidance from Midwest solar-savvy experts

You’re ready to go solar — or maybe you already have.
You want lower energy bills, more independence, and a greener home.
But there’s one important question many homeowners forget to ask:
“Is my roof the right type for solar panels?”

At Premium Roofing Solutions, we don’t just think about shingles — we think about your whole system.
If you’re planning solar now or in the near future, the right roofing material will save you time, money, and future headaches.

Not All Roofs Are Solar-Ready

Let’s start here: yes, most roofs can support solar panels — but that doesn’t mean they all should.

Some materials and designs make installation harder, drive up costs, or even shorten the lifespan of your investment.

The best roofing options for solar in Wisconsin? Let’s break them down:

1. Asphalt Shingles (Best Overall Option)

This is the most common — and the most compatible — roofing material for solar panels.

  • Easy for installers to work with
  • Affordable to replace or upgrade before solar goes on
  • Most solar mounting systems are designed for asphalt roofs
  • Repairs are simple even with panels in place

If your asphalt roof is over 15 years old, we’ll often recommend replacing it before adding solar — so you don’t have to uninstall and reinstall panels later.

2. Standing Seam Metal Roofs (Most Durable Option)

Planning to live in your home long-term? Metal might be the way to go.

  • Long lifespan (40–70 years)
  • Panels can attach without penetrating the metal
  • Extremely weather-resistant for Midwest conditions
  • Great for snow shedding and solar efficiency in winter

Yes, it’s a higher upfront investment — but pairing solar with metal is one of the smartest, longest-lasting combos available.

What to Be Cautious About

Some roofing materials complicate solar installs or make them more expensive:

  • Clay or slate tiles: Beautiful, but fragile — hard to work with
  • Wood shake: Flammable and often restricted by fire codes
  • Old roofs: Installing solar on a worn-out roof is like painting over a cracked wall — it won’t last

If your roof is nearing the end of its life, we highly recommend replacing it before you go solar.

We Coordinate With Your Solar Company

One of the biggest mistakes we see? Roofers and solar installers not talking to each other.

At Premium Roofing Solutions, we work hand-in-hand with solar pros to make sure your roof:

  • Has the proper underlayment and ventilation
  • Can support solar load
  • Includes the right flashing around brackets
  • Stays leak-free long after the panels are up

Thinking About Solar? Let’s Future-Proof Your Roof.

Whether you’re installing panels next month or two years from now, we’ll help you choose a roofing system that supports your solar goals.

Book a free roof inspection today — and we’ll make sure your roof is ready to shine.