Adding solar the smart way

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

What roofers need to know before jumping into a solar retrofit project.  

From tax credits to energy independence and a lower electricity bill, there are many reasons why adding solar to a roof is beneficial. But, as all roofers know, adding solar to an existing roof is not as simple as just putting a panel up and calling it a day. To learn more about the process of starting a solar retrofit process, Greg Hlavaty and Hal Leland from Western Colloid stopped by for an episode of the Understanding Roof Restoration podcast all about adding solar. 

The first thing that must be considered is the current state of the roof. Greg, the president of Western Colloid, says that a solar panel system is expected to last 20-25 years, but is often put on a roof that won’t last that long. He also tells us that the type of roof the solar panels are being put on is important to take into account.  

“There's also different types of roofs that don't take solar really well for the long term,” he said. “The type of roof that you've got is a consideration. And you need to ask yourself how much longer that roof is going to last?”   

In terms of which roofs are more compatible with solar panels, Hal, general manager of Western Colloid, says that their acrylic-based roof coating systems are a reliable option. Not only do they go well with solar panels, but they can also go over many types of pre-existing roofs. They are also a more cost-effective roofing option, which is great for your clients who invest a lot of money in solar panels and don’t have a lot left over for their roofs. 

“We can actually go under the solar, we can do all the penetrations. It's a perfect fit,” Hal said. “The Western Colloid fluid-applied systems are all-acrylic, and polyester enforced.” 

Check out the entire episode to learn more about the ins and outs of retrofitting a commercial roof for solar.