Installing solar panels is one of the smartest home upgrades New Yorkers can make—but not every roof is solar-ready. Before jumping in, it’s worth taking a close look at your roof’s structure, age, and exposure. 

Not sure about the condition of your roof? Schedule a free consultation with one of Mpower Solar’s experts. 

Here’s your 7-point checklist to find out if your roof is ready for solar.

1. Your Roof Is in Good Condition

If you’ve got leaks, soft spots, pooling water, or cracked and missing shingles, it’s likely you’ll need repairs before going solar. If your roof is more than 15–20 years old, it’s possible you’ll need a full roof replacement. Most solar panels last 25 years or more so you’ll want a roof that can go the distance. Mpower Solar coordinates roof repairs (excluding a new roof) free of charge during installation to save homeowners time and money. 

2. Your Roof Gets Enough Sun Exposure

Solar energy thrives on sunlight (no surprises there). Check if your roof faces south or southwest and has minimal shade. Even a few trees or a nearby building can cut production by 10–30%. Our design team uses satellite mapping and 3D modeling to assess shading and optimize panel layout before installation. Sometimes a quick tree trim is all a homeowner needs to maximize their roof’s solar exposure. 

3. Your Roof Material Is Good for Solar

Solar works well on most roofing materials, but some are easier (and cheaper) to install on than others. Asphalt shingles, common in NYC, are ideal. Metal roofs with standing seams are excellent, too. Tile or slate roofs—while less common in the city—can still work; they just require specialized mounting equipment and care. Mpower Solar’s experienced installers know how to handle even the trickiest rooftops.

4. Your Roof Pitch and Angle is Good for Solar

The best roofs for solar have a tilt between 15° and 40°. Flat roofs (very common in New York City) can benefit from angled (tilt mount ) or raised (canopy mount) racking systems to maximize sunlight. What matters most is that panels face the sun as directly as possible for maximum energy generation.

5. Your Roof Size and Layout Allows for Solar Panels

A standard 5kW residential solar system typically needs about 12-15 panels and 300–400 square feet of unobstructed roof space. For reference, a single panel is 17–21 square feet. Chimneys, skylights, and vents can limit where panels fit, so a site assessment is key. Mpower Solar’s design team evaluates every inch to make sure your layout looks clean and produces efficiently while adhering to NYC fire and safety regulations. 

6. The Structural Integrity of Your Roof is Sound

Solar panels add about 3–5 pounds per square foot of load to your roof. Before installation, Mpower Solar conducts a structural review to confirm your roof can handle it. If reinforcement is needed, we’ll coordinate that—safety always comes first. A good rule of thumb is that if your roof has soft spots or active leaks, it will need some repair and reinforcement before panels can be installed. 

7. Your Roof Meets Local Regulations

Finally, in New York, a home’s landmark status or individual co-op guidelines can all affect your installation. If your home falls into one of these categories there may be additional considerations. Fortunately, Mpower Solar’s permitting team works with the Department of Buildings (DOB) to navigate the process. 

Let Mpower Solar Assess Your Roof

If your roof checks most of these boxes, you’re in great shape to go solar. If not, don’t worry—Mpower Solar can assess your roof and recommend solutions to make solar possible. All roof repairs (excluding a new roof) are included in our solar panel installations.