ᐅ Photovoltaic Panels on a Shed – Is It Worthwhile to Replace an Existing Standing Seam Metal Roof?

Hello forum,

We are currently planning a photovoltaic system on our house and the adjacent shed, which we use as a garage and tool storage.

The shed currently has roof tiles that are about 20–23 years old. In my opinion, they are still intact, with no obvious damage or leaks.

For aesthetic reasons, we are considering re-roofing the shed with a standing seam metal roof before installing the photovoltaic system. However, we would only do this if the total cost stays under approximately €5,000.

Now we have two questions:

Technical/economic:
Would you recommend proactively reroofing a roughly 20-year-old, still intact tiled roof before installing photovoltaics?
Background: We want to avoid having to remove the photovoltaic system in 10–15 years if the roof then needs replacing. How long do tiles usually remain serviceable?

Practical experience:
How much longer would you realistically expect a 20–25 year-old tiled roof to last?
And from your point of view, is a standing seam metal roof on a shed with photovoltaics a more durable and longer-lasting solution in the long term?

We are less concerned about “what looks better” and more about:
Is it better to do it properly once and have peace of mind – or is that economically pointless as long as the tiles are still in good condition?

I look forward to your assessments and practical experiences.

Concrete blocks or regular bricks? Roof pitch?

My gut feeling: don’t waste money on a new roof covering. A lifespan of 40 years is no problem at all (as long as the roof isn’t built too flat).

In 2021, we installed a solar system on a carport that was 24 years old at the time and covered with tiles.

• Back then, we didn’t consider reroofing it
• and even today – five years later – we still don’t plan to reroof it

Based on this: It makes no sense.

Hendrik1980 schrieb:
or is it economically pointless as long as the bricks are still in good condition?

Of course, it is economically pointless. There are countless bricks that will outlast the occupants. However, this depends on factors such as the type of bricks (material and surface), the roof pitch, the weather exposure, and the current condition. Then there is the surface area and the consideration of energy gain. There is no general rule for when something must or should be replaced.