How to install a solar kit on any metal roof

A few days ago, we launched the new Metal Roof solar kit. Many of our customers are interested in this new product, and they have reached out to ask whether they can install it in their homes and if their roofs are suitable for these fixings. In this blog, we will answer these questions.

Many types of metal roofs

To determine the ideal mount for your installation, the first step is to check if your roof is suitable. There are several types of metal roofs, and here are some of the most common ones.

1) Sandwich panels

One of the most common metal roofs, this metal roof type consists of two metal layers with an insulating core. It is commonly used in industrial buildings, warehouses, and modern homes due to its high thermal resistance.

2) Galvanized steel sheets

This is a widely used material for roofs in coastal and industrial areas, as its zinc coating prevents corrosion and extends durability. If you live on the southern coast of Europe, it’s very likely you have this type of roof.

3) Granulated metal sheet

Common in residential buildings, this mineral-coated sheet offers excellent resistance and insulation. Its textured surface also improves grip for mounting hardware, making it ideal for securely installing solar kits.

4) Lacquered steel

If your roof is made of lacquered steel, it has a protective paint coating that enhances durability and aesthetics, making it common in modern constructions and industrial facilities. The protective paint matches well with the aesthetics of the Aiko solar panels, seamlessly fitting it into the structure of your building.

5) Stainless steel

This type of roof is ideal for areas with high humidity, such as coastal or rainy regions, due to its resistance to corrosion. Our solar kits are not affected by humidity, and in areas where there’s less heat, solar energy production is even more efficient.

6) Aluminum sheet

A lightweight and corrosion-resistant option, aluminum is frequently used for mobile homes, sheds, and carports. Thanks to the compact size of our solar panels, installing them on sheds is no problem. Aluminum roofs are ideal for bifacial panels (like our QN Solar ones) due to the material’s excellent reflective properties, that make you produce solar energy from both sides of the panel.

7) Iron roof

Traditional, but susceptible to rust if not properly maintained, these roofs are commonly found on agricultural facilities. However, there’s no need to worry about corrosion, as all our mounts are high-quality components designed with corrosion-resistant protection.

Non-Metal Roofs

We’ve also received questions about some non-metal roofs. These are the most common materials we’ve seen among our customers:

• Polycarbonate Sheets

This material is often used in structures where natural light is needed, such as terraces, polycarbonate combines strength with transparency. In some cases, it is mixed with metal sheets, and certain polycarbonate panels are thick and strong enough to support the weight of our solar panels without any problem.

• Uralite

Many customers have concerns about Uralite, an old roofing material commonly used in garden structures, it's easy to break and contains asbestos. Due to its hazardous composition, it poses serious health risks and is unsuitable for solar panel installation. For this reason, we strongly recommend avoiding any type of mounting on Uralite roofs. If possible, we advise replacing the Uralite roof with a safer material to ensure the health and safety of your family.

Different angles

After you figure out what kind of metal roof you have, the next step is to determine which of the two metal roof options you need, based on your roof inclination. We offer two versions of Metal Roof solar kits:

• Metal roof without inclination: If the angle of your roof is between 0° and 20° you should opt for the Metal Roof solar kit with angle. This kit comes with a 30° tilt angle that is specifically designed to maximize solar energy production for roofs with no or minimal slope.
• Metal roof with inclination: If the angle of your roof is greater than 20° you should pick the Metal Roof solar kit without angle. The mount has no angle of its own, since your roof’s inclination already optimizes solar energy intake and the final angle of your installation will depend on the inclination of your roof.
  

Different screws

Once you've identified your metal roof type and chosen the ideal mount based on the roof's inclination, simply place the mount and secure it using screws. Choose the best option based on your roof's specifications. Since the type of screws depends on your roof's specifics, the mount is supplied without them, allowing you to select the most suitable ones for your installation. Here are some options:

• Self-drilling screw: If your metal roof is placed on metal bars, use a Self-drilling screw that allows you to drill and join both metal pieces together with its self-tapping tip.
• Wood screw: If your metal roof is placed on a wooden structure, use this wood screw to secure the metal plate to the wooden frame.
• Hex-head self-tapping screw: If your metal roof is made from a sandwich panel, use a Hex-head self-tapping screw thick enough to traverse your sandwich panel.
• Screw with anchor: If your metal roof is placed over a structure made of concrete, use a screw with anchor to secure the panel in a robust and secure manner.

Conclusion

Metal roofs are an excellent choice for installing solar kits. Their superior heat dissipation prevents excessive buildup under the panels, optimizing energy production. Additionally, their reflective surfaces and adaptable structures make installation easy and efficient.

No matter the type or angle of your metal roof, we have the perfect solar solution for you. Start generating your own energy and take control of your electricity bills today! If you have questions, contact us via email, WhatsApp or call us directly.