Should I repair or replace my roof before going solar?

Since solar arrays generally last 25-30+ years, you’ll want to install them atop a newer roof.

Going further, solar panels weigh approximately 35-50 pounds each, plus an additional 4 to 6 pounds per square foot of racking and mounting hardwire.  This means that a 40 panel array could weigh approximately 2,000 pounds or more!

For obvious reasons, the structural integrity of your roof is a key component to a successful solar array installation.

See also:

What kind of roofs can solar be installed on?
My home received hail damage, can you remove and reinstall my solar array?
I’m selling my house, can I take my solar with me?
I just bought a house with solar on it, but I know nothing about it. Can you help me?