Thinking about adding solar to your Wellington home? Smart move. Solar panels can last 20–30 years, so it’s essential your roof can go the distance too. Before you install, make sure your roof is structurally sound, corrosion-free, and built to handle Wellington’s weather, or that new solar investment could cost you more down the line.

Why You Should Inspect Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels

1. Your roof might not last as long as your solar system

Solar panels often outlast the roof they’re installed on. If you need to re-roof in 5–10 years, you’ll have to remove and reinstall the entire solar array. That means extra cost, downtime, and lost energy generation.
Even careful removal can cause micro-cracks and connector wear, reducing output and possibly voiding your solar warranty.

2. Solar technology evolves fast and not everyone supports old systems

We’ve already seen homeowners struggle to find companies willing to disconnect and reconnect outdated solar setups. Mounting systems, inverters, and wiring standards change quickly. If you need to reroof in a few years, today’s system might not match tomorrow’s technology and installers may refuse to touch it.
A strong, long-lasting roof now avoids this future headache.

3. Wellington’s unique climate demands extra care

High winds, salt air, and steep sites are standard here. Most homes sit in Very High or Extra High wind zones with coastal exposure. Your roof fixings, flashings, and substrates must meet higher performance standards.
A proper roof condition report or inspection before solar installation ensures your panels have a solid base and your home stays watertight.

Pre-Solar Roof Checklist for Wellington Homes

Metal Longrun or Tray Roofs

  • If over 15–20 years old, get it checked for coating breakdown, fastener corrosion, and end-lap rust.
  • A new Colorsteel Maxam longrun roof offers the best surface for solar panel installation.

Concrete or Terracotta Tile Roofs

  • Inspect for cracked tiles, porous underlay, or brittle battens.
  • Weak tiles make poor fixing points for solar rails.

 Decramastic (Chip) Tile Roofs

  • These older roofs often hide corrosion under the chip coating.
  • Most solar installers recommend re-roofing in steel longrun before mounting solar panels.

 Asbestos or Fibre-Cement Roofs

  • Never mount solar panels on asbestos materials, it’s unsafe and non-compliant.
  • Contact a licensed roofing company for asbestos roof replacement in Wellington before proceeding.

The Best Roofing Option for Solar Panels in Wellington

For long-term performance, Colorsteel longrun roofing is the most solar-friendly solution. It provides a smooth, durable surface for rail-mount systems, withstands Wellington’s wind, and can match the 25- to 30-year lifespan of most solar panels.

Future-Proof Your Investment with Element Roofing

If you’re planning solar, start with a professional roof inspection first. At Element Roofing Wellington, we specialise in preparing homes for solar installations:
Roof condition reports and lifespan assessments
Re-roofing or roof replacement before solar
Coordination with local solar installers
High-wind and coastal-zone roofing solutions
Protect your investment for the next 40 years.

Get a roof inspection quote today before your solar goes up.