Knowledge base · 8 answers · reviewed November 13, 2026
Your Roof, Shade, Hail & Texas Weather
Whether your DFW roof is a good fit, what to do about an older roof, and how panels handle hail, heat and storms.
Is my roof good for solar?
Most DFW roofs can work if they have enough unshaded area facing south, east or west and several years of life left. Shade from mature trees, roof age, structure and your electrical panel matter as much as direction. A satellite and on-site review should confirm fit before any design is final.
Also asked as: roof for solar panels · can my roof have solar · best roof direction solar
Should I replace my roof before installing solar?
If your roof is near the end of its life, replace it first — removing and reinstalling panels later adds real cost. A common rule of thumb is to re-roof first if you expect to need a new roof within the next several years. Ask how the installer’s roof-penetration warranty works with your roofer.
Also asked as: new roof before solar · roof age solar · remove and reinstall solar panels cost
Can hail damage solar panels in Texas?
Certified panels are tested to survive 1-inch (25 mm) ice-ball impacts under IEC 61215, which covers typical storms, but very large hail can crack panels. Check that your homeowners insurance covers the array, and ask your installer about panel ratings and how hail claims are handled. North Texas is hail country, so this belongs in every proposal conversation.
Also asked as: solar panels hail texas · hail resistant solar panels · hail damage solar insurance
Do trees or shade ruin solar?
Heavy shade can make solar a poor fit, but partial shade doesn’t automatically rule it out. Panel-level electronics (microinverters or optimizers) reduce the impact of shade on the rest of the array, and designs can focus on the clearest roof planes. A good proposal shows a shade analysis, not just a satellite photo.
Also asked as: solar panels shade · tree shade solar dallas
Do solar panels leak or damage the roof?
Properly installed mounts are flashed and sealed, and reputable installers warranty their roof penetrations. Problems usually come from poor workmanship, which is why installer quality matters more than panel brand. Ask how long the roof-penetration warranty lasts and who honors it.
Also asked as: solar roof leaks · solar panel roof penetrations
Can I put solar panels on the ground instead of the roof?
Yes, ground mounts work well when you have open, sunny yard space, and they make orientation easy. They usually cost more because of racking and trenching, and HOAs and city setbacks may apply. They are worth considering for shaded roofs or large rural lots.
Also asked as: ground mount solar · backyard solar panels
How long do solar panels last?
Quality panels commonly carry 25-year (or longer) power warranties and keep producing beyond that, losing roughly 0.5% of output per year on average. Inverters typically have shorter lives or warranties than panels, so ask about inverter warranty and replacement. Battery warranties are usually 10 years.
Also asked as: solar panel lifespan · solar degradation rate · solar panel warranty
Do solar panels need cleaning or maintenance?
Very little — rain handles most dust, and you can watch production in the monitoring app. Occasional cleaning may help after long dry, dusty or pollen-heavy periods, but never climb on the roof yourself. If production drops suddenly, call your installer; it is usually an inverter or communication issue.
Also asked as: clean solar panels texas · solar maintenance