If you have a tile roof and are considering solar energy, you might be wondering whether your roof can handle solar panels. Tile roofs—especially lightweight cement or clay tiles—are beautiful and durable but also delicate. Unlike asphalt shingles, they can crack easily under pressure, which makes solar installation a bit more challenging.

So, can you install solar panels on a tile roof? The short answer is yes—but it requires careful planning and the right installation technique to ensure your roof remains intact and your solar system lasts for decades.

Let’s explore the unique challenges of installing solar panels on tile roofs and the best methods to do it safely and effectively.

Why tile roofs require special solar installation methods

Tile roofs are common in the Western and Southwestern U.S., where the climate is warm and dry. These roofs, often called Spanish tile or terra cotta tile, come in different shapes, such as “W,” “S,” or flat tile.

One of the biggest challenges with tile roofs is their fragility. While they are excellent at withstanding harsh weather, they aren’t designed to handle the weight and stress of a solar panel system.

If installers attempt to mount solar panels directly onto lightweight tiles, several issues can arise:

• Tile breakage: Walking on or drilling through these tiles can cause cracks or breaks, which may lead to roof leaks and structural damage.
• Damage to the underlayment: The underlayment is the protective layer beneath the tiles that prevents water from seeping into your home. Drilling into the roof can compromise this layer, leading to moisture problems and costly repairs.
• Future damage from vibrations: Even if tiles remain intact during installation, they can weaken over time. Wind moving between the solar panels and the racking system can create vibrations that cause tiles to crack down the road.

Because of these risks, standard installation methods won’t work for tile roofs—especially lightweight ones. Instead, solar professionals use specialized techniques to ensure durability and long-term performance.

How to install solar panels on tile roofs

The best way to install solar panels on a lightweight tile roof is through a method called inset solar installation, also known as a “comp-out” installation. This technique removes the section of tile where the solar panels will be installed and replaces it with composite shingles before mounting the solar array.

How the inset solar installation process works

1. Removing the tiles – A roofing professional carefully removes the tiles in the area where the solar panels will be placed. These tiles are set aside and saved for later use.
2. Installing composite shingles – Instead of mounting solar panels directly on fragile tiles, the roofing team installs composite shingles in the designated area. Composite shingles are durable, waterproof, and provide a sturdy base for the solar panels.
3. Sealing and reinforcing – To ensure the new roofing section is waterproof, flashing (a type of metal sheet) is installed around the edges. This creates a strong seal and prevents water from leaking into the roof.
4. Mounting the solar panels – Once the new roof section is complete, a solar expert installs the racking system and solar panels securely onto the composite shingles. Unlike tile, these shingles can handle the weight and pressure of solar mounting without breaking.
5. Restoring the tile aesthetic – After the solar installation is complete, the previously removed tiles are placed around the solar panels. This creates a seamless, built-in appearance, making the panels look like they were part of the original roof design.

This method ensures that the integrity of the roof remains intact while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a tile roof.

Benefits of inset solar panel installation on tile roofs

Choosing an inset solar installation comes with several key benefits:

1. Prevents roof damage

By removing tiles and installing composite shingles underneath the solar panels, this method eliminates the risk of cracking tiles during installation or in the future. It also prevents damage to the underlayment, which is critical for waterproofing.

2. Ensures long-term durability

Solar panels are a long-term investment. A proper installation method ensures that your roof stays structurally sound for decades—even with strong winds, rain, and other environmental factors.

3. Provides an aesthetically pleasing design

Inset installations create a low-profile appearance, making it look like the home was originally built with solar panels in mind. This sleek design is popular in new home construction, where solar energy is often integrated from the start.

4. May qualify for solar tax incentives

Since a comp-out installation is considered a necessary part of the solar project, the costs associated with it may qualify for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This can help reduce your overall solar installation costs.

5. Saves extra tiles for future repairs

Because the original roof tiles are carefully removed, homeowners can store them for future use. If any tiles on the rest of the roof get damaged over time, you’ll have replacement tiles on hand that match perfectly.

What happens if installers don’t use an inset method?

Some solar companies may try to install panels directly onto a tile roof without removing the tiles first. While this might save time and money upfront, it comes with serious risks:

• Broken tiles during installation – Even with careful handling, there’s a high chance of breaking tiles while mounting the panels.
• Increased risk of leaks – Drilling through tiles and the underlayment can lead to moisture damage inside the home.
• Ongoing maintenance issues – Over time, tiles under the racking system may crack due to vibrations, leading to expensive repairs later on.

Since solar panels last 25+ years, choosing the right installation method is essential to avoid long-term problems.

Choosing a trusted solar installer

If you’re installing solar panels on a tile roof, it’s critical to work with a qualified installer who has experience with tile roof solar projects.

SunPower, for example, offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty, ensuring that your solar system is installed correctly and built to last. Not all solar companies follow best practices, so it’s important to ask about the installation method before moving forward with a project.

Final thoughts

Yes, you can install solar panels on a tile roof—but the installation process must be handled with care. Lightweight tiles are fragile, and traditional mounting methods can cause damage that leads to costly repairs.

The best solution is an inset solar installation, which involves replacing the tile section with composite shingles before mounting the panels. This method:

✔ Prevents roof damage
✔ Ensures a long-lasting and secure installation
✔ Creates a seamless, aesthetically pleasing design
✔ May qualify for tax incentives

If you’re considering solar for your tile roof, be sure to work with an experienced installer who follows best practices. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy without compromising your roof’s integrity.