How solar panels are fixed to your roof
When solar panels are fixed to your roof obviously it’s very important that they are installed correctly, because if they’re not we have two potentially major issues:
- The panels may be dislodged in high winds – An Upforce rather than a Downforce
- Water may enter your home in heavy rains
I’m sure you’d agree that both these issues are unacceptable!
So let’s have a look at how the solar panels are fixed to your roof and how we ensure the installation remains watertight, on both tile and sheet metal type roofs.
How solar panels are installed on a tile roof
Installing solar panels on a tiled roof takes a bit longer as the stainless steel brackets are attached underneath the tiles and are screwed into the trusses. In order to do this the installer will need to move the tiles to expose the roof trusses to enable them to screw in the stainless steel brackets. Once this has been done the tile is slid back into position with the stainless steel bracket showing. The rails are then mounted to the stainless steel brackets and the panels are mounted to the rails.
All cable penetration through the tiles have waterproof protection with Dektite, as per the picture. 
We highly recommend that you have extra tiles on hand in case, although rare, tiles break.
How solar panels are installed on a tin/sheet metal roof
To install solar panels on a tin roof we use the existing screw holes so no new screw holes are made. An ‘L’ shape bracket which has rubber feet is then screwed into existing penetration and this then forms a waterproof seal. The rails are then mounted to the ‘L’ shape brackets and the panels are mounted to the rails.
All penetration through the tin roof is done on the high point of the tin profile rather than the low point so there is no water leaks. Cable penetration also has waterproof protection with Dektite, as per the picture.
