Going Solar in Murphy? Check the Roof First
Panels can sit on a roof for a long time. In a place with this much hail, the roof under them has to be ready for the same storms.
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Five questions before panels go up
How many years are left on your current roof?
Has it been inspected since the last big hailstorm?
Are there cracked or bruised shingles where panels will sit?
Is the decking solid where mounts will be fastened?
Does your homeowner's policy cover roof-mounted equipment, and how?
What Murphy's data says about timing
Half of the homes in Murphy were built before 2005 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Many roofs are either original or were replaced after a storm, so their remaining life varies a lot from house to house. Putting panels on a roof that needs replacement soon means paying to remove and reinstall them later.
Hail is the other factor. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 131 hail reports within 10 miles of Murphy from 2015 through 2024, and 49 were 1.75 inches or larger. The largest was 5.25 inches on April 11, 2016. Ask how the panels you are considering are rated for hail, and how your insurer handles them.
Ownership is high here too: 94% of homes are owner occupied. Solar is a long-term change to a roof, so it is a decision for the owner.
In practice, that often means scheduling solar right after a roof replacement or confirming that a recent roof is in good condition. A short delay to get the roof ready costs far less than taking an array down a few years later because the shingles under it gave out.
The order of work
Repair or replace first
If the roof is aging or storm-damaged, fixing it now avoids removing panels later. See roof replacement in Murphy.
Plan the layout
Panels are placed around vents, valleys and edges with access in mind.
Mount and flash
Each mount is sealed and flashed like any roof penetration.
Install the panels
The array goes on a roof that is ready to carry it.
Roofing details that matter for solar
Shingle condition
Shingles under the array are hard to reach later. They should be in good shape now.
Impact-resistant shingles
Some owners pair solar with UL 2218 Class 4 shingles when replacing the roof. It is one option to discuss.
Ventilation
Good attic airflow matters under panels too. Read how roof ventilation protects your home.
After the panels are on
Keep checking the roof after storms. Hail can damage shingles around and under the array, and the panels make those spots harder to see from the ground. Look for granules in the gutters below the array and stains in the attic near the mounts.
If you do find damage, the panels may have to come off for repairs. Our page on solar panel removal and reinstallation in Murphy explains how that works.
Work with a roofer who also installs solar
GemSco installs solar panels and does roofing, so the same team looks at both. Learn more about our solar panel installation service or about GemSco in Murphy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solar panels be damaged by hail?
Panels are built to take some impact, but very large hail can still damage them. Ratings vary by product, so ask the installer what the panels are tested for. Also check how your homeowner's policy treats roof-mounted equipment before you install.
Do I need a new roof before solar if mine is fairly new?
Not if it is in good condition. A roof installed after a recent storm may have plenty of life left. An inspection confirms there is no hidden hail damage under where the panels will go, which is much easier to fix now than later.
Will solar mounts void my roof warranty?
That depends on the roof manufacturer's terms and how the mounts are installed. Read your roofing paperwork and ask the installer how penetrations are flashed. Having a roofer handle the mounts helps keep the roof watertight.
More Roofing Help in Murphy
Roofing in Murphy, TX
City overviewRoof Repair in Murphy
Learn MoreRoof Replacement in Murphy
Learn MoreStorm & Hail Damage in Murphy
Learn MoreRoof Inspection in Murphy
Learn MoreCommercial Roofing in Murphy
Learn MoreGutters in Murphy
Learn MoreSolar Removal & Reinstall in Murphy
Learn MoreSolar Panel Installation Near Murphy
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