Since they first appeared on the market, solar panels have significantly developed. From those big, bulky panels to the small and subtle photovoltaic cells that we know today, which are built into the roof material itself, solar energy only keeps improving.

What is roof coatings?

We are all probably aware, to a certain extent at least, of the heat-reflective features of cool, white roof coatings. And for all those that are not fully familiar with them, here are some statistics that may be of interest.

Why does solar power & roof coatings combined matter?

This is where it gets really good. A recent study that was conducted in Ghana combined the use of reflective roof coatings and solar energy generation and concluded that roofs remained cooler, with the electricity production being unaffected.

Solar Power And Roof Coatings for Commercial Roofs

Commercial Roof Coatings and Solar Power Systems

Can commercial roof coatings improve the performance of solar panels? Yes, commercial roof coatings, especially white, reflective ones, can make solar panels work better by keeping the roof surface cooler.

High Energy Bills and Underperforming Solar Panels

You might notice your building's energy bills are still higher than you'd like, even if you have solar panels installed. Or maybe your solar panels aren't producing as much electricity as you expected, especially on hot, sunny days. This could be due to heat buildup on your roof.

Heat Lowers Solar Panel Efficiency and Increases Cooling Costs

Solar panels work best when they're cool. When the roof surface beneath them gets hot, the panels themselves heat up. This heat reduces their efficiency, meaning they generate less electricity. A dark roof can get very hot, heating up the air around the panels and radiating heat back into the building. This extra heat forces your HVAC system to work harder, driving up your cooling costs. It's a double whammy: less power generated and more power consumed. Over time, this wasted energy adds up to real money.

A Cool, Reflective Roof Beneath Your Solar Panels

A reflective roof coating is a liquid-applied system that forms a seamless, durable layer over your existing roof. For solar applications, we typically use white coatings. Here’s how it works and what it means for your solar panels: 1. **Inspection and Preparation:** First, a Conklin-trained contractor will inspect your roof. We look for any damage, leaks, or areas where the roof is failing. We'll check the insulation and the deck. If there's wet insulation, a failed deck, or the roof is past restoration, we'll tell you honestly that a coating isn't the right fix. But if your roof is a good candidate, we'll clean it thoroughly and make any necessary repairs. This might involve power washing, patching small holes, or reinforcing seams. 2. **Application of Base Coat:** After prep, we apply a base coat. This layer helps the top coat stick properly and adds another layer of protection. 3. **Application of Top Coat:** Then, we apply the highly reflective top coat. For solar applications, this is usually a bright white acrylic coating. This coating reflects up to 85% of the sun's UV rays and heat. A dark roof might absorb 80-95% of the sun's energy, making it hundreds of degrees hotter than the ambient air on a sunny day. A white coated roof stays much closer to the outside air temperature. 4. **How it Helps Solar Panels:** When your roof stays cooler, the air around your solar panels stays cooler too. Solar panels perform better in cooler conditions. Studies have shown that reflective coatings can increase solar panel output by up to 10% because the panels aren't overheating. This means your solar system generates more electricity, saving you more money. 5. **Long-term Benefits:** Not only do you get more power from your solar panels, but the cooler roof also means your building's interior stays cooler. This reduces the strain on your air conditioning system, further lowering your energy bills. Plus, maintaining a coated roof is easier. If your solar panels are mounted on racks, a properly applied coating can be restored with another coat later on without needing to completely dismantle and reinstall the solar panel support structure, saving you significant costs down the road. Our commercial roof restoration systems also typically come with a non-prorated warranty, providing long-term peace of mind. Combining a reflective roof coating with solar panels is a smart move for building owners looking to maximize energy savings and extend the life of their roof and solar investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a white roof coating reflect enough sunlight to reduce solar panel efficiency?

No, quite the opposite. White roof coatings reflect heat, which helps keep the solar panels cooler. Solar panels actually become less efficient when they get too hot. By keeping the roof surface and the air around the panels cooler, the panels can operate at a more optimal temperature, leading to better electricity production.

Can roof coatings be applied to any commercial roof with solar panels?

Roof coatings are suitable for most low-slope commercial roofs, including metal, modified bitumen, EPDM, TPO, and existing spray polyurethane foam. However, the existing roof must be structurally sound and free of significant damage or widespread wet insulation. An on-site inspection by a Conklin-trained contractor is always needed to determine if a coating system is right for your specific roof and solar panel setup. We install Conklin roof coatings that are designed for different roof types. For example, we have specific systems for metal roof coating and EPDM roof coatings.

What's the typical lifespan of a roof coating system under solar panels?

Our Conklin roof coating systems are designed to last 18-20 years or more with proper maintenance and periodic re-coating. The seamless, durable nature of these systems can protect your roof for a long time, often outlasting traditional roof repairs. The ability to recoat the system means you can extend its life further without a full tear-off, which is especially beneficial when you have solar panels installed. Ready to improve your building's energy efficiency and solar panel performance? Call White Roofing Systems at (309) 303-3128 for a free, no-obligation roof inspection. Our Conklin-trained contractors will assess your roof and provide a tailored solution. You can also visit our contact page to learn more.