How an integrated solar roof works
The short version: the roof covering and the solar array are the same layer. Here is what that means on your house, whichever of our two systems goes on it.
The solar replaces a building material
Rooftop solar usually means modules on aluminum rails, bolted through a finished roof. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) put the solar cells into the building material itself. Here, that material is a steel standing-seam roof panel.
So there is no second layer to mount, no rails above the roof, and no array bolts through it. The panels that make power are the same panels that keep the weather out.
It is a roofing job first. It makes the most sense when the roof is due for replacement, or on new construction.
Two kinds of panel, one surface
Every integrated roof is a mix. Where it makes sense to generate, the panels carry cells. Everywhere else, plain steel in the same profile and finish carries on.
Active panels
Monocrystalline solar cells laminated under tempered glass on a steel panel, with seams formed along the edges so it installs like roofing.
Plain panels
The same profile in plain steel. It fills edges, hips and valleys, goes around chimneys, skylights and vents, and covers faces that don't see enough sun.
The layout
How much of the roof is active comes from your usage, the sun-facing planes, shade and the module sizes of the system chosen. Covering every square foot is rarely the right answer.
What goes into the roof
The same sequence on both systems. The details that differ, like seam type and batten spacing, come from the manufacturer's instructions.
The deck
Old roofing comes off. We inspect and repair the sheathing and framing, which is why those are allowances until the roof is open.
Underlayment
To the manufacturer's instructions and local code. It is the backup water barrier, with ice-dam protection at eaves and valleys where code calls for it.
Battens and air gap
Battens hold the panels off the deck. The gap behind them vents heat and moisture; warm cells make less power.
Panels and seams
Active and plain panels join at raised standing seams, the way a metal roof does. Cabling runs under the roof covering.
Ridge and trim
A vented ridge lets the air gap exhaust. Eaves, rakes, valleys and penetrations get matching metal trim.
Detailed like a standing-seam roof, because it is one
Chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents and dormer walls are flashed the way a good metal roofer flashes them. We keep penetrations in the plain-steel areas wherever we can, so the active panels run in clean fields.
New England adds two problems. Ice dams form at cold eaves, so the eaves and valleys get ice-dam protection and the air gap stays open from eave to ridge. And a metal roof sheds snow in sheets, so we plan where it lands, over entries, walks and lower roofs, before the layout is final.
- Matching metal at eaves, rakes, hips, valleys and ridge
- Penetrations kept to the plain-steel areas where possible
- Design loads from a structural engineer, not a brochure
Historic districts
Commissions review how solar looks. A roof that reads as dark standing-seam metal is a different conversation from racked panels, and we bring drawings and material samples to it.
The rules differ by state and by town, and we'll tell you what yours says. We never promise an approval.
From the cells to your meter
Each active panel produces DC power. Everything after that is standard, inspected electrical work.
Under the roof
Panel leads connect under the roof covering and run in protected paths to the roof exit.
Module electronics
US code requires rapid shutdown on rooftop arrays (NEC 690.12). Module-level electronics handle that and limit losses from shade. Which electronics depends on the system; see each system's page.
Inverter
The inverter turns DC into the AC your house uses and connects to your electrical panel. Batteries are optional and sized separately.
Utility
We file the interconnection application, the inspector signs off, and the utility gives permission to operate. Then the array goes live.
From estimate to a working roof
The same process for either system.
Estimate
The instant estimate measures your roof from aerial imagery and prices both systems where both fit.
Assessment
We visit, measure, look at the deck from the attic and check your electrical service.
Design and permits
Layout, engineering and permit drawings. A fixed price for the base scope, with allowances defined.
Order and install
Both systems are made in Europe; we confirm lead time when we order. Then the roof goes on like a standing-seam roof.
Commission
Inspection, utility sign-off, monitoring set up, and a walkthrough of what you own and who warrants what.
The parts worth saying out loud
It costs more than panels alone
You are buying a new standing-seam roof and a solar array together. Compare it against re-roofing in metal and adding a separate array later, not against panels on your current roof.
The roof shapes the array
Module sizes, minimum pitch and the number of chimneys, vents and valleys set how much of the roof can be active. Some roofs suit one system better than the other.
Repairs need a roofer and an electrician
A damaged active panel is replaced like a roof panel and reconnected like a solar module. We do both; plan on us, not a handyman.
Specifications differ by system
Pitch, warranties, load and hail ratings differ between the two systems we install. We publish each one on its own page and never blend them.
Have a technical question?
Pitch, shade, snow load, venting, interconnection. Send us the details of your roof and we'll answer them for your house.
Talk to Solar Seam