Going Solar in Pasadena? Check the Roof Before the Panels
A solar array is only as good as the roof it is bolted to. Here is what Pasadena owners should look at before installation day.
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Pre-solar roof checklist
How old is the current roof covering?
Are there soft spots, stains or past leaks in the attic?
Is the flashing at chimneys, walls and vents in good shape?
Are there signs of hail damage from recent storms?
Is the attic ventilated well, so heat under the panels can escape?
Is the roof a material that suits the mounting hardware, such as shingle, metal or tile?
Will vents or pipes need to be moved to fit the array?
Is there shade from trees that could drop limbs on the panels in a storm?
Pasadena homes and solar readiness
Half of the homes in Pasadena were built before 1977 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Many roofs on houses that age have been replaced at least once, but not always recently. If the shingles have only a few years left, putting panels on top means the panels will have to come off again for the reroof.
Ownership matters too. About 54 percent of homes in Pasadena are owner-occupied (same source). That leaves a large share of renters. The owner decides on solar, so renters interested in panels need to start that conversation with the landlord.
Then there is weather. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 7 hail reports of 1.75 inches within 10 miles of Pasadena from 2015 through 2024, in 2019, 2023 and 2024. Panels and the roof under them both face that risk.
None of this means solar is a bad fit. It means the order of work matters. A sound roof under the array lowers the chance of leaks around the mounts and of having to pull the panels later for a repair that could have been done first.
Why roofing know-how matters for solar
Penetrations
Each mount goes through the roof. Proper flashing at every point is what prevents leaks.
Load
Mounts need solid decking and rafters to hold them. Soft boards found during the inspection are replaced before mounting.
Drainage
Arrays should not trap water or debris in valleys or above chimneys.
Future access
A layout that leaves room around the edges makes later inspections easier. It also gives crews a safe path to reach vents and flashing.
How to sequence the project
Handle roof work first
Repairs or a replacement happen before the panels go up. See roof replacement in Pasadena.
Install panels
Mounts are flashed and sealed, and the array is set up on the roof. The crew keeps the layout clear of valleys and other spots where water runs heavy.
Document the finished roof
Photos of the array and mounts help with future inspections and storm checks.
GemSco and solar
GemSco offers solar panel installation along with residential and commercial roofing, so the roof and the array are treated as one system. If your roof is tile, metal or stone-coated, ask how the mounts are matched to that material. Learn more on our solar panel installation page. If you already have panels and need roof work, see solar panel removal and reinstallation in Pasadena.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much roof life should I have left before solar?
Ideally, the roof should have many years of life ahead, enough to match the panels. If an inspection shows the roof is near the end of its life, replacing it first avoids removing and reinstalling the panels a few years later. The inspection gives you the facts to decide.
Can hail break solar panels?
Panels are built to handle weather, but large hail can still crack the glass or damage frames. Pasadena saw 1.75-inch hail in 2019, 2023 and 2024 within 10 miles of the city. After a storm, check the panels along with the roof, gutters and vents.
Do panels protect the shingles under them?
They shade that part of the roof, which can reduce sun exposure. But they also make it harder to see problems there, and debris can collect underneath. The shingles under an array still need to be in good condition before installation.
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