Solar in Forest Hill Starts with the Roof Under the Panels

72 percent of Forest Hill homes are lived in by their owners, and half of the homes were built before 1971 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Owners make the solar decision, and many of them are working with roofs that have already had a long life.

Hail is the second check. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 22 reports of hail 1.75 inches or larger within 10 miles of Forest Hill from 2015 through 2024, with a maximum of 3 inches on March 16, 2023. Shingles under panels take the same storms, and fixing them later means removing the array.

Panels stay in place for a long time, so it helps to think about the roof's whole timeline, not just today. If the shingles have only a few seasons left, the array will likely have to be removed when the roof is replaced. That is a known step, but it is easier to avoid than to schedule.

Hail adds uncertainty. In 5 of the 10 years from 2015 through 2024, hail of 1.75 inches or more was reported within 10 miles of Forest Hill. A strong roof under the panels, with sound decking and good flashing, gives the system a better base for those storms. If panels ever need to come off, see solar panel removal and reinstallation in Forest Hill.