Solar installation on tile roof

[Clifford]

When solar panels are installed on a tile roof, how likely will the tiles be broken (drilling & workers stepping on them) ?

My tile roof is 16 years old. It’s hard to find replacement tiles.

[svelte]

This was a major concern of mine as well. I’m in the same boat – they don’t make the tiles for my roof any more.

I was very careful and chose a company that did not drill through the tiles, but instead slid a bracket around the tiles to minimize chance for leaks and breakage.

There are videos on youtube that show how brackets can be installed without drilling through tiles.

As far as I know, they didn’t break any tiles when they installed my solar panels.

[CA renter]

In your case, I’d go with a large, reputable company that has the ability to back their work…one that has a reputation they want to protect. Maybe try Sullivan Solar? They are the largest installer in SD, IIRC, and are probably the most professional, too. They installed SDG&E’s panels, in addition to other solar systems on high-profile buildings.

https://www.sullivansolarpower.com/

[svelte]

Sullivan Solar drilled through the tiles on my neighbor’s home. That is why I didn’t go with them.

[CA renter]

[quote=svelte]Sullivan Solar drilled through the tiles on my neighbor’s home. That is why I didn’t go with them.[/quote]

Good info. Our neighbors had a new tile roof installed, and Sullivan installed the brackets under the tiles during the roofing process.

Who did your installation?

[ocrenter]

The church next to my office just got solarized. They actually had tiles removed. With tiles reinstalled around the PV panels at the end.

[svelte]

[quote=CA renter][quote=svelte]Sullivan Solar drilled through the tiles on my neighbor’s home. That is why I didn’t go with them.[/quote]

Good info. Our neighbors had a new tile roof installed, and Sullivan installed the brackets under the tiles during the roofing process.

Who did your installation?[/quote]

SunRun. While the installers and purchase was great, I’ve been extremely frustrated in that their customer support phone number has been continually busy for over a year now, each time I’ve tried to call (not often granted, but I have needed to call). It doesn’t even put me on hold or in a queue, it just gives me the busy signal!

So I’m forced to communicate via email.

For that reason alone, I can’t give them five stars.

[CA renter]

[quote=svelte][quote=CA renter][quote=svelte]Sullivan Solar drilled through the tiles on my neighbor’s home. That is why I didn’t go with them.[/quote]

Good info. Our neighbors had a new tile roof installed, and Sullivan installed the brackets under the tiles during the roofing process.

Who did your installation?[/quote]

SunRun. While the installers and purchase was great, I’ve been extremely frustrated in that their customer support phone number has been continually busy for over a year now, each time I’ve tried to call (not often granted, but I have needed to call). It doesn’t even put me on hold or in a queue, it just gives me the busy signal!

So I’m forced to communicate via email.

For that reason alone, I can’t give them five stars.[/quote]

That would be extremely frustrating, and would make it a no-go for me. Thanks for your input, svelte.

[Author]

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