More commercial and industrial buildings in Calgary are looking at rooftop solar to control energy costs, improve ESG scores, and future-proof their properties. But if the roof under those panels isn’t designed and detailed properly, you can end up with leaks, warranty disputes, and expensive re-work.
The best time to plan for solar is before you install the system—ideally when you’re inspecting, repairing, or replacing the roof. This guide explains how to make your flat roof “solar-ready” in Calgary’s climate, and how CMP Roofing can coordinate with your solar contractor so the roof and solar system work together for the long term.
For a full overview of our commercial services, see https://cmproofing.ca/services/ and explore related topics on the CMP Roofing blog at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
Why Solar-Ready Roofing Matters for Calgary Properties
Calgary sees strong sun exposure and rising energy costs, making rooftop solar increasingly attractive. But:
- Most solar arrays are designed to last 20–30+ years
- Many existing roofs are already halfway through their service life
- Poor planning can mean removing and reinstalling solar when the roof fails early
A solar-ready roof strategy aims to:
- Align roof lifespan with solar lifespan
- Reduce risk of leaks around mounts, ballast, and conduits
- Simplify future maintenance and inspections
- Protect warranties for both the roof and the solar system
If your roof is already approaching end-of-life, it often makes sense to address it before installing panels. For help deciding where your roof stands, see “Commercial Flat Roof Replacement in Calgary: Costs, Options & Timelines for Property Managers” on https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
Step 1: Start with a Commercial Roof Inspection
Before committing to solar, you need to know what you’re working with.
A commercial roof inspection should:
- Confirm the existing roof system (TPO, SBS, EPDM, BUR, coatings, or metal)
- Identify leaks, ponding, or saturated areas that must be corrected
- Assess deck condition and current insulation levels
- Document flashings, penetrations, and parapet details
This is the same foundation described in “Calgary Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist: What Inspectors Look For & When You Need One” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
To book an inspection for a solar-candidate roof, you can contact CMP Roofing via https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/ and confirm coverage at https://cmproofing.ca/locations/.
Step 2: Make Sure Roof Life Matches Solar Life
If your roof has fewer than 10–15 years of realistic life left, it’s often more cost-effective to:
- Replace or restore the roof first
- Then install solar onto a new or upgraded system
Options include:
- Full replacement with TPO, SBS, or EPDM designed to support solar loads. Compare systems in “TPO vs SBS vs EPDM in Calgary’s Climate: Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
- Restoration using coatings (silicone, acrylic, or polyurethane) if the existing roof is structurally sound and mostly dry. See “Commercial Roof Coatings in Calgary: Silicone vs Acrylic vs Polyurethane Compared” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
For many owners, this sequencing avoids the cost and disruption of dismantling solar later just to fix the roof beneath it.
Step 3: Address Drainage and Ponding Before Panels Go On
Solar racking can make access to drains and problem areas more challenging. Fix drainage now, not later.
Key tasks:
- Correct ponding areas using tapered insulation or localized slope corrections
- Ensure internal drains, scuppers, and gutters are accessible and properly sized
- Rebuild sumps around drains to encourage water flow
- Avoid placing racking where it blocks water movement
Drainage upgrades are covered in detail in “Flat Roof Drainage Problems in Calgary: Ponding, Freeze–Thaw Damage & Permanent Fixes” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
If you already have chronic ponding, solar may worsen the issue unless it’s engineered into the drainage design.
Step 4: Choose the Right Roof System for a Solar-Ready Assembly
Different roof systems interact with solar hardware in different ways.
TPO and Other Single-Ply Membranes
- Popular for large, open roof areas
- Work well with ballasted or mechanically attached solar racking when designed correctly
- Require careful detailing around any penetrations and equipment pads
For more, see “TPO Roofing Calgary: Best Commercial Flat Roof System for Big-Box & Industrial Buildings” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
SBS Modified Bitumen
- Robust and redundant, good for roofs with complex details and heavy foot traffic
- Handles mechanical abuse around racking and service paths well
- Often preferred where parapets, transitions, and penetrations are numerous
See “SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing in Calgary: When It’s the Right Solution for Aging BUR Roofs” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
EPDM
- Flexible and proven, but more vulnerable to sharp punctures
- Requires careful coordination for mounting methods and walkway protection
For EPDM-specific pros and cons, see “EPDM Roofing for Commercial Buildings in Calgary: Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
CMP Roofing can recommend a system based on your building use, energy priorities, and solar contractor’s design. Full system options are listed at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.
Step 5: Coordinate Mounting, Ballast, and Penetrations
The interface between solar and roofing is where many problems arise. Solar-ready design means planning that interface from day one.
Mounting Strategy
- Ballasted systems reduce penetrations but increase point loads and can affect drainage
- Mechanically attached systems require properly flashed and warrantable penetrations
CMP Roofing works with your solar provider to:
- Approve attachment methods compatible with the roof system and warranty
- Detail any required curbs or sleepers to keep penetrations above water plane
- Avoid overloading sensitive areas or existing weak points
Layout and Service Access
A solar-ready layout should:
- Leave clear service corridors for roof and solar maintenance
- Maintain direct access to drains, scuppers, and critical details
- Respect manufacturer requirements for membrane protection under ballasts or supports
These considerations are closely tied to long-term maintenance covered in “Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans in Calgary: How to Extend Flat Roof Life by 10+ Years” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
Step 6: Plan for Hail, Wind, and Snow Loads
Calgary’s climate adds extra design requirements for solar-ready roofs:
- Hail: Racking, panels, and roof system must be chosen with hail exposure in mind. Roof coatings or robust membranes can help manage long-term hail damage. See “Hail Damage to Commercial Roofs in Calgary: Inspection, Insurance Claims & Repair Options” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
- Wind: Ballast and attachment must meet local wind uplift requirements, especially on high or exposed buildings.
- Snow: Snow drifting around panels can change load patterns and drainage—these effects must be considered in the roof and solar engineering.
A proper design process looks at the roof, structure, and solar system together, not in isolation.
Step 7: Align Warranties, Documentation, and Responsibilities
Solar-ready roofing should also be paperwork-ready.
Good practice includes:
- Clear documentation of roof assembly, installation date, and warranty terms
- Written confirmation that solar attachments and details are compatible with roof warranties
- Photo documentation of critical details before panels are placed
- Agreed maintenance responsibilities between owner, roofer, and solar provider
These records also support future insurance claims and capital planning, similar to other projects described in “Commercial Flat Roof Replacement in Calgary: Costs, Options & Timelines for Property Managers” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
Step 8: Build Solar-Ready Maintenance into Your Roof Plan
Once solar is installed, roof access becomes more constrained—so proactive maintenance is even more critical.
A solar-ready maintenance plan typically includes:
- Scheduled roof inspections (often twice per year) that incorporate solar array areas
- Regular clearing of drains and any known snow or debris traps around racking
- Joint inspections with your solar provider if mounting hardware or wiring is being adjusted
- Clear protocols for how any future roof work will be coordinated with solar removal or protection
These practices extend the life of both the roof and the solar system. For program structure, see “Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans in Calgary: How to Extend Flat Roof Life by 10+ Years” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and our maintenance-related services at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.
How CMP Roofing Supports Solar-Ready Projects in Calgary
CMP Roofing focuses on commercial and industrial roofs across Calgary and surrounding areas and can support solar-ready planning by:
- Inspecting and evaluating existing roofs for solar suitability
- Recommending repair, restoration, or replacement strategies before solar is installed
- Designing roof systems and details compatible with your solar contractor’s design
- Coordinating on penetrations, attachment methods, and warranties
- Integrating the finished roof-plus-solar assembly into an ongoing maintenance plan
Our work spans flat roofs, metal roofs, coatings, and full system replacements, all detailed at https://cmproofing.ca/services/ and https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.
Next Steps: Get a Solar-Ready Roof Assessment in Calgary
If you’re considering solar—or know it’s likely in the next few years—the best step you can take now is a solar-ready roof assessment.
CMP Roofing can:
- Assess your current roof condition and remaining life
- Identify drainage, slope, and structural considerations relevant to solar
- Recommend system upgrades, coatings, or replacements that align with solar plans
- Work with your chosen solar provider to ensure a coordinated, warrantable design
To schedule a commercial solar-ready roof assessment in Calgary or surrounding areas, visit https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/. You can confirm service coverage at https://cmproofing.ca/locations/ and explore more guides on inspections, coatings, drainage, and system selection on our blog at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and Commercial Roofing Services hub at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.
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