Are you concerned about the brackets that hold the panels? This of course has been done a million times and I have never heard of an issue. What kind of roof do you have and does it have zero penetrations? Not meaning to be snarky or condescending, just not sure what the concern is. I am in NC and we are undergoing a wicked storm right now. I have no concerns. My last house had a 5 yo panels and no leaks despite some heavy rains...

The brackets I've seen for a shingle roof slip under the shingles and shed water like a standard shingle. Penetrations for conduit would be like a pipe vent penetration with a rubber boot around the conduit.

I wouldn't worry about if the work is done by an experienced installer with good references.

As I think about it, I think in my area conduit is frequently installed on top of the roofing material, not under it, and with no through-roof penetrations. Along the top but at least under some portion of the panels, even if at the top edge, so that it's only visible where it pops out to go down the side of the structure.

My solar installer had aluminum tracks with brackets. The conduit ran down the end of the house to the basement. You can see it at the right end of the peak.

Most roofers in our region (California) have solar divisions. I don't worry about pointing fingers.

Thank you for the comments everyone

https://insideevs.com/news/465431/highest-power-tesla-solar-roof-florida/

The Tesla solar roof that was recently completed in Florida. I think the biggest con with that is if one of the panels were to short out, burn your house down.

But in terms of aesthetics Tesla has got this sewn up.

The answer to your question is highly dependent on the type of roof and its age. If the roof is old and will need replacement before your dad sells the house, then consider replacing it before covering it with solar panels. A shingle roof with a good pitch should not be a problem. A flat roof with rolled bitumen membrane will have problems if the penetrations are not waterproof. On a tile roof I believe the a tile has to be removed in order to secure the brackets to the roof structure.

Every time a solar installer drills through a roof covering, it’s another risk for immediate or future roof damage.

https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/

For flat rooftops with enough load-bearing capability, concrete ballasts are an option. But even ballasted systems, if not properly contained, can damage a flat roof covering and may still require some penetrations.

Solar mounting and racking manufacturers are developing product solutions to minimize roof penetrations, save time and avoid leak risks. The challenge is striking a balance between too few and too many roof-mount points.

“The more roof penetrations, the bigger chance it is that one of them will leak into the roof. That means increasing costs of more sealant. A leak can lead to roof damage, water pouring into someone’s attic or interior damage.

Each penetration is another bit of time added to an installation. Installers need to mark drill points, make penetrations, insert the mount, seal the penetration and preferably add flashing. On a pitched residential rooftop, drilling into a support beam is often necessary to anchor a mount. Individually, it might not be much time, but together, penetrations add up.

Mini-Split Warehouse is there a reason you need to spam us with every post you make by putting a link to your business in it? Do you see anyone else doing this? Do you really think it will help your business?

IMO the solar panels on the roof look horrible. I drive through the neighborhood and you have a beautiful house with all that crap on top of it it ruins the whole facade.

I don't even know for sure if they really bring savings as everyone swears they do... One of my customers is a Physics Professor, they tried to convince him to install solar panels, so he did his own calculations and he said it's not worthed and he is one of those people that if you can save a penny he will jump right on it.

millworkman You're absolutely correct. He's a spammer - simple truth.

Report him.

Yep, I have reported his spam plenty of time. This time I just decided to leave it and let it work itself out. Just added to my post.