There are so many roof types, solar panels can be mounted on many different types of roofs with many different requirements. To properly install solar panels, it is important to consider profiles, gauges, metal types and considerations within metal roofing materials.

So it's important to work with a trusted solar installer who can confidently pick the right mounting bracket for your metal roof solar panels.

These are the basic ways install solar panels on metal roof

Metal roofs and solar panels pair well together

Metal roofs are very suitable for solar panels, since they are long-lasting. You may also want to invest in a metal roof installation if it's time to replace your roof.

Asphalt composite shingles last just 15-20 years, whereas metal roofs last up to 70 years. A solar panel installation usually lasts 25 years, but a good system will keep working for a long time after that.

When it is time to replace the panels, say 30-35 years from now, you simply swap them out without having to mount brackets and rails. Considering you'll be staying in your home for a long time, this may save you time and money in the future.

Installing solar on standing seam metal roofs

You can mount solar panels on metal standing seam roofs by clamping them onto the seams.

The roof will not require any holes to be drilled. The solar installation process will be faster, labor will be reduced, and your roof won't be penetrated by water.

solar rib roofing

Each clamp is constructed from high strength aluminum and secured with one ore two bolts. Solar systems come with at least a 10-year warranty, but should easily last longer.

Solar roof mounting for corrugated metal roofs

Those with metallic corrugated roofs will require a different mounting technique. A special bracket is attached to the top crests of the corrugations, so that the drainage areas below the top crests are not harmed.

You don't have to worry about installing messy sealant on your roof with top quality brackets. They come with rubber gasket seals.

For solar panel systems installed on trapezoidal metal roofs

There are typically more flat areas between each peak of trapezoidal roofing, and each ridge's height can vary. Therefore, trapezoidal metal roof brackets are also shaped differently.

Installation of these brackets is similar to that of corrugated metal brackets. The brackets are designed to fit snugly over the trapezoidal ridges of the roof, ensuring that the drill holes are positioned above the roof's base level. However, for this type of roof, it is standard practice to use sealant in order to prevent leaks.

There are over 15 different kinds of bracket mounts available for trapezoidal roof types alone according to Supersolar solar roof mounting solution.

You should be wary of installers who only use two types of fasteners. It is likely that roof's integrity will be compromised in order to fit, and you do not want that to be the case!

Installer fall protection on corrugated or trapezoidal metal roofs

It is important to be aware of an additional point regarding safety and roof leakage if your metal roof is corrugated or trapezoidal. As there aren't standing seams to clamp roof anchors to, safety equipment needs to be mounted directly on your roof.

In most cases, this will require drilling a hole in your roof structure to attach the anchor.

Ensure your installer uses a fall protection anchor that won't lead to roof leaks once the anchor is removed after the job has been completed.