Will Commercial Solar Panels Void My Roof Warranty?

Fundamentals of commercial roof warranties

Improving your commercial property offers various avenues for investment, with prioritizing a high-quality roof standing out as essential. A durable roof not only shields your building from weather elements but also ensures the comfort and safety of your tenants. Given the considerable expense associated with flat roofs for commercial buildings, safeguarding your investment is crucial.

Now, you're considering integrating solar panels into your commercial property, recognizing their potential to generate clean energy and offset escalating energy expenses. However, you're cautious about potential implications for your building and its warranties. While commercial solar panels offer numerous benefits, you're concerned about whether they might void your roof warranty.

In general, properly installed commercial solar panels are unlikely to invalidate your roof warranty. However, several critical factors must be considered, including the type of warranty, its terms, the expertise of the contractor, and adherence to appropriate installation procedures. By ensuring compliance with these factors, you can confidently pursue your solar panel investment without compromising your roof warranty.

If you had a commercial roof installed by a licensed contractor, you probably received a warranty. There are two types: manufacturer and workmanship. A manufacturer’s warranty covers product repair or replacement for a specific time, provided the installation was correct. It protects against defective materials or accidental failure. Workmanship warranties cover installation and products, safeguarding against mistakes or poor quality. They are typically shorter-term but indicate the contractor's confidence in their work.

When planning a solar program for your commercial building, start by reviewing the roof's documentation. This includes installation details, recent repairs, and warranty terms. Knowing the roof's age, original installer, and materials used provides insight into the warranty coverage. Next, carefully read the terms to determine if the warranty still applies and for how long. Look for any specific guidelines related to solar installations, as contractors often include them to streamline the process.

Contacting the original roofing contractor is crucial. They can provide valuable insights on how to integrate a solar program without voiding your roof warranty, given their expertise in labor and materials. They are familiar with both the workmanship and manufacturer warranties associated with your roof.

Enlisting an experienced solar developer is crucial for the successful implementation of your solar program. After finalizing the design with an engineer, the developer typically collaborates with the original roofer to ensure seamless installation.  A reputable developer ensures the use of appropriate techniques to develop solar projects without compromising the warranty.

When embarking on a solar project with Tandem and our partners, we handle everything from scoping to installation seamlessly. Utilizing satellite data, we assess your commercial building, conduct on-site inspections, manage interconnection applications, and coordinate with utility providers. 

We also collaborate closely with your original roofer to ensure compliance and eliminate worries about voiding your roof warranty due to solar panel installation.

Contact us today to learn more!