Solar Installation with a New Roof
Install Solar With a New Roof in Southeastern Wisconsin
Installing solar panels and replacing your roof at the same time is one of the smartest ways to protect your investment, lower long-term costs, and avoid paying twice for labor.
At Smart Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, we coordinate roof replacement and solar installation planning together so homeowners get a roofing system built to support long-term energy performance and avoid premature panel removal.
If your roof is aging, damaged, nearing end-of-life, or you are planning to install solar within the next several years, combining both projects can reduce disruption and improve overall project efficiency.
Service Areas: Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, and most of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Should You Replace Your Roof
Before Installing Solar?
Installing solar on an older roof often creates unnecessary future costs.
When both projects happen together, homeowners can:
-
- Avoid removing and reinstalling solar later for roof replacement
- Protect roofing warranties and manufacturer requirements
- Improve roof penetration planning and waterproofing details
- Coordinate electrical and roofing schedules
- Extend the lifespan of the complete roofing system
- Reduce labor duplication and project downtime
- Improve curb appeal and resale value
A roof should ideally have enough remaining life to match the expected lifespan of a solar system.
Why Install Solar Panels When
Replacing Your Roof?
In most cases: yes you should. If your roof has less than approximately 5-10 years of remaining life is often better to wait and more cost effective to do them together.
Signs you should replace your roof first:
- Roof is over 15–20 years old
- Curling, cracking, or missing shingles
- Active leaks or water intrusion
- Storm damage or insurance-related wear
- Multiple prior repairs
- Soft decking or ventilation concerns
Smart Roofing helps evaluate whether your existing roof is ready for solar or whether replacement should happen first.
Best Roofing Materials for Solar Panels
Here are two of our highly recommended types of roofing systems we install when doing solar installations:
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Most common residential solar pairing. Benefits:
- Cost-effective, asphalt is the standard roofing material in North America which helps solar flashing kit hardware costs stay low
- Excellent compatibility, mounting systems for asphalt roofs use code-compliant flashing plates under the shingles creating a reliable, mechanical, watertight seal that naturally sheds water.
- Easy future maintenance
- Strong weather performance
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Excellent Long-term option. Benefits:
- Extended lifespan, standing seam roofing lasts 50+ years
- Non-penetration with concealed fastener system and clamp mounting brackets
- Strong snow-shedding performance
- Double-cooling symbiosis, panels shade the roof to slash your AC bills, while the reflective metal prevents heat buildup to keep your solar cells running at peak electrical efficiency.
Smart Roofing Standards
Our New Roof + Solar Installation Process

Instant Estimate
Click on ‘Instant Estimate’ to quickly get an initial roof quote and input your project description with solar interest.

Initial Contact
Your appointed advisor will reach out to schedule your free inspection and consultation.

Free Inspection
We assess your roof’s condition, ventilation performance, structural considerations, roof age, remaining life, and areas planned for solar placement.

Estimate
After the inspection, we’ll present a comprehensive, no-obligation estimate tailored to your needs.

Follow-Up
We follow up to answer any additional questions and confirm your decision after receiving your other bids.

Project Approval
Once you approve the estimate, we’ll schedule the project and provide a timeline for completion.

Preparation
We prepare the site, ensuring safety and minimal disruption to your property.

Roof Replacement
Our team installs a complete roofing system designed for durability and long-term protection.

Roof Quality Check
After installation, we conduct a thorough quality check to ensure the roof meets our Smart Standards.

Solar Layout Coordination
Before installation begins, we coordinate panel placement zones, attachment locations, wire routing, vent and obstruction locations, and future service accessibility.

Solar Installation
After roofing completion, solar equipment installation proceeds using the finalized roof layout and mounting locations.

Solar Quality Check
After installation, we conduct a thorough quality check to ensure the solar panel system meets our Smart Standards.

Cleanup
We leave your property clean and tidy, removing all debris and ensuring your satisfaction.

Final Walkthrough
Together we will walk through our 35 point inspection addressing questions or concerns for complete satisfaction.

Post Completion
Long after your roof is complete, we’re always here to help and support you to maintain and protect your investment.
Smart Roofing and Sheet Metal
Our Commitment to Quality & Customer Satisfaction
Smart Choice. Smart Service. Smart Roofing.
Smart Roofing is a trusted name in southeastern Wisconsin, delivering top-quality roofing for homes and businesses. We offer competitive pricing, expert craftsmanship, and hands-on project management. With a BBB A+ rating and multiple service awards, our reputation speaks for itself. Whether it’s a home, rental, or commercial property, Dale and the team have you covered.
How Long Does a
New Roof and Solar Installation Take?
Typical Timelines:
-
- Roof replacement: 1-3 days
- Solar Design and approvals: varies by utility and permitting (plan this before both projects)
- Solar installation: 1-3 days
Project schedules vary depending on roof size, weather, complexity, and permitting.
Why Homeowners Choose Smart Roofing?
Property owners choose Smart Roofing and Sheet Metal Company because we have focus on
quality workmanship, transparency, and long-lasting roofing solutions since 1950.
What Sets Us Apart
-
- Local Wisconsin roofing expertise
- Roof-first planning for long-term performance
- Detailed installation coordination
- Manufacturer-focused installation methods (and what’s already worked for your unique home)
- Residential and specialty roofing experience
- Clean communication throughout the project
Our goal is simple: install an asphalt roof that protects your property and solar that maximizes energy efficiency
Want your roof + solar install added to our schedule? Start with your free estimate.
Schedule Your Free
Roof Inspection
If you are at the start of the process and wondering if solar installation with a new roof is even compatible. We get it.
Contact a local solar roofing contractor like Smart Roofing and Sheet Metal Company today to schedule a free roof inspection.
Our team will evaluate your roof. Explain your options for a residential solar roof installation. Provide a clear plan for the best roof for solar panels, discuss roof replacement before solar, then address installing solar panels on the new roof.
New Roof + Solar Installation FAQs
Is it cheaper to install solar and a new roof together?
Often yes. Combining projects can reduce duplicate labor and prevent future panel removal expenses.
Can solar panels damage a roof?
When properly installed and flashed, solar systems should not damage roofing materials.
Does a new roof increase solar performance?
The roof itself does not generate more electricity, but proper roof condition and panel positioning support long-term system reliability.
What roof lasts the longest under solar panels?
Metal roofing, it’s durability outlasts even the solar panels. For architectural shingles, a heavier shingle is always the best for long-term durability.
Can I finance roofing and solar together?
Some homeowners choose bundled financing options depending on lender and project structure. Applying for a HELOC loan with your mortgage company or local credit union you will get a better rate than any third party company will give you. (We are not financial advisors, and will not be held liable for your financial decisions.)
WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE SMART ROOFING?
At Smart Roofing, we focus on delivering direct benefits that property owners will appreciate:
1
Price Match Gaurantee
If you find a better price with the services we offer, let us know, and we will match it like-and-kind! But expect we’re giving you honest pricing upfront!
2
Decades of Experience
With over 75 years of service in southeastern Wisconsin, we are a trusted, family-owned and operating roofing company that’s seen it all.
3
Honest Service
We remove the existing roof and inspect for hidden issues like wood decking damage, ventilation, and moisture concerns.
4
Expert Installation
Our team consists of highly trained and certified professionals, ensuring superior craftsmanship and long-lasting results.
We work with the best brands
Experiences From Smart Roofing Clients
Smart Roofing and Sheet Metal Standards
What To Consider When Choosing a Roofing and Solar Contractor
When selecting a roofing contractor, homeowners should consider several key factors to ensure a successful project:
Licensing and Insurance
Always choose a licensed and insured contractor to protect yourself from liability and ensure compliance with local building codes.
Local Reputation and Reviews
Research customer reviews and ask for references to gauge the contractor’s reliability and quality of work.
Detailed Written Estimate
A reputable contractor will provide a detailed written estimate outlining the scope of work, materials, and costs involved.
Warranty and Service
Ensure the contractor offers a solid warranty and stands behind their work with excellent customer service.
Get A Solar Installation with New Roof Estimate
If you’re considering a new roof and solar installation or maybe you know your ready, trust Smart Roofing and Sheet Metal Company to deliver outstanding results. Take the next step today by getting your free estimate and Smart Roofing consultation.

