Home solar is a smart investment, but roof leaks that follow a rushed install can erase the savings fast. The good news is that you can prevent most problems with the right solar panel roof flashing and careful waterproofing of solar panel mounts and wire penetrations. As a restoration contractor who repairs water intrusion every week, I put this homeowner guide together to show you what correct flashing looks like, which questions to ask your installer, and how to run a simple yearly check that catches issues early.
You will see plain language examples, photos you can request from your installer, and links to helpful resources. If you are already seeing stains or drips, head straight to our roof leak prevention & repairs page for fast help.
Why solar roofs leak
Most roof leaks tied to solar arrays come from the hardware that connects rails to the structure. These are called penetrating mounts. A lag bolt or standoff passes through shingles or tiles, through underlayment, and into a rafter. Each penetration needs proper flashing and multi level seals. If that stack up is wrong, water finds its way in. Non penetrating options exist for specific roofs, such as clamp systems for standing seam metal and fully ballasted arrays for some flat roofs, which avoid holes through the weather surface source.
Wiring penetrations can also leak. Conduit that exits an attic and passes through roofing needs a listed flashing or roof jack, proper seal at the deck, and correct routing so water sheds away from the hole. Loose or chafed wiring, fittings not designed for roofs, and sealant smeared over shingles without flashing are frequent red flags inspection guidance & attic checks.
Age of the roof matters too. An older shingle or tile roof with brittle materials does not accept flashing as cleanly and may already be near the end of its service life. In that case, it is smart to repair or replace the roof before adding an array. It lowers the chance of leaks and keeps warranties clear for both trades source. If you suspect damage already, do not wait. Water spreads into insulation, drywall, and framing. Our page on why ignoring leaks is costly explains what we see in homes that waited too long.
Concerned about a fresh stain on the ceiling or musty odor after rain. Visit our guide to roof leak prevention & repairs to get help now.
Proper flashing and sealing
Flashing is not just a metal plate. Done correctly, it is a system that moves water away from a hole, protects the deck, and still allows the roof to flex and drain normally. Here is what good work looks like on common roof types and penetrations, with homeowner friendly visual checks you can request in photos.
Asphalt shingle mounts
Look for pre formed flashings or wide metal flanges that tuck under the shingle course above and sit on top of the course below. Industry best practice is a flashing width of about nine inches for asphalt shingles so there is solid side lap and coverage against wind driven rain 10 installation tips (flashing width, nail removal, pilot holes). The top edge should slide far enough up to be covered by the overlying shingles, and the bottom edge visible but snug and flat.
A proper install uses multiple seals at the penetration. Examples include an EPDM washer or cone grommet at the bolt, a compression seal at the deck or underlayment, and the counter flashing effect where the metal flashing laps under the upper shingle courses. Engineered solutions that stack several seals reduce the odds that one failure leads to a leak. EcoFasten highlights this concept with EPDM grommets and multi seal technology watertight mounting technology (EPDM grommets & multi-seal).
Hardware quality matters. Stainless or other corrosion resistant fasteners and aluminum or stainless flashings are common requirements in roofing instructions. Some shingle manufacturers disallow galvanized flashing or certain sealants. Flashing and fasteners should match roofing manufacturer guidance and building code requirements. IronRidge and QuickMount publish guidance about UL listings, International Residential Code references, and warnings about relying on sealant as the only defense. Sealant is helpful, but not a substitute for a proper flashing that sheds water flashed roof mounts and code-compliance.
There are a few installation details any homeowner can ask to be documented. Installers should remove any shingle nails that block the upper edge so the flashing can slide under the correct shingle course. They should drill pilot holes and center lag bolts in rafters to avoid splitting wood and to reach full pull out strength. They should work within the temperature range for the flashing and sealant materials and avoid excessive bending that could crease metal 10 installation tips (flashing width, nail removal, pilot holes).
Tile roof mounts
Clay and concrete tile are less forgiving. Cutting tiles and smearing sealant around a field made sheet metal patch is a common shortcut that often leaks. A better option is a tile replacement mount or pre formed tile flashing that replaces an individual tile and integrates with the pattern. These products fit the profile and route water correctly, while allowing a standoff to anchor into the deck and structure below. Quick Mount style tile replacement flashings are widely used for this reason engineered L-mount / tile-replacement mounts. Ask your installer which exact model they plan to use and request the installation manual.
Metal and flat roof notes
Standing seam metal roofs can often use non penetrating clamp systems that attach to the seams. This avoids holes through the roof surface and is a good match when allowed by the roof profile and engineering source. Through fastened metal roofs and flat roofs may still need penetrations. In those cases, use manufacturer listed mounting bases and flashings designed for that roof type, along with compatible sealant and fasteners. Long life roofs call for long life metals and gaskets so the mounting system does not fail before the roof does flashed roof mounts and code-compliance.
Wiring and conduit penetrations
Every point where a wire exits the roof should have listed fittings. Typical solutions are roof jacks or specialized solar conduit flashings with rain hoods. The base of the flashing needs to be integrated under the shingle courses above, just like a mount flashing. Conduit routing should minimize low points that trap water and should be secured so it cannot rub the roof finish. Home inspectors often check attics below these runs for moisture or staining after rain inspection guidance & attic checks.
Sealants and compatibility
Sealant choice is easy to get wrong. Some adhesives can react with asphalt shingles or lose flexibility in heat and sun. Manufacturers like IronRidge advise using roofing manufacturer approved sealants and avoiding over application that glues flashing edges in place. Flashings should be able to float and expand with temperature swings. When in doubt, ask the installer to name the sealant and fastener types and to confirm written approval from your roofing manufacturer flashed roof mounts and code-compliance.
Questions for your installer
These questions set expectations before panels go up, and they help you compare bids. Ask them during the sales visit and again during the pre install site walk. Request model names and manuals for any flashing or mount they plan to use.
- Are you licensed, bonded and insured for roofing work in my area. If you subcontract, who is responsible for the flashing work. source
- Will you flash penetrations with pre formed flashings designed for my roof type, and which brand or product will you use. Please share model names and manuals. source
- Where will you anchor into. Do you locate rafters or other structural members, and can you show me the rafter plan. source
- What sealant and fasteners do you use, and are they approved by my roofing manufacturer. The wrong sealant can damage shingles. source
- Do you have references for similar roof types locally, and can I see recent photos of finished flashing work. source
- Do you provide a workmanship warranty for the flashing and waterproofing, and how long. What does it cover. source
- Are you NABCEP certified or otherwise trained in PV mounting best practices. Certification is not required but helps. source
If any answer feels vague, request documentation. For example, a QuickMount or EcoFasten data sheet should call out flashing size, metal type, fastener type, and sealing method. Installer photos should show the flashing tucked under the upper shingle course with the top edge clear of nails, as well as a close up of the lag bolt centered on a rafter. You can even ask to see one mount opened up before rails go on so you can verify the sealing stack is present.
Annual inspection checklist
Once your array is installed, a light yearly inspection protects your roof and your investment. You do not need to climb onto the array or lift panels. Most of this can be documented from the ground or at roof edges you can reach safely. Keep a photo album with dates so you can compare year to year.
Start with a general look under the array. From the ground or a safe vantage, scan for rails or panels that look out of line, shifting mounts, or missing end caps. Rust on hardware is a sign that the wrong materials were used or that water is pooling. Take broad photos of each roof face and close ups of anything that looks out of place. Roofing and solar specialists often point out that loose rails or warped flashings are early clues source.
Move to the mounts you can see. Flashings should sit flat to the shingles. Look for gaps, cracked or missing sealant at bolt heads, lifting edges, or any place that wind could drive water under. The top edge of a shingle should cover the upper half of the flashing, and the flashing should be wide enough to extend beyond the sides of the mount. If nails were left in the path, the flashing will pucker. That is a leak risk and should be fixed 10 installation tips (flashing width, nail removal, pilot holes).
Check wiring and conduit paths. Wires should be secured and protected in conduit where they enter or exit the roof. Any roof jack or conduit flashing should sit like a normal plumbing vent boot, with the upper edge lapped under shingles and a smooth transition over the lower shingles. Loose wiring can rub against shingles and open up holes. Inspectors often also check for proper drip loops and for water staining in the attic below these runs inspection guidance & attic checks.
Look in the attic or on ceilings under the array after a steady rain. Fresh stains, damp insulation, or peeling paint are early signs. A simple moisture meter can confirm if a stain is active. If you suspect a hidden path, we have a resource that shows how to detect hidden leaks. If you see any wet materials, do not wait to call for help, since small leaks can spread mold quickly.
Keep the area around the array clean. Leaves, nests, and debris can trap water and cause staining or corrosion. Critter guards help keep birds and squirrels from building under arrays. Clean gutters and drains that shed water from the array roof face so flow is not pushed back under panels source.
If any sign of moisture shows up in the attic or on interior finishes, document it with date and photos and call a roofer or restoration specialist. Our team can walk you through the next steps and advise whether you need panels lifted for a closer look. Learn how our crews handle dry out, cleaning, and rebuilding on our water damage restoration page.
What to do if you find a leak
First, document what you see. Note the time, weather, and where water appears. Take a few photos of the ceiling or wall stain, then look in the attic for wet insulation or drops on the underside of the roof deck. If water is actively dripping, place containers and protect belongings.
Next, call a roofer or a restoration contractor who understands both PV hardware and roofing. Fast response keeps damage from spreading. Our dispatch can triage the situation and coordinate with your solar installer if panel removal is needed for access. See our water damage restoration process if materials are already wet.
Then, contact your solar installer. Ask them to remove modules and rails in the affected area so a roofer can expose the deck and underlayment. Surface patching often only hides a problem. Many leaks require opening the deck, replacing softened wood, and re flashing the mount correctly. Reputable roofing solar sources agree that proper repair beats sealant only fixes source.
Document all communication and keep copies of your contracts. If you have a workmanship warranty, the installer may cover flashing related repairs. If your roof warranty references specific approved flashings or sealants, share those documents with both parties so the repair follows the right standard. And if you need help coordinating trades, we are here to help. The sooner it is addressed, the less it will cost. If you need guidance on why fast action matters, read why ignoring leaks is costly.
When to call a pro
Call a professional as soon as you see water where it should not be or when you notice flashing that looks wrong. The cost to lift a few panels and correct flashing is small compared to replacing drywall, cabinets, and flooring after a slow leak. Our field teams fix roofs, dry buildings, and coordinate with your solar company so the array goes back on correctly.
We can help you decide whether you need a same day tarping, a careful leak test with a hose, or a full panel lift in one section of the array. If your roof is nearing the end of its service life, we can also advise whether a re roof before reinstalling panels is the better move. For help specific to your home, visit our roof leak prevention & repairs page or get a free quote.
FAQ
Do solar panels cause roof leaks
They should not. Leaks usually come from poor flashing, wrong sealants, or mounts that do not follow roofing manufacturer instructions. When a trained crew uses listed flashed mounts, the right fasteners, and follows roofing guidance, your roof can remain watertight for the life of the array source and flashed roof mounts and code-compliance.
How can I check for leaks under panels
After steady rain, look in the attic under the array for new stains or damp insulation. From the ground, scan the array for warped flashings or missing hardware, then inspect conduit and roof jacks for loose fittings. If you are unsure where moisture is coming from, a roofer or home inspector with PV experience can help. InterNACHI offers helpful guidance on what to look for during a check inspection guidance & attic checks. You can also use our article on how to detect hidden leaks.
How often should I inspect my solar roof flashing
Once a year and after major storms is a good rhythm. Keep photos and any service notes with your solar paperwork so you have a history to share if you need support later. Home service providers that specialize in solar maintenance agree that a quick yearly look prevents bigger problems source.
Photo prompts you can request
Before your installer finishes, ask for a dozen clear photos so you have a record. Request a close up of a correctly flashed stanchion under lifted shingles. A shot of the EPDM grommet or washer at a lag bolt. Wide photos that show flashing width and how it tucks under the upper shingle course. A shot of a conduit roof jack and the seal at the base. If you have tile, request a close up of the tile replacement flashing in place before the module rails go on. These photos help you manage warranty work later and are easy for a trained crew to take. For examples of engineered products and how they are meant to be installed, see IronRidge and QuickMount resources on flashed roof mounts and code-compliance and EcoFasten’s overview of watertight mounting technology (EPDM grommets & multi-seal).
What a code compliant install uses
Code compliance and roof warranty compatibility go hand in hand. Look for UL 2703 listed flashed mounts or manufacturer listed systems that are designed for your roof covering. Many vendors publish compatibility statements with major shingle or tile brands. This matters because some roofs restrict the use of particular metals or sealants. QuickMount and IronRidge guidance explains that flashings should shed water by design, not by caulk alone, and that installers should avoid over use of sealant that could glue down flashing edges or react with asphalt flashed roof mounts and code-compliance. For tile roofs, look for purpose built tile replacement mounts rather than field cut tiles with ad hoc metal patches engineered L-mount / tile-replacement mounts.
Good crews also anchor into structure, not just the deck. That means locating rafters and centering bolts with pilot holes. They should remove nails that block flashings so each flashing can tuck under the third course of shingles per roofing instructions. They use corrosion resistant hardware and long lasting flashing metals appropriate to the roof warranty. These points are echoed in QuickMount’s best practice tips for installers 10 installation tips (flashing width, nail removal, pilot holes).
If the roof is older
Many homes get solar once a roof is already halfway through its life. If your shingles are curling, granules are shedding heavily, or tiles are cracked, talk with a roofer before signing a solar contract. Re roofing first often pays off. It can reduce the number of penetrations needed, keep warranties clean, and avoid the added cost of lifting a new array to fix old roof problems. If you need help weighing options, we can assess the roof and advise you on timing for photovoltaic installation. Visit our page on roof leak prevention & repairs for details.
Quick reference for homeowners
When you hear the term solar panel roof flashing, think wide factory made metal pieces tucked under shingles, plus gaskets and washers where bolts pass through. When you hear waterproofing solar panel mounts, think multiple layers of protection at every penetration, not just a bead of caulk. Ask for listed products, ask where bolts hit structure, and ask for photos of finished flashing work. Then run a simple yearly check, especially after a major storm, and you will avoid most leaks for the life of the system.
If you spot trouble at any point, we can help you triage and fix it. Read about our water damage restoration services, or reach out to get a free quote and schedule an inspection.