How to Check If Your Roof Is Good for Solar in 2026 (Free Checklist)

You are thinking about solar. Before you call an installer or sign anything, run through this checklist. It takes five minutes and could save you thousands.

1. Roof age

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years. Your roof should last at least that long. If your roof is more than 10 years old, get it inspected before installing solar. Replacing a roof after panels are installed costs two to three times more than replacing it first.

Check: When was your roof installed? If you do not know, check your home records or ask a roofer.

2. Roof material

Not all roofs are created equal for solar. Here is how common materials rank:

• Asphalt shingles: Best for solar. Easy to mount, widely supported, most installers prefer them.
• Metal roofing: Good for solar. Standing seam metal roofs are ideal. Corrugated metal works but requires special mounting hardware.
• Tile roofing: Works but costs more. Clay and concrete tiles require special flashings that add to installation cost.
• Flat roofs: Possible but requires ballasted racking systems. Common on commercial properties.
• Wood shake: Problematic. Many installers will not work with wood shake due to fire code restrictions.

Check: What material is your roof? If you have tile or wood shake, expect higher installation costs.

3. Shade

Shade is the number one killer of solar performance. Trees, neighboring buildings, chimneys, and even HVAC units can cast shade on your roof. Even partial shade on one panel can reduce the output of an entire string.

Check: Stand in your yard at noon. Look at your roof. Are there shadows? If yes, you need a professional shading analysis before buying solar.

4. Roof orientation

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs produce the most solar energy. Southwest and southeast orientations are also good. East and west roofs produce less but can still work. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended.

Check: Which way does your roof face? Use a compass app on your phone if you are unsure.

5. Roof pitch

Solar panels work best on roofs with a pitch between 15 and 40 degrees. Steeper roofs require more labor and safety equipment, which increases cost. Very low-pitch roofs may not provide optimal panel angle.

Check: Does your roof have a moderate slope? If it is nearly flat or very steep, factor in additional installation costs.

6. Structural integrity

Solar panels add weight to your roof. A typical residential system adds 2 to 4 pounds per square foot. Your roof structure must support that load.

Check: Has your roof ever sagged, leaked, or been damaged by storms? If yes, get a structural inspection before solar.

7. Local regulations and HOA rules

Some cities have solar access laws that protect your right to install panels. Others have restrictions on panel placement or appearance. Homeowners associations may have their own rules.

Check: Look up your city solar ordinances and HOA guidelines before committing to a system.

8. Your electricity usage

Solar makes the most financial sense when your electricity bill is high. If you use less than 500 kWh per month, the system you need will be small and the savings will be modest.

Check: Pull your last three electricity bills. What is your average monthly usage? Higher usage means more savings potential.

The fastest way to check all of this

Running through this checklist manually takes time and requires some guesswork. A satellite-powered solar roof analysis does it all for you in seconds.

SolrScan analyzes your roof using high-resolution satellite imagery and tells you:

• Whether your roof qualifies for solar
• How many panels will fit
• How much shade affects your roof
• Your estimated annual energy production
• A clear recommendation based on data

The report costs $19. Delivered instantly. No account needed. No sales call.

Get your SolrScan report for $19

Bottom line

Do not guess whether your roof is good for solar. Get the data first. A $19 report takes seconds and gives you the answers you need before you waste time on sales calls or sign a contract.