Best Roof Types for Solar Panels in Canada: A Beginner's Guide
October 15, 2026
VerifiedOctober 15, 2026
Next reviewJanuary 15, 2027
AuthorGriffEnergy Research Team
The short answer
Asphalt shingle and standing-seam metal are the easiest roofs for solar in Canada. Standing seam is the best of all, because panels clamp to the seams with no holes in the roof. Tile, slate and cedar shake can work but cost more and need a specialist. Flat roofs use tilted, weighted racking. Roof age and structure matter as much as the material.
Your roof is the foundation of a 25-plus-year system. Here's how each common Canadian roof type handles solar, what the mounting looks like and what it does to the price.
Which roof type is best for solar?
| Roof type | How panels attach | Fit for solar | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | Flashed mounts bolted into rafters | Very good, the most common | Roof age: shingles last 15–25 years |
| Standing-seam metal | Clamps on the seams, no penetrations | Excellent | Confirm seam profile with the clamp maker |
| Corrugated or ribbed metal | Brackets fastened through the panel into the structure | Good | Sealing every fastener |
| Clay or concrete tile | Tile hooks or replacement flashing tiles | Possible, higher cost | Broken tiles during install |
| Slate | Specialized hooks, careful slate removal | Difficult and expensive | Few installers do it well |
| Cedar shake | Specialized flashing, sometimes partial re-roof | Often not recommended | Fire rating, roof condition |
| Flat (EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen) | Ballasted or attached tilted racking | Good, common on garages and businesses | Membrane warranty, drainage, weight |
Asphalt shingles
Most Canadian homes have them, and every installer knows them. Each mount is bolted into a rafter and flashed under the shingle course above it so water runs over, not into, the hole. Done right, it's watertight for the life of the system. The real question is age: if the shingles have fewer than about 10 years left, re-roof first. See Roof first.
Standing-seam metal
The best roof you can put solar on. Clamps grip the raised seams, so there are no penetrations at all, and a metal roof often outlasts the panels. If you're replacing a roof anyway and plan to stay, it's worth pricing.
Corrugated and exposed-fastener metal
Common on farm buildings, shops and some cottages. Brackets fasten through the metal into the purlins or rafters, and each fastener is sealed. It's a good solar roof when the structure underneath is sound.
Tile, slate and cedar shake
These can carry solar, but they cost more. Tiles crack if walked on, so crews remove and replace them around each mount, often using flashing tiles. Slate is brittle and needs a specialist. Cedar shake raises fire and attachment concerns; many installers recommend re-roofing the solar section in a different material.
Flat roofs
Panels sit on tilted racks, either held down by ballast blocks or attached to the structure. Ballast avoids holes but adds weight, so a structural check is essential, especially with Canadian snow loads. Coordinate with whoever warrants the roof membrane before anything is installed.
What else makes a roof good for solar?
- Direction: south is best; east and west work well with slightly lower output. North-facing roofs are rarely worth it.
- Pitch: most pitched roofs work. Steeper roofs shed snow better but cost more to install safely.
- Shade: trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings matter more than material. Panel-level electronics help with partial shade. See inverters compared.
- Structure: panels and racking add weight on top of snow. A competent installer checks rafters and decking as standard.
- Space: vents, skylights and fire-code setbacks reduce usable area.
What is the best roof for solar panels?
Standing-seam metal, because panels clamp to the seams without drilling holes and the roof often outlasts the panels. Asphalt shingle is the most common and works very well.
Can you put solar panels on a metal roof?
Yes. Standing-seam metal uses clamps with no penetrations. Corrugated metal uses brackets fastened into the structure and sealed.
Can solar go on a tile or slate roof?
Yes, but it costs more and needs an experienced installer, because tiles and slate break easily during installation.
Can you install solar on a flat roof?
Yes, using tilted racking that is weighted with ballast or attached to the structure. A structural check is essential.
Does the roof have to face south?
No. South is best, but east- and west-facing roofs still work well. North-facing roofs usually aren't worth it.
Sources
- Racking manufacturers — installation manuals for shingle, metal, tile and flat-roof systems
- National Building Code of Canada — snow and structural load provisions
- Natural Resources Canada — solar potential by orientation and tilt
Verified October 15, 2026. Have a qualified installer or roofer assess your specific roof. General information, not professional advice.
