Can roofs with solar panels be painted? We will introduce maintenance methods and more!

Hello! This is Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!

　　This time, I would like to explain the maintenance methods for homes with 【solar panels】 installed on their roofs!

To help alleviate such questions and concerns, I will explain about roofs with solar panels installed!

What are solar panels?

The solar cells that make up solar panels are made of semiconductors such as silicon.

When sunlight hits them, the internal photoelectric effect and photovoltaic effect occur, which increases the number of electrons within the solar cells, allowing the solar panels to generate electricity.

The annual power generation from residential solar panels installed on roofs is said to average about 13% of the generation capacity if the actual generation equipment were operating at 100% output.

The benefits of installing solar panels include saving on utility costs and the fact that the CO2 emissions from solar power generation are close to zero, making it a environmentally friendly eco-friendly power generation system.

Additionally, in the event of sudden power outages due to disasters, switching to power consumption allows you to use electricity for your home appliances, which is another advantage.

The lifespan is also considered to be over 30 years, allowing for long-term use.

On the other hand, the disadvantages include reduced power generation on cloudy or rainy days, and no power generation at night.

In winter, the daylight hours are shorter compared to summer, so power generation tends to decrease.

Moreover, the cost to install solar panels is approximately between 1,000,000 yen and 2,000,000 yen. Depending on the installation costs, it may take about 10 to 12 years of continued installation to recoup the initial investment.

Now, let’s introduce the maintenance methods and points to note for roofs with solar panels installed!

Maintenance methods and precautions for roofs with solar panels installed

There may come a time when the roof with solar panels is due for renovation.

At such times, you might wonder, can the solar panels be removed? Can it be done as is? There are many questions to consider.

In conclusion, when performing roof overlay work, the installed solar panels can be removed once, the roof overlay work completed, and then the solar panels reinstalled, so there is no issue.

Since the removal and reinstallation of solar panels is a costly process, it is recommended to use more durable roofing materials for the roof overlay method or roof replacement work than for roof painting.
It is advisable to make the solar panel removal and reinstallation last as long as possible with just one operation!

We will introduce three patterns.

Roof Painting with Solar Panel Removal

In the case of roof painting, the solar panels can be removed, allowing for overall roof painting.

The steps are as follows:
・Remove solar panels
・High-pressure washing
・Repair of the base rack installation area
・Protection (including base rack protection)
・Roof painting
・Reinstall solar panels
・Check power generation
These are the steps.

The type of base rack for the solar panels varies depending on the existing roofing material.
In the case of tiles, slate, or shingle materials, holes are drilled into the roof to install the solar panels.
Since holes are drilled into the roof, the risk of water leakage increases accordingly.
Therefore, when the solar panels are removed, it is essential to repair and inspect the waterproofing areas of the base rack installation.

Depending on the condition and age of the existing roof, the roof overlay method or roof replacement work is recommended.
Since solar panel removal and reinstallation is a costly process, it is more economical in the long run to perform roof overlay or replacement work to create a state that requires no maintenance for decades, rather than doing roof painting and then removing and reinstalling the panels again in a few years.

If you are installing new solar panels, for homes less than 5 years old or homes with very good roof conditions, it is necessary to perform roof painting at the time of solar panel installation, or to perform roof overlay work and install solar panels on a new, highly durable roof as countermeasures.

Whether prior roof painting is necessary or not depends not only on the age of the building but also on the condition of the roof, so before installing solar panels, have a reliable roofing contractor thoroughly check the condition of the roof.

Roof Painting Without Solar Panel Removal

If you perform roof painting without removing the solar panels, it is possible to paint while they are still installed, but only once.
The roof under the solar panels is less exposed to sunlight and is less prone to deterioration than roofs without solar panels.
However, it will still deteriorate due to exposure to rain and wind, so during the second painting, proper maintenance of the roof surface where the solar panels are installed is necessary.

When performing roof painting without removing the solar panels, it is important to note that there is a warranty on the solar panels. If paint is applied to the solar panels, high-pressure washing is done, or if the panels are stepped on and broken, the warranty may become void, so it is essential to take care and ensure proper protection.

Regarding high-pressure washing of the solar panels, if you are concerned about dirt on the solar panels and use high-pressure washing, be aware that high-pressure washing uses tap water containing calcium, which may reduce the performance of the solar panels.

If you would like to have dirt removed as well, dilute a neutral or weakly alkaline detergent for glass with tap water and wipe clean.

It is recommended to use a microfiber mop, which is also used by professional contractors, as a tool.

Some roofing contractors may have limited experience with solar panels and may not be very aware of how to handle them, so it is reassuring to communicate your concerns about the handling of solar panels.

Additionally, even if you are painting the roof without removing the solar panels, it is important to have the condition of the roof thoroughly inspected before the painting is done.

If the roof is painted while in poor condition, there is a risk that it may peel off in a short period or cause leaks after the work is completed.

When performing roof overlay or roof replacement work

For roofs that have not been painted for over 20 years, houses over 30 years old, or roofs that are showing signs of leaks in some areas, simply painting the roof may be too late, so caution is advised.

In cases where the roof has already deteriorated to a point where painting alone cannot suffice, it will be necessary to remove the solar panels and perform roof overlay or replacement work.

Below are the steps for the roof overlay method on roofs with solar panels installed.
・Remove solar panels
・Dismantle and remove the base rack (can be reused if the new roofing material is single-layer)
・Roof overlay method
・Install new base rack
・Install solar panels
・Confirm power generation

When performing the roof overlay method using roofing materials made of Galvalume steel, you cannot use types that fix by making holes in the existing base rack roof.
Since it is necessary to install a base rack compatible with the new roofing material, costs for new base rack fittings will be incurred.
Although this will incur costs, the base rack for installing solar panels on Galvalume steel roofing is of a catch type, which allows for fixing the solar panels without making holes in the roofing material, thus eliminating the risk of leaks.

Our company recommends either the overlay method or replacement when removing and reinstalling solar panels.
By performing the overlay method or replacement with highly durable roofing materials in one removal and reinstallation, you can avoid significant maintenance costs for 35 to 40 years.

To ensure not only the roof but also your home lasts in better condition, please consider maintenance that matches the condition of your roof!

Summary

This was about the maintenance methods and precautions for roofs with solar panels installed.

The number of homes with solar panels is expected to continue to increase in the future.

While there are many benefits to installation, there are also points that require attention, so it is advisable to carefully consider the timing of installation and roofing work.

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. in Yokohama, we handle the removal and installation of solar panels as well as roof overlay work, and we have extensive experience! If you have any questions, please feel free to consult us!

We hope this has been helpful for those considering installing solar panels or those who already have them but are unsure about the timing for roof maintenance.

Thank you for reading!

 

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. in Yokohama, we offer free estimates and inspections! If you have any concerns regarding roofs, rain gutters, exterior walls, or exterior work, please consult with Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!
We carry out everything from temporary scaffolding work to roof construction and exterior painting entirely in-house. We are confident that our costs, quality, and efficiency in exterior work are unmatched compared to other companies!
We welcome competitive estimates with confidence!
You’ll be glad you chose us! We take every request seriously to ensure you feel that way.

Additionally, we have published information on the costs of roof construction and pricing plans for the roof overlay (cover method), so please take a look if you’re interested!

We look forward to your inquiries. Thank you very much.

 

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