Solar Roof Readiness Checker
Before you invest in solar, understand what to check on your roof. Answer a few questions to get a preliminary readiness category and practical next steps.
Roof age (or approximate installation year)
Roof material
Any visible leaks, damaged shingles, or missing tiles?
Is roof replacement planned or already underway?
Have you had a professional roof inspection?
Substantial tree shading on the roof?
Are you considering solar within the next 12 months?
Please answer all required questions (marked with *) to see your results.
A few minutes to your answer
- 1
Answer roof questions
Tell us about your roof's age, material, condition, and shading.
- 2
Get your category
We'll place you in a readiness category based on your answers.
- 3
Review next steps
See what to do next, from inspections to exploring solar savings.
- 4
Explore related tools
Link to the Solar Savings Calculator or request a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What Roof Do You Need for Solar in Florida?
The ideal Florida solar roof is architectural shingle less than 10 years old, with at least 15 years of remaining life, and a pitch between 2/12 and 6/12. Metal and tile roofs are excellent candidates if they have 20+ years remaining. Roofs over 10–12 years old should be replaced before solar to avoid $3,000–$6,000 in panel removal and reinstallation costs when the roof eventually fails.
Roof Age vs. Solar Viability
| Roof Age | Material | Solar Viability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Any | ✅ Excellent | Install solar now |
| 5–10 years | Shingle | ✅ Good | Install solar now |
| 10–15 years | Shingle | ⚠️ Marginal | Get inspection; replace if under 10 years remaining |
| 15+ years | Shingle | ❌ Poor | Replace roof first, then solar |
| Any age | Metal/Tile | ✅ Excellent | Install solar; verify 20+ years remaining |
Critical Note: Solar panels add 3–4 pounds per square foot and penetrate your roof. If your roof fails under the array, removing and reinstalling panels costs $3,000–$6,000. Replacing the roof BEFORE solar is almost always cheaper than doing it after.
Florida Building Code: What Your Roof Must Handle
Florida has the strictest roofing codes in the country, especially in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Broward and Palm Beach counties.
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Wind load rating | Solar racking and roof must resist component and cladding loads per FBC Table R301.2(2) |
| Flashing standards | All penetrations must meet NRCA practices and FBC HVHZ requirements |
| Secondary water resistance | Peel-and-stick membrane under primary underlayment is required in many counties |
| Pathways and setbacks | 36-inch pathways on roof planes; 18-inch setback at ridge for fire access |
Roof First vs. Solar First: The Cost Difference
| Approach | Roof Cost | Solar Cost | Remove & Reset | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof first, then solar | $14,000–$18,000 (shingle) | $22,000–$28,000 | $0 | $36,000–$46,000 |
| Solar first, re-roof in 6 years | $14,000–$18,000 (future dollars) | $22,000–$28,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $39,000–$52,000 |
The math is simple: replacing your roof before solar saves $3,000–$6,000 in detach and reinstall costs.
Related Resources
Fix Your Envelope First, Then Size Solar
Fix your envelope first, then size solar. Air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing reduce your cooling load — which means you can install a smaller, cheaper solar system.