Yes, solar panels can go on most clay and concrete tile roofs in Arizona. Installers use tile-specific mounts that attach to the rafters beneath the tile, then flash each attachment point so the roof keeps shedding water. The panels produce electricity the same way they would on any other roof. The difference is in how they’re mounted.
Tile is one of the most common roofing materials in Tucson, and it’s one of the questions we hear most from homeowners researching solar. At Solar Pros AZ, we evaluate every tile roof before designing a system, and every installation comes with a 25-year roof penetration warranty in addition to our 25-year all-inclusive warranty on parts, labor and materials. If you’re still early in your research, our guide to solar panel considerations in Arizona is a good place to start.
Can you put solar panels on a tile roof?
Yes, as long as the roof and the structure underneath it are in good shape. The tile itself isn’t the deciding factor. What matters is the condition of the roof, the tile profile, how much usable space you have, and whether the roof sections face a direction that gets strong sun. Shading from trees, neighboring homes or roof features like chimneys and vents also plays a role in the design.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having your roof evaluated before any solar installation to confirm it can support the system.
How are solar panels mounted on a tile roof?
The panels sit on a racking system, and that racking connects to the roof framing through mounts designed specifically for tile. Installers typically lift or remove the tiles at each mounting location, secure the mount to the rafter, flash it, and then set the tiles back in place around it.
There are two common approaches. Tile hooks attach to the rafter and reach out between the tiles to hold the rail. Tile replacement mounts swap out a single tile for a flashed metal piece shaped to match the tile profile. The right option depends on your tile shape (flat, S-tile or barrel) and the racking being used. Either way, the rest of your roof stays in place.
Will solar panels make my tile roof leak?
A properly installed system shouldn’t. Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: on a tile roof, the tiles aren’t the main waterproofing layer. The underlayment beneath them is what actually keeps water out of your home, and the tiles protect that underlayment from sun and weather.
That’s why flashing matters so much. Each mount needs to be sealed and flashed so water running under the tiles is directed back onto the roof surface instead of into the attachment point. With monsoon storms dumping heavy rain in a short window each summer, this detail is worth asking any installer about. Our 25-year roof penetration warranty covers the points where the system attaches to your roof.
Can solar installation crack roof tiles?
Tile is brittle, and clay tile in particular can crack if someone steps on it wrong or handles it carelessly. Careful handling during installation keeps breakage to a minimum, and any tile that does crack should be replaced before the job is finished.
One practical tip: if you have leftover tiles from when your roof was built, let your installer know. Matching older tile colors and profiles can be tricky, so having spares on hand makes replacements blend in.
Should I replace my tile roof before going solar?
Not automatically. Many Tucson tile roofs are perfectly fine for solar as they are. The bigger question is how much life the underlayment has left.
Tiles can last for decades, but the underlayment beneath them tends to wear out much sooner, especially under years of desert heat. If your underlayment is nearing the end of its life, it may make sense to have it replaced (often called a tile reset or re-lay) before installing solar. Panels are designed to stay in place for decades, and removing and reinstalling a system later to fix the roof adds cost you can avoid by planning ahead. The Department of Energy makes the same point: if roof work is coming soon, doing it first can save money.
Does a tile roof affect solar panel performance?
No. The roofing material doesn’t change how much electricity the panels produce. Output depends on orientation, tilt, shading, system size and how much sunlight reaches the panels.
In Arizona, south- and southwest-facing roof sections generally produce the most energy, though east- and west-facing sections can still contribute. Tile mounts also tend to leave a gap between the panels and the roof, and that airflow helps panels shed some heat on hot summer afternoons.
What happens during a tile roof solar evaluation?
When we look at a tile roof, we check the tile type and condition along with the roof structure, pitch and shade patterns. We also measure usable space around vents, skylights and other obstructions, then review your electrical panel capacity and your household energy use. That information shapes a custom system design, including where the mounts go and which tile hardware fits your roof. You can learn more about how the process works on our residential solar page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clay tile or concrete tile better for solar?
Both work well. Concrete tile is heavier and generally more forgiving to walk on, while clay tile is more brittle and needs extra care during installation. The mounting approach is chosen based on the tile profile rather than the material alone.
Does installing solar on a tile roof cost more?
It can cost somewhat more than a shingle roof because tile mounts are specialized and the installation takes more careful labor. Your quote will reflect the specific hardware your roof needs.
What happens if my roof needs repairs after solar is installed?
The panels in the affected area may need to be removed and reinstalled so the roof work can be done. This is one reason we look closely at your roof’s condition before installation.
Are the roof attachments covered by a warranty?
Yes. Solar Pros AZ includes a 25-year roof penetration warranty on every installation, along with a 25-year all-inclusive warranty on parts, labor and materials.
How long does a tile roof solar installation take?
Most projects are complete within 30 to 45 days from the time you decide to move forward, including permitting and inspections. The physical installation itself usually takes several days.
Find Out If Your Tile Roof Is Ready for Solar
Every tile roof is a little different, and the best way to know what yours needs is an on-site evaluation. Solar Pros AZ is a licensed, bonded and insured Tucson solar company with an A+ rating from the BBB. Call us at 520-549-6200 or request your free evaluation online. You can also try the See Your Solar Model tool on our homepage to get a quick look at what solar could look like on your home.