Are your roofing materials ready to support solar?.
August 19, 2026
By Zach Stopyro
Energy price volatility has many homeowners concerned about keeping up with rising costs. So perhaps it’s no surprise that interest in solar panels in Canada is on the rise. “Canada’s solar industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, driven by falling panel costs, strong federal incentives and growing consumer awareness,” reported Solar Calculator Canada, which noted a national growth rate of 18 percent. For homeowners considering adding rooftop solar, it also may be an ideal time to replace their roof if it’s nearing the end of its life. This will help avoid having to remove the solar panels to replace the roof later, which can add to costs and risk damaging the panels.
Composite roofing for solar projects
When choosing a roofing material to pair with solar panels, some of the most important things to consider are longevity and durability. Not only does the roof need to withstand the added weight and penetrations, but it should also be a material that will last as long as, if not longer than, the solar panels themselves. Of the many materials available for roofing, composite tiles meet the needs for a robust substrate under photovoltaic (PV) panels along with a host of other advantages. Composite roofing is made with engineered polymers, resulting in roofing that is low maintenance, stands up to extreme weather and lasts for decades. While man-made, composite roof tiles are modeled from actual hand-split cedar shake and slate to ensure natural, non-repeating beauty. These benefits translate into positives for Canadian solar projects in several ways.
- Long lifespan reduces replacement risk
Solar panels are typically designed to last 25 years or more. If the roof material isn’t engineered for a similar or longer lifespan, homeowners will need to remove solar panels to replace the roof, which can be expensive and lead to damage. A composite roof can last 50 years or longer, whereas asphalt shingles typically require replacement every 15 to 20 years.
- Fire and impact resistance
Some jurisdictions may not allow solar panel installation on cedar roofs due to fire hazard concerns. Composite roofing can offer the authentic look of cedar, but is made with an engineered polymer impregnated with fire retardant and advanced UV and thermal stabilizers, and at least one industry option carries a Class A fire rating.
- A walkable roof surface
Installing solar panels over a composite roof is easier than with more rigid roofing products like natural slate or clay. And because the synthetic roofing material will not break when walked on, it’s also easier to access the solar arrays should they need repair or service in the future.
- Low maintenance
Composite roofing requires virtually no maintenance and is resistant to mould, mildew, moss and algae growth. This means fewer worries about what’s happening underneath the solar panels or about needing to access the roof to perform maintenance.
- Suitable for cold temperatures
Composite roofing can extend the installation season. While some roofing materials can’t be installed when the outside temperature is below four degrees Celsius, one composite roofing manufacturer’s engineered resin system helps the tiles remain flexible in cold temperatures. These synthetic slate and shake tiles can usually be installed in temperatures as cold as minus-six C.
Solar meets composite in Seattle
One Seattle resident recently saw the benefits of composite when he combined a roof replacement with solar installation. The 1963 ranch-style home where Jacob Dryer has lived for nine years had aging cedar shake, which he replaced with DaVinci Roofscapes Select Shake along with an array of solar panels and a retractable awning.
“I believe the composite shake roof stays true to the home’s Mid-Century style,” Dryer said. “The Aged Cedar colour I selected is complementary to my house colour. It definitely has improved the curb appeal. I’ve had very positive comments from my neighbors!”
To transform the old roof into his state-of-the-art, energy-efficient roof, Dryer relied on two companies: Sun Path Electric, which designed the system and installed the solar panels, and Three Tree Roofing, which handled the roofing installation. “If technicians need to walk on the roof in the future to service either the skylights, awning or solar panels, there won’t be a problem,” said CJ McConaghy, co-owner of Three Tree Roofing, explaining that real cedar would not have allowed this.
“The final product is immaculate,” McConaghy added. “The robust features and Aged Cedar colour of the roof bring out the other characteristics of the house perfectly. Together, the new skylights and solar panels, highlighted by the shakes, make this roof absolutely stunning.”
