Metal and solar: A powerful duo

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Designed for durability and longevity, metal roofs are the ideal surface for solar panel installation.  

For decades, roofers have trusted metal roofing materials to provide durability, longevity and energy efficiency in a way that few other roofing materials can. Because of these factors, metal has quickly become one of the most sought-after roofing choices on today’s market. Homeowners of new and older homes alike appreciate metal for its aesthetics and sturdiness, while commercial property owners love it just the same! No matter the project need, there’s likely a way in which metal is the ideal solution.  

For example, metal roofs are the perfect material choice for a home or commercial building that utilizes solar power. It’s the ideal surface for installing solar racks, where fasteners can be easily hidden and no penetration is needed, meaning fewer risks of leaks and other damage penetration points might cause. Because of this, the applied solar panels and other equipment can seamlessly blend with the metal panels’ modern aesthetics without the risk of roof or water damage.   

Solar power systems have long lifespans, often warrantied for 20–25-year spans, which means they need a system that can last just as long. Asphalt, for example, often has a lifespan of half that time. So, it stands to reason that metal roofing, with a lifespan extending 60 years or more, is the best match.  

With metal roofing and solar power system combos being the new normal, the possibilities are endless for what can be achieved with this superpowered combo. Whether you’re aiming to build an ultramodern farmhouse that is selfsustained or powering up a large corporate campus, metal roofs and solar panels are a match made in heaven.  

To showcase the incredible visuals and power this pairing can bring to a project, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) put together a collection of notable construction projects featuring a stunning metal roof and solar panel configurations.  

Visit the MBMA website to see these case studies in action and be inspired by what’s possible when you combine solar with metal!