Assessing an Installer's Experience with Your Specific Roof Type (PH Context)

When you decide to invest in a solar energy system for your home or business in the Philippines, you are entrusting an installer with two critical assets: your financial investment and the structural integrity of your property. The solar panels may be the stars of the show, but the unsung hero of any successful installation is the mounting system, and by extension, the expertise of the team that attaches it to your roof. Your roof is the foundation of this 25-year investment, and not all roofs are created equal.

The Philippine architectural landscape is a diverse tapestry of roofing materials, from the ubiquitous corrugated metal sheets glinting under the sun to the classic elegance of clay tiles and the stark functionality of concrete decks. Each surface presents a unique set of challenges for a solar installer. An installer who is a master at handling metal roofs may be completely out of their element on a delicate tile roof, and a mistake can lead to disastrous consequences. These are some of the costliest solar installation mistakes a homeowner can face: persistent leaks, cracked tiles, structural damage, or even panels being torn off during a typhoon.

This is why assessing an installer's specific, proven experience with your roof type is one of the most crucial steps in your due diligence process. It's about ensuring the company you hire isn't learning on the job. Their portfolio of past projects is your primary tool for this investigation, providing the visual evidence you need to confirm their competence and protect your home.

The Common Ground: Metal Roofs (GI Sheets, Trapezoidal, Rib-Type)

Metal roofing is the most common type found across the Philippines, on everything from residential bungalows to massive industrial warehouses. Because of this, any reputable installer should have a portfolio overflowing with successful metal roof projects. However, "experience" isn't just about quantity; it's about the quality and technique of the installation.

What to Look For:
Metal roofs are popular for solar installations because they are durable and offer straightforward mounting options. The best practice for trapezoidal or rib-type roofs involves drilling into the high points, or ribs, of the sheet. This is a critical detail because it keeps the penetrations out of the "valleys" where rainwater flows, significantly reducing the risk of leaks. The installer should use specialized L-foot brackets with high-quality, self-drilling screws that have a neoprene or EPDM washer to create a watertight seal.

Assessing Experience Through the Portfolio:

• Zoom In: Look for high-resolution photos where you can see the mounting hardware. You should see clean, consistent rows of L-feet attached to the ribs of the roofing sheet.
• Typhoon-Proofing: The Philippines is a typhoon-prone country, so the mounting system must be robust. The installer’s portfolio or technical specifications should mention that their system is designed to handle extreme wind loads, often up to 250 kph. Don't be shy to ask about their typhoon-proof mounting strategies.
• No "Tek Screws" on Panels: A major red flag is seeing installers drilling directly through the solar panel frame to attach it to the roof. This voids the panel warranty and is a sign of an amateurish, unsafe installation.

Questions to Ask Your Installer:

• "Can you show me close-up photos of how you attach the mounting feet to a trapezoidal metal roof like mine?"
• "What brand of mounting hardware do you use, and how do you ensure the penetrations are 100% waterproof for the next 25 years?"
• "What is your procedure for sealing the roof penetrations?"

The Delicate Art: Tile Roofs (Clay, Concrete, "Tejas")

Tile roofs, with their classic, upscale look, are common in many residential subdivisions. They are also the most challenging and unforgiving for an inexperienced installer. A single misplaced step can crack a tile, and an improperly installed mount can create a pathway for leaks that may go unnoticed for months, causing rot and damage to the underlying roof structure.

What to Look For:
Proper installation on a tile roof is a delicate surgical procedure. It involves carefully removing one or more tiles, installing a specialized tile hook directly onto the wooden or metal rafters below, and then replacing the tile, often grinding it slightly on the underside to ensure it sits flush. This non-intrusive method ensures the integrity of the roof's primary water barrier.

Assessing Experience Through the Portfolio:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: The installer's portfolio must feature multiple, clear examples of installations on tile roofs. If their portfolio is exclusively metal or concrete roofs, it is a significant warning sign.
• Look for Specialized Hooks: Examine the photos for evidence of tile hooks. These are flat, stainless steel brackets that slide under a tile and hook onto the rafter. You should not see any bolts drilled directly through the tiles themselves.
• Mention of Premium Hardware: Reputable installers often use high-quality German or European mounting systems (like Schletter or Clenergy) for tile roofs, as these are specifically designed for the task. The mention of these brands in a portfolio is a mark of quality and experience.

Questions to Ask Your Installer:

• "What is your exact process for installing on a tile roof? How many tile roofs has your team worked on?"
• "How do you handle tile breakages during installation? Do you carry spare tiles?"
• "What specific brand of tile hooks do you use, and can you show me how they are attached and waterproofed?"

The Engineering Feat: Flat Concrete Roofs and Decks

Common in modern Filipino homes, townhouses, and commercial buildings, flat concrete decks seem like an easy canvas for solar panels. However, they present their own unique engineering challenges, primarily related to proper tilting, waterproofing, and wind resistance.

What to Look For:
There are two primary professional methods for installing on a concrete roof:

1. Ballasted (Non-Penetrating) System: This method uses weighted blocks (often custom-made concrete blocks) to hold the mounting frame—and the solar panels—in place without drilling a single hole into the roof. This is an excellent option for preserving the roof's waterproof membrane. The installer must demonstrate that they have done the engineering calculations to ensure the ballast is heavy enough to withstand typhoon-force wind uplift.
2. Penetrating System: This involves mechanically fastening the mounting system directly to the concrete deck using anchor bolts. While providing immense strength, this method’s success hinges entirely on the quality of the waterproofing. The installer must use high-grade, industrial-strength sealants and follow a meticulous multi-step process to ensure a permanent, leak-proof seal around every penetration.

Assessing Experience Through the Portfolio:

• Clear Methodologies: The portfolio should showcase projects using these specific methods. A case study might explain why a ballasted or penetrating system was chosen for a particular project.
• Clean and Tilted: The photos should show the panels tilted at an optimal angle (usually 10-15 degrees in the Philippines) to maximize sun exposure and facilitate self-cleaning during rain. The tilting frames should look professionally fabricated and robust.
• Waterproofing Evidence: For penetrating mounts, while you can't see the sealant itself, the finished job should look clean and professional around the base of each mounting foot.

Questions to Ask Your Installer:

• "For my concrete roof, would you recommend a ballasted or a penetrating mount, and why?"
• "If you recommend a ballasted system, how do you calculate the required weight to make it typhoon-proof?"
• "If you recommend a penetrating system, what is your exact waterproofing process and what specific sealant do you use? What is its lifespan?"

Know When to Be Cautious: Assessing Overall Roof Condition

Beyond the material, a good installer assesses the overall health of your roof before even proposing a system. The portfolio can sometimes reveal an installer's commitment to this crucial first step. A responsible installer will refuse to install on a roof that is old, sagging, or shows signs of damage. Their primary concern is safety and liability. This is why a proper assessment of the roof's condition for solar is a non-negotiable part of the process.

Conclusion: Your Roof, Their Resume

Your roof is the silent guardian of your home, and the company you hire to work on it must treat it with the respect and expertise it deserves. An installer’s portfolio is their resume, and it's your job to read it critically. Look for a mirror image of your own home within their past work. A rich history of successful installations on your specific roof type is the best assurance you can get of a safe, secure, and leak-proof system that will last for decades.

Don't hesitate to use the portfolio as a starting point for a detailed conversation. A professional and experienced installer will welcome your questions and take pride in explaining the technical details of their work. This careful vetting process, centered on tangible proof of experience found in the installer's portfolio, is the foundation upon which a successful solar journey is built, allowing you to confidently choose the right solar company for your needs.