Best Roofing Materials for Solar Panels: What to Know Before You Install

As solar energy continues to grow in popularity, many homeowners are looking for the best way to integrate solar panels into their homes — starting with the foundation they’re mounted on: the roof. While solar panels often steal the spotlight, the material beneath them plays an important role in long-term performance, installation success, and return on investment.

If you're planning to go solar, it's important to know which roofing materials work best with solar panels. This article will explore what makes a roof solar-ready, compare common roofing materials, and explain why CeDUR's synthetic roofing shakes offer a superior solution.

Why Your Roof Matters for Solar Installations

Solar panels are a 25–30-year investment. That means your roof needs to last just as long — if not longer. Besides being durable, your roof needs to support the weight of solar panels, stand up to tough weather, and be easy for installers to work with.

Before choosing a roofing material, consider the following:

• Longevity: Does the roof material match or exceed the lifespan of the solar panels?

• Structural Support: Can it bear the added load without weakening?

• Installation Compatibility: Is it easy to mount racking systems without causing damage?

• Weather and Fire Resistance: Will it protect your home and your solar investment?

• Visual Appeal: How will the roof and solar panels look together?

Common Roofing Materials for Solar Panels: Pros and Cons

Not all roofing materials perform equally when paired with solar panels. Here's how the most common options stack up:

Asphalt Shingles

• Pros: Widely available, cost-effective, and easy to install.

• Cons: Shorter lifespan (15–20 years) often means the roof will need replacing before the solar panels, leading to extra costs.

Metal Roofing

• Pros: Durable and solar-friendly, especially standing seam metal which requires no roof penetrations.

• Cons: It can rust more easily near the ocean, and the style doesn’t always fit every type of home.

Clay or Concrete Tile

• Pros: Long lifespan and good fire resistance.

• Cons: Tile roofs can be fragile and might crack during solar installation. Installing panels usually takes extra hardware and careful handling.

Wood Shakes

• Pros: Natural, rustic appearance.

• Cons: Low fire resistance, high maintenance, and not structurally ideal for solar panel installation.

Synthetic Roofing

• This newer, high-tech option offers both good looks and solid performance. Here's why it's quickly becoming a top choice for solar setups.

Why CeDUR Is a Smart Choice for Solar-Ready Roofing

CeDUR’s synthetic roofing shakes are engineered for durability, resilience, and long-term performance — all important for homes with solar panels. Here’s how CeDUR stands out:

Easy and Secure Installation

Solar racking systems must be firmly attached to the roof, and CeDUR’s solid, lightweight structure makes this process simpler and more secure. Unlike tile or natural wood, CeDUR won’t splinter, crack, or break during installation, minimizing complications and labor time.

Lifespan That Matches Solar Panels

With an average life expectancy of 50 years, CeDUR roofing outlasts traditional shingles and keeps pace with the life of your solar system. Homeowners avoid the costly scenario of removing panels just to replace an aging roof.

Class A Fire Resistance

Fire safety is increasingly important, especially in regions prone to wildfires. CeDUR shakes are Class A fire rated — the highest rating available — which helps meet solar installation codes and offers added protection for your home and electrical equipment.

Extreme Weather Performance

Solar panels require stable mounting in areas prone to wind and hail. CeDUR’s Class 4 Impact Rating and tested wind resistance ensure that your roof — and the panels secured to it — can stand up to the elements without compromise.

Premium Curb Appeal

One of the most overlooked elements of solar installations is aesthetics. CeDUR’s natural wood look adds premium appeal to any home, making it easier to integrate solar panels in a way that complements — rather than distracts from — architectural style. For homeowners who want both beauty and sustainability, CeDUR delivers.

Don’t Overlook What’s Under Your Solar Panels

Choosing to go solar is a smart long-term investment. But too many homeowners focus on the panels themselves without considering whether their roof is up to the task. Selecting the wrong roofing material can result in early roof replacements, increased installation costs, and reduced system performance.

By choosing a solar-compatible material like CeDUR’s synthetic roofing shakes, you’re ensuring that your roof works with your solar — not against it. You’ll get long-lasting protection, reliable performance, and an easy installation that preserves the beauty and value of your home.

Explore CeDUR’s Solar-Ready Roofing Options

If you're planning a solar installation and want to make sure your home is ready for the long haul, CeDUR’s roofing products offer the perfect foundation. Designed to handle the elements and built to last, they’re the smart choice for any homeowner thinking about energy independence.

Learn more about CeDUR’s synthetic roofing shakes and find the right fit for your solar-powered home.