Shaded Roof Solutions
Solar Options When Your Roof Is Too Shady
Trees make your home beautiful. They also make rooftop solar difficult. Here's the solution.
The Problem With Shaded Roofs
You want solar. You've done the math. It makes sense. But then the solar company comes out, looks at your roof, and says: "Sorry, too much shade."
You're not alone. Many Texas homes have beautiful mature trees that make rooftop solar impractical. But that doesn't mean solar won't work for you.
Why Roof Shade Is Such a Problem
It's Not Just About Less Sun
Shading affects solar panels more than you'd think. A single shaded panel can drag down the output of an entire string. Even partial shade — a shadow moving across your roof throughout the day — can cut production by 20-50%.
Microinverters Help, But Only So Much
Modern systems with microinverters (each panel has its own inverter) handle shade better than older string inverter systems. But they can't create sun where there isn't any. If your roof gets less than 4-5 hours of direct sunlight, the numbers often don't work.
Cutting Trees Isn't Always the Answer
Some solar companies suggest removing trees. But mature oaks and pecans are valuable — for shade, property value, and aesthetics. You shouldn't have to choose between trees and solar.
The Solution: Ground Mount Solar
Your roof is shaded. But is your whole property? Most homeowners with shaded roofs have at least some sunny yard space.
Ground mount solar puts panels where the sun is — even if that's not your roof. You can position them in the sunniest part of your property, at the perfect angle, facing true south.
The result: more energy production than a partially shaded rooftop system, without touching a single tree.
Find the Sun
If your yard has a sunny spot, that's where your solar goes.
The Math: Shaded Rooftop vs. Ground Mount
Consider a 8kW system on a partially shaded roof vs. ground mount in full sun:
Shaded Rooftop (40% shade)
- Annual production: ~7,500 kWh
- System cost: ~$24,000
- Cost per kWh/year: $3.20
Ground Mount (Full sun)
- Annual production: ~12,500 kWh
- System cost: ~$28,000
- Cost per kWh/year: $2.24
The ground mount system costs more upfront, but produces 67% more energy. Over 25 years, that's the difference between a mediocre investment and a great one.
But What About Removing Trees?
Tree Removal Costs
Large mature trees cost $2,000-10,000+ to remove. If you have multiple trees shading your roof, removal could cost more than the ground mount premium.
Shade Has Value
Trees reduce cooling costs. A well-placed shade tree can cut air conditioning costs by 15-35%. Remove it, and your energy savings from solar may be partially offset by higher AC bills.
Property Value
Mature trees increase property values by 3-15%. Ground mount solar also adds value. But a barren yard with rooftop solar? That's a harder sell.
How We Evaluate Your Property
Our site assessment includes:
Sun Path Analysis
We track shade patterns throughout the day and year
Optimal Placement
We identify the sunniest location on your property
Production Estimates
Real numbers for your specific situation
Don't Let Shade Stop You From Going Solar
Get a free property assessment. We'll find the sun on your property — even if it's not on your roof.
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