PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 24 Renewable Energy


Why you need a solar roof


Many owners of traditional solar panels underestimate the hidden costs and ongoing eff orts tied to system upkeep. Here, Martin Ulmann from SunStyle explains how a solar roof alternative can help address these challenges.


homeowners and businesses lower their energy bills and carbon footprint, they still present challenges. Their frame- mounted design introduces ongoing maintenance issues – from debris build-up to weather damage – that can reduce output and increase lifetime costs.


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Dirt and debris A common but often overlooked challenge with traditional solar panels is the accumulation of dirt and debris. Conventional solar panels, typically mounted in frames on the roof’s surface, tend to trap leaves, dust, pollen and bird droppings along the edges and underneath the panels. Over time, this build-up can block sunlight and signifi cantly reduce energy output. In fact, in some climates, soiling alone can cut generation by as much as 25%.


While light rainfall can help, most panel owners fi nd that regular professional cleaning is needed, especially if the installation is in an area with lots of trees or urban pollution.


Exposed to nature During heavy winds or hail, mounting systems can loosen and tempered glass can crack. Additionally, severe weather can lead to water infi ltration if seals or caulking around the mounting hardware begin to fail over time. Retrofi tted solar panels can limit access for roofers and make repairs more expensive. Not only can the maintenance


itself be costly, but in some cases, temporary removal of parts of or the entire system is required. Solar panel downtime means no electricity generation, which during peak seasons can have a fi nancial impact. The gaps between a roof and a conventional panel system can attract birds or rodents that will nest under panels. To prevent damage to wiring and potential fi re hazards, additional measures like mesh barriers are sometimes needed. This is not only an additional cost but is also unsightly and likely not what


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conventional rooftop panels have helped thousands of


 SunStyle photovoltaic shingles are installed as overlapping or interlocking tiles with integrated weatherproofi ng


customers had in mind. To prevent this, routine


Martin Ulmann Marketing manager at SunStyle


 Installing a solar roof that works as both a roofi ng material and a power plant


inspections are a necessity to monitor inverter health and wiring connections, both of which can degrade and reduce the system’s output. The time and coordination needed for this fall on the homeowner or facility manager, adding to the total cost and eff ort of the solar panel’s lifespan.


Maintenance risk For installers, balancing system performance with ease of maintenance is a constant consideration. Traditional solar panels come with known upkeep issues from debris that can create extra work for both owners and service teams over time. Integrated solar roofs tackle


these issues by combining energy generation and roof covering into a single system. Instead of adding panels on top of tiles or shingles, the roof surface itself becomes the solar installation. The fl at, frameless design allows rain and wind to remove debris naturally, reducing the need for regular cleaning contracts or specialist equipment. Without the gaps and frames, sealing and water management are also improved. By using overlapping or interlocking tiles and integrated weatherproofi ng, degrading sealants and mounting hardware can be avoided. A modular design also brings


added benefi ts to installers. If a single tile is damaged, it can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof or the electrical connections underneath. This makes repairs quicker and less intrusive for the building owner and simplifi es service schedules. Beyond their solar function,


integrated solar roofs can outperform conventional shingles or tiles in terms of


lifespan and weather resistance. They not only generate electricity for the homeowner but also provide a longer-lasting barrier against leaks.


Made to last Our solar roof combines a fully watertight interlocking structure with integrated rubber seals. As a result, they hold a high hail resistance rating (FM 4473 Class 4) and exceptional wind resistance (ASTM D3161 Class F). Maintenance happens less


frequently due to self-cleaning properties enhanced by the rain and is also easier to do. The solar roofs are sturdy enough to walk on, which makes replacing individual tiles much easier. For contractors, installing solar roofs mean delivering systems that help meet clients’ expectations for durable, low- intervention solar solutions. The ultimate benefi t for homeowners is fewer reactive maintenance visits and increased peace of mind. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/38


SOLAR ROOF BENEFITS


 Seamless integration of roof and energy system


 Frameless design reduces dirt and debris build-up


 Improved weatherproofi ng with interlocking, watertight tiles


 Longer lifespan than conventional shingles or tiles


 Self-cleaning properties reduce professional cleaning needs


 No gaps for birds or rodents to nest


 Higher resistance to hail and strong winds


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