Before Solar Panel Installation: Is Your Roof Ready?

Stop. Don’t Sign that Solar Contract Yet.

Solar energy is booming in Central Illinois. With the 30% Federal Tax Credit extended through 2032 and the Illinois Shines incentive program, homeowners in Peoria are rushing to get panels on their roofs.

But before you schedule your solar panel installation, you need to ask one critical question that the solar salesman might not mention: “Is my roof actually ready for this?”

At SNS Roofing, we have seen the nightmare scenario too many times: A homeowner installs a brand new $25,000 solar system on a 15-year-old roof. Five years later, the roof leaks, and they have to pay thousands to remove the panels just to fix the shingles.

Here is the checklist you must follow before the installers arrive.

1. The “10-Year Rule” (Roof Age)

Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years. Your roof needs to last just as long.

• The Rule: If your asphalt shingle roof is more than 10 years old, you should strongly consider replacing it before installing solar.

• The Risk: If you need a new roof in 5 years, you will have to pay a “Detach and Reset” fee to the solar company. This often costs $3,000 to $6,000—eating up all your energy savings.

2. The Structural Integrity Check

Solar panels add significant weight (about 2-4 lbs per square foot).

• The Check: In Peoria, our roofs already carry heavy snow loads in January. Can your rafters handle the combined weight of snow plus panels?

• The Action: Have a roofer inspect your decking and trusses for rot or sagging. If the “bones” are weak, the panels could compromise the structure.

3. Orientation & Shade (The “Peoria Azimuth”)

Solar works best on south-facing roofs.

• The Reality: If your only open roof space faces North or is shaded by a massive Oak tree, the efficiency drops.

• The Tip: Don’t let a sales rep talk you into putting panels on a shaded slope just to sell more units. It’s a waste of money.

4. Financial Incentives in 2026

If your roof is ready, the finances have never been better.

• Federal ITC: You can claim 30% of the total system cost as a federal tax credit. (Source: Department of Energy)

• Illinois SRECs: Under the Illinois Shines program, you get paid for the energy you produce.

• Roof Bundling: Pro Tip: If you replace your roof and install solar at the same time, you may be able to finance them together, though the tax credit usually only applies to the solar portion (talk to your CPA).

5. Metal vs. Asphalt for Solar

If you are re-roofing to prepare for solar, Metal Roofing is the superior choice.

• Why: With a Standing Seam metal roof, we can clamp the solar panels directly to the metal ribs.

• The Benefit: Zero holes. We don’t have to drill through your roof to mount the racks, which means the risk of solar-caused leaks drops to near zero.

Don’t Put a Ferrari Engine in a Rusted Car

Installing high-tech solar panels on an aging roof is a recipe for disaster. Protect your investment by getting a [Roof Inspection] first.

At SNS Roofing, we don’t sell solar panels, but we make sure your home is ready for them. We can verify the life expectancy of your current shingles so you can buy with confidence.

Ready to go green? Contact SNS Roofing today for a pre-solar roof assessment.