Saw an article yesterday about folks putting solar roofs on older homes, like pre-1950s kinda houses. Apparently, it's doable but can get tricky with structural issues, wiring, and all that jazz. Got me thinking...I love the idea of going green, but my place is pretty old-school and I'm not sure if it's worth the headache or cost. Curious if anyone here has tried this or knows someone who did. Is it actually practical or just a money pit waiting to happen?
"Apparently, it's doable but can get tricky with structural issues, wiring, and all that jazz."
Yep, seen this a few times. Quick thoughts:
- Older roofs often need reinforcing—solar panels add weight, and vintage framing wasn't designed for it.
- Wiring upgrades can definitely add cost. Older electrical systems might not handle the load without some serious updating.
- Practical? Usually yes, but expect higher upfront costs.
- Worth it long-term if you're staying put awhile...energy savings and incentives help offset initial headaches.
I tackled this exact issue a couple years back with my 1920s bungalow. Definitely doable, but it's not exactly plug-and-play.
"Older roofs often need reinforcing—solar panels add weight, and vintage framing wasn't designed for it."
This was spot-on for me. My rafters were spaced wider than modern code allows, so I had to sister in additional supports to handle the extra load. Not a huge deal if you're handy, but it did add a weekend or two of work. Wiring was another story...my old knob-and-tube system needed a complete overhaul, which meant opening up walls and ceilings—messy and pricey.
Still, looking back, I'd say it was worth the hassle. My electric bills dropped significantly, and the tax credits softened the initial blow. If you're comfortable with DIY and have patience for unexpected hiccups (and there will be some), it's definitely rewarding in the long run.
Your experience sounds pretty similar to mine, but luckily (or unluckily?), I didn't have the knob-and-tube nightmare to deal with. My issue was more about the roof itself—my old Victorian had some serious storm damage a few years back, and when I went up to inspect, I realized the framing was basically toothpicks held together by wishful thinking. 😅
Ended up reinforcing everything from scratch before even thinking about solar panels. Honestly, the silver lining to storm damage is that insurance covered a good chunk of the structural repairs—I doubt I'd have tackled it otherwise. Still, it felt like every step forward uncovered another hidden problem...you know how it goes with old houses.
The solar panels themselves were straightforward enough once we got past the structural hurdles. But now you've got me curious about electrical upgrades—is knob-and-tube always a no-go for solar setups, or does it depend on local code? I've heard conflicting info from electricians around here. Would hate to rip open walls unnecessarily...again.
