Path-Q Solar
What should I do if two installers disagree about whether my roof is suitable?
Answer
Do not choose solely on the basis of confidence or price; obtain the technical reasons for each conclusion and seek an independent roof assessment when the disagreement concerns structure, age, moisture, or remaining roof life. Separate roof suitability from solar design suitability and require a written scope for any repairs or replacement.
Key points
- Ask each installer to identify the specific defect, load concern, roof-life assumption, or installation limitation.
- A solar installer may assess mounting feasibility, while a roofer or structural professional may be better placed to assess roof condition or structure.
- Roof replacement before solar may reduce future removal and reinstallation risk but increases upfront cost.
- A roof that can physically hold panels may still be a poor candidate if it needs repair soon or has difficult access.
What it depends on
- Roof age, material, condition, and remaining service life
- Structural framing and proposed mounting loads
- Moisture, leakage, and prior repairs
- Array size and mounting design
- Independent inspection findings
Risks and trade-offs
- Installing on a marginal roof can lead to removal costs, leaks, or structural and warranty disputes.
- Replacing a serviceable roof too early ties up capital and may affect project timing.
- An installer may have commercial incentives that differ from an independent assessor's.
Information you may need
- Written findings from both installers
- Roof inspection and, if needed, structural assessment
- Roof age, warranty, and repair history
- Proposed mounting plan and repair or replacement prices
Your next step
What to do next
Obtain an independent roof assessment and ask both installers to revise their designs and prices using the same documented roof condition.
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