Thinking About Solar for an Older Home?
Ottawa has lots of houses that have been around for a long time—some for many decades. So it’s no surprise that many homeowners ask, “Can my older home handle solar panels?”
The quick answer is yes. But you’ll need to plan things out the right way.
At True Beacon, we’ve helped older properties go solar without cutting corners. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key steps to get your older home ready for solar. We’ll cover what to check on your roof, how attic ventilation plays a part, what updates might be needed, and how to deal with common challenges like aging materials or outdated electrical systems.
Common Challenges with Older Homes
Old houses have charm, but they also come with a few things you’ll want to check before adding solar.
Roof Wear
If your shingles are cracked, curled, or breaking apart, that’s a red flag. A weak roof can’t support panels. You might need repairs—or a full replacement—before you start.
Attic Moisture
Take a look in the attic. Wet insulation, dark stains, or a musty smell mean there’s too much moisture. This usually comes from poor airflow or not enough insulation. Left alone, it can lead to mold or wood damage.
Outdated Vents
Low plastic vents often get buried in snow. When that happens, warm air gets trapped inside your attic. Steel vents that stick up higher work much better, especially in Ottawa winters.
Weak Roof Structure
Some older roofs just weren’t made to carry the weight of solar. If the wood feels soft or the roof dips in spots, it may need some extra support before panels can be added.
Old Electrical Panels
If your panel hasn’t been touched in years, it might not handle the extra demand from solar. An upgrade might be needed so that everything runs safely and smoothly.
These aren’t dealbreakers. They’re just things to look at early. Catching them before the solar installations saves time, stress, and money down the road.
Roof and Attic Check: Why It Comes First
We don’t put PV panels on a roof until we’ve looked at what’s underneath. At True Beacon, this is always our first step. Every roof tells a story—and we want to read it before we start drilling holes or adding weight.
What We Check (And Why It’s Worth It)
Your Shingles or Metal Panels
We look for signs of wear—things like curling, cracking, or shifting. If the shingles are falling apart or the metal is rusting, your roof might not be ready yet.
The Structure Beneath
Strong roofs start below the surface. We check the boards and beams—the parts that carry the load. If they feel soft or sag underfoot, it’s a warning. You don’t want to build on something that can’t hold up.
Inside Your Attic
Your attic holds clues. We look for mold, clumps of wet insulation, or air that can’t move. Stale, moist air is bad news—it means your roof is struggling to breathe. That leads to slow damage over time.
Your Electrical Setup
Most older homes weren’t built for solar. That’s why we take a close look at your breaker panel. If it’s outdated or already overloaded, we’ll talk you through upgrades that keep everything safe.
? Why This Step Matters
You wouldn’t lay carpet over a floor full of cracks. The same goes for your roof. Panels last 25 years or more—you want the surface under them to last just as long.
It’s way easier to spot and fix problems now than after the solar panel installation. We’re not here to delay things. We’re here to do it right the first time.
Because when your roof is solid, your solar system will be too.
Why Attic Ventilation Matters Even More
Many older homes in Ottawa are full of charm, but they weren’t built with modern airflow in mind. That might not seem like a big deal—until you add solar power panels. Without a way for heat to escape, things can start to go wrong fast.
What Happens When Air Can’t Move?
Here’s what we’ve seen happen in homes with poor attic airflow:
- Shingles wear out too soon. They curl, crack, or fall apart faster than they should.
- Ice dams form in winter. Snow melts, then refreezes at the edge, pushing water under the roof.
- Moisture builds up inside. You get moldy wood, soggy insulation, and that musty smell in the attic.
- Panels slow down. Heat makes them work harder and drop in performance.
Structural Fixes That Make a Big Difference
Older roofs have their own set of problems. If yours is more than 10 or 15 years old, it might need a few repairs before you add PV panels. Taking care of these now makes the whole process smoother.
Repair What’s Worn Out
Missing shingles or cracked ones should be replaced. They leave your roof open to water and wind. It’s a simple fix that saves trouble down the road.
Help Your Roof Breathe
Old vents don’t always work well, especially in winter when snow piles up. We usually replace those low plastic ones with steel tower vents that stay above the snow. Maximum is a brand we trust for this.
Fix the Soft Spots
Sometimes the wood under your shingles gets weak. If it feels soft or spongy, it probably won’t hold solar panels well. We replace that plywood so everything above it stays solid.
Keep Heat Where It Belongs
Not enough insulation? That means your attic could get too warm in winter, which leads to ice buildup. Adding more insulation keeps heat inside your home and helps your roof stay dry.
What It Might Cost in Ottawa
Thinking about panels for your older home? Let’s take a look at the costs. What you spend will depend on the shape your roof is in and the kind of solar setup you want.
Roof Work Costs
If your roof needs fixing or replacing first, here’s a rough idea of what it might cost in Ottawa:
- Asphalt shingles on a single-family home usually run between $15,000 and $20,000.
- Steel shingles, which last longer and stand up better to bad weather, cost about $23,000 to $27,000.
- Standing seam metal roofs are more expensive, usually between $35,000 and $40,000, but they work great with solar systems.
Each type has its pros and cons. Asphalt is cheaper at the start, but might not last as long. Metal roofs are tougher and stick around longer, but you’ll pay more upfront. For Ottawa’s cold winters and hot summers, that might be worth it.
Solar Panel System Prices
Once your roof is ready, you can think about the solar part. Most people in Ottawa pay between $10,000 and $20,000 for a full solar setup. That price is after rebates are applied. It usually covers:
- The PV panels
- An inverter
- Mounting parts
- The full installation
The final installation costs depend on how much power you want to make and the type of system you choose.
Help Paying for It
The good news? You don’t have to cover all the cost yourself. There are some great programs out there to help. In Ontario, you can apply for sustainable energy-saving rebates like Canada Greener Homes Grant.
Picking the Right Solar Setup for an Older Roof
Old roofs aren’t always simple, but solar can still work—just with the right setup. We match the system to what your roof can handle without pushing it too far.
- Sometimes a smaller system makes more sense. You use the power as it’s made, instead of sending it back to the grid.
- Want to add a battery later? We can add battery-ready wiring now, so it’s easier to connect down the road.
- Got less space? High power output panels give you more solar energy from fewer panels. They’re perfect when roof space is tight.
- We also plan around trouble spots. Custom layouts avoid vents, chimneys, or skylights that could get in the way.
Every roof has its own story. We’ll check yours and build a solar setup that works with it—not against it.
What True Beacon is Offering
True Beacon offers three solar system packages based on how much energy your home uses:
Low Consumption
- $170/month with 0% APR
- $20,000 including tax
- 6,092 kWh annual generation
- 11 x 450W panels
- Engineering, permits, and installation included
- 25-year warranty
- 24/7 monitoring
- Ready for EV charging and battery storage
Standard Consumption
- $270/month with 0% APR
- $32,000 including tax
- 11,802 kWh annual generation
- 22 x 450W panels
- All engineering and permits included
- Full installation
- 25-year warranty
- System monitoring
- EV and battery ready
High Consumption
- $360/month with 0% APR
- $43,000 including tax
- 16,731 kWh annual generation
- 33 x 450W panels
- All permits and installation included
- 25-year warranty
- Full system monitoring
- Compatible with EVs and future battery upgrades
You can choose the option that fits your energy needs and your home’s layout. Financing is available for all three setups, and rebates may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Electrical Panel Upgrades (And When You’ll Need Them)
PV panels add load to your home’s electrical system. If you’ve got an older panel, it might need an upgrade.
Most modern solar systems work best with 200-amp service. If you’ve still got 60 or 100 amps, we’ll likely suggest:
- A new panel
- Better grounding
- Room for expansion (like EV chargers or batteries)
We handle this part too — no need to call around.
Final Prep: Checklist for Solar on Older Homes
Before you say “yes” to solar, go through this list:
- Get your roof and attic inspected
- Replace worn-out shingles or plywood
- Upgrade vents for better airflow
- Make sure your attic insulation is solid
- Check your electrical panel capacity
- Work with a licensed solar installer
Why True Beacon Works Well for Older Homes
Older houses can be tricky. Some have uneven roofs, others have aging wood or vents in odd spots. We’ve seen all that—and more—on homes throughout Ottawa. Our crew includes licensed electricians who also know roofing. So we don’t just install panels—we know what your home can handle.
Before we lift a single panel, we take a good look at your roof and attic. If there’s a problem, we point it out and talk it through with you. No rushing. No guessing. Just honest work.
Here’s What Makes Us Different
- We give you the right papers for insurance or warranty claims.
- We use solar plans made by CSA-certified pros.
- You get a solid 5-year workmanship warranty.
- We won’t block your vents or trap heat under panels.
- We’ll talk with your roofer if anything needs adjusting.
Older homes need a little more attention. We take that time. We do the job right so you don’t have to worry later.
Ready to Go Solar on Your Older Home?
We know what it takes to make an older roof ready for solar — and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
? Call us at 613-701-1028 or visit truebeacon.ca to book your free inspection and solar consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an old roof really hold solar panels?
Sometimes it can, but not without a closer look. If your roof has soft spots, missing shingles, or signs of damage, it may need repairs first. They are heavy and last a long time—you want your roof to last just as long.
Does my old electrical setup need changes before adding solar?
It could. Many older homes don’t have the right wiring or enough room in the breaker panel. You might need an upgrade to handle the extra power. A quick check by a pro will show what needs to be done.
What kinds of roofs are easiest to install solar panels on?
Asphalt shingles and standing seam metal roofs are usually best. They’re strong and easy to work with. Tile and slate can work too, but they’re more delicate and cost more to work around.
Will solar cost more on an older house?
It might, especially if you need roof or attic repairs first. But fixing everything at once often costs less than doing it later. Plus, you won’t have to pull the panels off later just to fix the roof.
How do I know if my attic has good airflow for solar?
Look for clues. Wet insulation, dark mold spots, or big icicles on your roof in winter are signs of poor airflow. A roofer or solar installer can take a look and tell you what needs fixing.
Will solar make my older home worth more?
Yes, it can. Lower power bills and a clean energy setup are a big plus for buyers. It shows the home’s been updated, and it gives new owners one less thing to worry about.
How does solar help lower my carbon footprint?
Switching to solar is one of the easiest ways to cut down on pollution from your home. By using renewable energy instead of power from fossil fuels, you shrink your carbon footprint and help the planet breathe a little easier.
Will a battery backup help during outages?
Yes. A battery backup stores extra power from your panels. So if the grid goes down, your lights stay on. It also helps you use more of your own energy instead of buying it back later.
What should I ask a solar company before starting?
Ask about their electrical work experience, the safety standards they follow, and how long the installation process usually takes. A good solar company will walk you through every step clearly and take the time to answer your questions.
How do electricity rates affect solar payback?
The higher your electricity rates, the faster your solar system pays for itself. That’s because your electricity bill goes down as your solar energy production goes up, shrinking your payback period and saving you more each year.