Roof Adders on Solar Loans: When They Are Allowed
Our solar loan programs are designed specifically to finance solar energy systems. In certain cases, roof replacement may be included as part of a solar loan. However, roof costs are only permitted when the roof work is directly required for the installation of the solar system.
Roof adders are not allowed when the solar system is not installed on the roof, such as with ground-mount systems.
When Roof Costs Are Allowed
Roof replacement may be included in a solar loan only if all of the following are true:
The solar system is being installed on the roof
The existing roof must be replaced to safely support the solar installation
The roof work is necessary and directly tied to the solar project
In these cases, the roof work is considered ancillary to the solar installation, not a standalone improvement.
When Roof Costs Are Not Allowed
Roof costs cannot be included in the loan when:
The solar system is a ground-mount installation
The solar system is installed on a carport, pergola, or other non-roof structure
The roof work is not required for the solar installation
The roof is being replaced for general home improvement purposes
Example:
If a customer is installing a ground-mount solar system, roof replacement may not be included as an adder on the solar loan, since the roof is not required for the system to be installed or to function.
Why This Policy Exists
Our financing programs are structured to support renewable energy projects. Roof replacement is only permitted when it is a necessary prerequisite to installing solar panels on the roof.
Allowing roof work unrelated to the solar installation would:
Expand the loan beyond its intended purpose
Create compliance and underwriting risks
Misalign the loan with program guidelines
Installer Responsibility
Installers are responsible for ensuring that:
All adders included in a loan are directly related to the solar installation
Roof costs are only included when solar is installed on the roof
Loan submissions comply with program guidelines prior to approval
Submitting non-compliant adders may result in:
Delays in loan approval
Required change orders
Funding holds or rejections
Questions or Clarifications
If you are unsure whether a roof adder is allowable for a specific project, please contact Installer Support before submitting the loan. We’re happy to review the scope and help ensure compliance before it impacts your timeline.