Can you have solar panels with skylights?

Absolutely. Skylights don’t rule out solar panels, but they do require some thoughtful planning to get the best setup. Here's what you need to know and questions to ask your solar contractor before a new solar installation.

1. Will Skylights cause shading issues reducing panel efficiency?

Skylights rarely cause major shading problems for solar panels. The real challenge is finding the best layout.

• Flush or Low-Profile Skylights — These sit close to the roof and barely cast a shadow. Panels can usually be installed right around them without losing much sun exposure.
• Elevated or Large Skylights — These can create small shadow zones, but with strategic panel placement, we can work around them.
• Example: If you have a skylight in the middle of your roof, panels might be arranged in sections around it, keeping the overall energy output high.

2. Do skylights create a more difficult solar panel install?

The more skylights you have, the more creative we need to get with the panel configuration.

• One Skylight? Easy. — We can usually stick to a straightforward panel layout, adjusting slightly to fit around the skylight.
• Multiple Skylights? No Problem. — This is where modular panel systems shine. We might split panels across several roof sections to keep everything running efficiently.
• Example: A roof with three skylights might have panels installed on the front, back, and sides to maximize sun exposure and avoid obstructions.

Note: If you are building a new house and want to install skylights and solar panels. We recommend speaking with a solar contractor first to plan the best layout.

3. What type of solar panel system works best for solar panels?

Experienced installers use a mix of strategies to make the most of your roof space without compromising solar power generation.

• Modular Panel Systems — Panels can be spread across different roof areas, working around skylights while keeping output strong.
• Custom Racking and Mounting — Racks can be adjusted to fit tighter spaces or odd angles, ensuring panels stay secure and effective.
• Example: If your main roof is crowded with skylights, we might recommend installing some panels on a garage or side roof to maintain optimal solar output.

Curious about what your roof layout means for solar panel placement? Reach out for a personalized assessment.