Clay tile roofs have been an important part of Hispanic culture for centuries. Because of its durability, insulation and fire resistance, it is found all over the world, especially in the southwestern United States and Spain.

But for solar installers, it’s not so friendly. Because clay tiles are fragile and expensive, installing solar panels on a clay tile roof has always been more expensive and dangerous than installing solar panels on a metal or composite tile roof. In addition to this, installing solar panels requires the roof to be opened and sealed, which can easily lead to leaks in the house if not handled properly afterwards. These challenges with clay tile roofs make solar installation extremely slow.

Although it is very difficult to install solar panels on clay tile roofs. However, it is not impossible, so read the following carefully, as it is sure to benefit you.

Methods of installing solar panels on clay tile roofs

1. composite tile method. This method can be easier to install solar panels on clay tile roofs. The specific operation is to first remove all the clay tiles in the area where the solar power system will be installed, and then install composite tiles in the removed location, then install traditional solar roof brackets, rails and solar panels on the composite tiles, and finally place tiles between the installed solar panels to make the solar array look nice and neat. Of course, there are gaps between the tiles and clay tiles, which are prone to leakage when it rains.

2. Drilling method. This method involves drilling or cutting holes in individual clay tiles, then mounting the solar mount on the clay tiles, and finally bolting it to a wooden sheath under the clay tiles. Note that this method has a huge drawback, the solar panels are not seamless to the clay tiles, there are some gaps between the two. When it rains, rainwater can seep in through the gaps and eventually flow into the house through the gap between the bracket and the clay tile.

Both of these methods are prone to leaks, and there is a high probability that the leaks will destroy the clay tile roof if it happens for a long time, so we don’t recommend using these two methods. Here are two better methods.

1. Shingle mounting bracket. This type of bracket was invented specifically for installing solar panels on tile-type roofs, and its appearance is equivalent to installing solar racks on the tiles. When using it, you can directly replace the clay tiles in the clay tiles with the tile mounting bracket. Finally, according to the normal operating procedures in accordance with the solar panels.

2. Double rainproof method. First, the installer will temporarily remove a few shingles, and then install the special hooks on the roof joists, after which the installer will install the baseboards on the roof membrane, and then fix the special hooks on the baseboards. Next, a waterproof membrane (e.g. tar) is installed at the top of the special hooks, after which the rails are attached to each hook, and finally the solar panels are mounted to the rails.

These are the latest installation methods, which are more complicated but also better compared to the old methods.

Benefits of installing solar power system on clay tiles

1. Saving on electricity bills. After installing a solar power system, light can be converted into electricity. Electricity is drawn from the grid every day only when the light converted into electricity is consumed. If there is enough light in your neighbourhood, you can even stop paying electricity bills to the grid. Not only that, you can even make money with a solar power system. If you opt for a grid-connected system, you can choose to sell any unused power to the grid company each month.

2. Incentives. In order to develop green energy, countries have incentives for installing solar power systems. So installing a solar power system is not as expensive as you think.

3. Increase the value of your home as well as speed up the sale. According to data, homes with solar power systems sell for 5% more than homes without solar power systems, and not only that, they sell faster. Homes with solar power systems sell 20% faster than homes without solar power systems.

4. Waterproofing. Clay tile shingles can have gaps between them, which in turn can lead to water leaks. Solar panels can act as a rain shield, so you don’t have to worry about leaks.

5. More beautiful houses. Installing a solar power system on clay tiles will make the house look better.

6. Solar panels protect the roof. The texture of solar panels is stronger than that of clay tiles, which is equivalent to putting a layer of armour on clay tiles. Clay tiles can take a bigger beating, which in turn can better protect the roof.