Is Your Roof Ready for Solar?

Your roof plays a huge role in how well your solar system will work. Let’s go over what makes a roof suitable for solar and clear up some concerns about solar-related fires in Nigeria.

1. Does Your Roof Get Enough Sunlight?

Ideal Roof Direction: If your roof faces south, you’re in luck! South-facing roofs get the most sunlight in Nigeria. But don’t worry if your roof faces east or west — these can still generate plenty of solar power.

Shading Issues: Watch out for trees, buildings, or antennas that might block sunlight. If parts of your roof are shaded for long hours, your panels won’t perform at their best.

Check Your Sunlight Exposure: Try using a sun-tracking app or just observe where the sun hits your roof throughout the day. If your roof gets strong sunlight from morning to late afternoon, you’re good to go!

2. What’s the Angle of Your Roof?

Best Roof Angles: Solar panels work best on roofs with an angle between 15 to 40 degrees. If your roof is too flat, Pam Solar can install tilting structures to maximize sunlight capture.

3. What’s Your Roof Made Of?

Most common roofing materials in Nigeria are compatible with solar panels:

Metal roofs (especially standing-seam types) — These are great for solar because panels can be mounted without drilling holes.

Asphalt shingle and fiber roofs — Work well for solar, but they should be in good condition.

Concrete or clay tile roofs — Suitable, though extra care is needed during installation.

Flat roofs — Solar panels can be installed with support structures to angle them properly.

4. Can Your Roof Support the Weight of Solar Panels?

Before installing solar panels, check if your roof is strong enough. If your roof is old or has leaks, it’s best to repair or reinforce it first. A well-maintained roof ensures your solar panels last longer and perform efficiently.

5. Will Your Roof Last as Long as Your Solar System?

Solar panels last 25+ years, so your roof should be in good shape for the long haul. If your roof is due for replacement soon, consider re-roofing before installing solar.

6. Are You Worried About Solar-Related Fires?

Recently, there have been reports of fires involving buildings with solar panels in Nigeria. However, after investigation, most of these fires started inside the house, from faulty wiring or electrical appliances, and then spread to the roof. Since there were solar panels on the roof, people assumed the solar system was the cause.

7. Can Solar Panels Catch Fire?

Solar panels are designed to be safe and have a very low risk of causing fires. However, issues can arise in rare cases due to:

Poor installation — If the wiring is not done properly, electrical arcing can occur.

Cheap, low-quality panels — Inferior panels may have faulty junction boxes that overheat.

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Substandard charge controllers and inverters — Poor-quality equipment increases the risk of electrical failures.

Even in the rare event of a panel issue, solar panels do not fully catch fire. A small burn at the junction box might occur due to bad connections, but the tempered glass and fire-resistant materials prevent it from spreading.

8. How to Keep Your Solar Installation Safe

To avoid any risks:

Use high-quality solar panels and components from trusted brands like Pam Solar.

Hire Pam Solar’s professional installers who follow safety standards.

Schedule regular system check-ups with Pam Solar to ensure connections are secure.

Make sure your home’s wiring is up to standard to prevent fires that could spread to the roof.

Final Thoughts

Your roof is one of the most important factors in a successful solar installation. If it gets enough sunlight, has the right angle, is structurally strong, and is made of a suitable material, you’re all set for solar. As for fire concerns, solar panels are not the problem — most fires start from inside the house. By using Pam Solar’s quality products and professional installation, solar remains one of the safest and smartest energy choices for your home in Nigeria.