April 2, 2025
April 24, 2025
So, you’ve decided to go solar. Congratulations!
There are plenty of benefits to adding solar panels to your roof, including lower energy bills, clean power, and a smaller carbon footprint. And if you’re in Reno, you’re in one of the best places to make it work. Nevada offers strong solar incentives, including rebates that can help cut down your upfront costs.
But here’s the part too many homeowners miss: your solar setup is only as good as the roof it’s installed on.
We’ve seen it happen again and again— people skip straight to solar panel installation without checking the condition of the roof underneath. A year or two later, they’re forced to pay thousands in removal, repairs, and reinstallation. It’s an expensive do-over that could have been avoided with a quick inspection.
Mountain Vista Roof Systems works with homeowners to make sure their roof is truly ready to support a 25+ year solar panel lifespan. Based on our expertise, we’ll go over what to check and fix before installing solar panels on your roof, so you don’t get blindsided by costly repairs after the fact.
Solar panels in Reno are built to last 25 years or more. But if your roof is already 10–15 years old, there’s a good chance it won’t last that long without repairs.
Replacing or reinforcing the roof before installation saves you the headache (and cost) of taking the panels down to fix what was underneath. Plus, it protects your solar investment and extends the lifespan of the system.
Not sure if your home is ready? Understand the pros and cons of installing solar panels to evaluate if now’s the right time.
Ready for the deep dive? Here’s what we recommend to every homeowner planning to schedule a roof solar installation.
Before you install solar panels on your roof, take a close look at its current condition. If your roof is under 10–15 years old and shows no signs of damage, you’re probably in good shape. However, it’s still good to double-check.
If your home already has solar components, make sure to inspect and repair solar panels prior to reinstalling. Reusing damaged panels or mounts can lead to leaks or system issues after the new installation.
The safest route is to schedule a professional inspection with Mountain Vista Roof Systems. Our Reno, NV, roofing contractors can spot damage that isn’t obvious from the ground and help you avoid problems later.
The type of roof you have plays a big role in how smoothly your solar power installation will go, as well as how well the system will perform over time.
The slope is important as well. In Nevada, you need to optimize tilt for seasonal sun exposure. A roof pitch between 15° and 40° is typically the best for solar efficiency. If your roof is flatter or unusually steep, we may suggest custom mounts or angled racking systems for better long-term results.
If you’re interested in solar roofing, you may also want to compare traditional solar costs with GAF solar shingles to see how each system stacks up.
Even with the right roofing material and slope, your solar setup won’t perform well without proper sun exposure.
Start by looking at the direction your roof faces. South-facing roofs generally offer the best solar productivity in the U.S., but east- and west-facing surfaces can still be effective depending on your daily energy use.
Next, check for nearby trees, chimneys, or buildings that might block sunlight during peak hours. Even partial shade can hurt performance and impact your system’s return on investment.
Surprisingly, good ventilation and drainage can have a direct impact on how well your solar energy system performs.
Proper airflow beneath the panels helps prevent overheating. Without it, trapped heat can shorten the life of your shingles and reduce energy output.
Likewise, poorly placed rooftop solar panels can block water and lead to pooling or ice buildup around the mounting hardware. This can cause leaks, mold, or structural problems beneath the array.
Our team inspects vents, ridge caps, and gutters to make sure nothing is blocked or out of alignment. We don’t greenlight roof solar installations until we’ve confirmed your roof is fully ready.
If you’re planning a full roof replacement before going solar, this is the perfect time to consider an integrated solar roofing system. These systems combine renewable energy with durable roofing materials. Essentially, instead of attaching panels to your roof, the solar system components become the roof itself.
You can consider high-performance options like the GAF Timberline Solar Roof or the Tesla Solar Roof. Both are designed to produce clean energy while maintaining the look and function of a traditional roof. You’ll also skip the extra step of attaching racking systems, which makes the solar system installation cleaner and less invasive.
If you’re not sure whether your roof needs work, look at its age, condition, and local weather risks. In Nevada, we get everything from strong winds to snow and hail, so structural wear can add up quickly.
As a rule of thumb, you should:
Roofing companies, like Mountain Vista Roof Systems, offer long-life roofing materials that pair well with solar, including underlayments, upgraded flashing, and ventilation solutions. We’ll walk you through your options so you can make the best choice based on your budget and timeline.
If you’re looking to replace your roof before going solar, explore our roofing replacement services to see how we can help.
Plenty of companies know how to install solar panels on roof systems. Fewer understand the roofing side of the equation.
What you need is a solar provider that does both—like Mountain Vista Roof Systems.
Our dual-specialty approach eliminates guesswork, avoids miscommunication, and helps protect your warranties on both the roof and the solar system. We don’t just prepare your roof for solar; we make sure the entire process is smooth, safe, and designed to last.
Solar is a major investment. And it only works as long as the surface it’s installed on holds up.
By preparing your roof before installation, you avoid double work, hidden costs, and frustrating delays down the line. You also make sure your home is protected for decades to come.
Mountain Vista Roof Systems provides expert roofing and solar installation under one roof. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and explore the best solar options for your home.
