Will My Roof Collapse? It’s a Math Question, Not a Luck Question

In Malaysia, many Terrace Houses are 20 or even 30 years old. When homeowners look at rows of solar panels, they naturally worry: “Can my old roof structure (truss) handle the weight?”

This is a valid concern, but in engineering terms, the data speaks for itself.

1. How Heavy Are Solar Panels, Really?

While solar panels look massive, they are actually surprisingly lightweight.

• Distributed Load: Modern PV panels weigh approximately 12kg – 15kg per square meter.

• Comparison: An adult male weighs about 70kg. When a repairman stands on your roof, the pressure from his two feet is significantly higher than the widely distributed weight of solar panels!

• Conclusion: If your roof can support a worker walking on it for maintenance, it can theoretically support the weight of a solar system with ease.

2. Challenges & Assessment for Different Roofs

At Homi, we don’t install blindly. We perform a “Health Check” based on your roof type:

1. Clay/Concrete Tiles — Especially for Old Houses

• The Risk: Older homes often use Timber Trusses. The biggest enemy here isn’t the weight of the panels, but Termites and Rot.

• Homi’s Assessment: Before installation, our engineers climb into the manhole to inspect the internal wooden structure for any signs of termite infestation or water damage.

  • Our Promise: If structural damage is found, we will advise roof repairs or even decline the installation. We would rather lose a sale than risk your safety.

2. Metal Deck

• The Advantage: Metal decks are lightweight and usually supported by steel trusses, offering excellent load-bearing capacity.

• Homi’s Assessment: We primarily check the thickness of the metal sheets and the integrity of the screw fixings to ensure they can withstand strong winds.

3. Homi’s Professional Process: Safety is the Baseline

We strictly follow SEDA (Sustainable Energy Development Authority) standards:

1. Site Visit: We don’t just measure dimensions; we inspect the structure.

2. Load Calculation: Our engineers calculate the “Dead Load” (roof weight) and “Live Load” (wind, rain + solar panels) to ensure the total weight is within the safety factor.

3. Reinforcement: If the structure is slightly weak, we can provide reinforcement solutions to strengthen the roof.

Conclusion: “Old” does not mean “Weak.” As long as a professional structural assessment is conducted, the vast majority of old Malaysian terrace houses are perfectly capable of hosting solar panels. Don’t let misconceptions about weight stop you from saving money.