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Roofing before solar: a Western PA planning checklist
Plan roof repairs and solar together. Questions about roof condition, access, project scope and utility permission before installation.
Planning checklist
Start with the roof you have
Before comparing panel layouts, gather what you know about the roof: material, approximate age, known leaks and any available repair records. Ask what inspection is needed to determine its condition. A photograph or the roof’s age alone cannot establish suitability.
Planning checklist
Compare two scopes together
Ask the roofing provider what repairs or replacement are proposed and why. Ask the solar provider how the layout, attachment method and roof penetrations relate to that scope. Clarify responsibility for flashing, future roof access and any panel removal and reinstallation. Get any warranty terms in writing rather than assuming the two scopes provide the same coverage.
Planning checklist
Prepare for the site assessment
Have recent electric bills available for consultation, plus information about shading and any planned changes in electricity use. Share safe ground-level roof photos if requested. Do not climb onto the roof to collect information. Exact solar feasibility and production depend on the site and system design.
Planning checklist
Installation and permission to operate are separate
An installed solar system is not necessarily authorized to operate. Ask who coordinates inspections, the interconnection application and the utility’s permission to operate, and how those milestones will be documented. Neither utility approval nor a specific approval date should be assumed.
Planning checklist
Ask about the full sequence
Discuss roof work, solar installation, inspections and utility coordination as separate steps. Confirm weather dependencies, the written scope and the contact responsible for each step. This checklist does not promise savings, tax incentives or a particular system output.
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