Can installing solar panels cause a roof leak? Any roof penetration carries some risk, but proper mounting and flashing help protect the roof from water intrusion.

In this video, Mitch from Big Dog Solar demonstrates a typical mounting setup. The bracket connects the solar racking to the roof, while a flashing piece extends underneath the existing shingles. This allows rain and melting snow to flow over the mounting area and down the roof.

Big Dog Solar reports that fewer than one-tenth of one percent of its installations have experienced roof-leak issues. Individual results depend on the roof’s condition, mounting method, weather, and installation quality.

Learn more about residential solar installation from Big Dog Solar’s Boise and Pocatello teams. You can also visit the Solar School, watch more educational videos, or request a quote.

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Hey, guys. Mitch with Big Dog Solar here.

A question we receive quite often is, “Will my solar system cause roof leaks?” It is an understandable concern. If you are unfamiliar with how solar panels are mounted, I am here to put your mind at ease and show you a few tricks of the trade.

Let’s take a look at how the mounting system works.

What we have here is a small display setup that provides a good example of how we mount solar panels in most cases. We have the racking, the angle-iron mounting bracket, and a flashing piece that extends underneath the existing shingles.

The flashing can fit underneath two layers of shingles. Water flows over it and continues down the roof, just as it would with other properly installed roof flashing.

That is how the panels are installed and how we help prevent leaks. There will always be some risk with a roof penetration, but homeowners should feel comfortable with the way the system is designed.

We have experienced very few problems. In fact, fewer than one-tenth of one percent of our installations have had any type of roof-leak issue.

You are in good hands with Big Dog Solar. See you later!

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