Installing Solar on a Concrete Tile Roof

This page preserves the original ABC Solar photo sequence for concrete tile roofs, rebuilt with a modern, mobile-first layout. The core workflow is consistent: remove tiles strategically, mount to structure, waterproof aggressively, set rails straight, and finish the array clean.

Clean installsstraight lines + intentional finish

Structure-firstrafters located + proper fastening

Waterproofing100% focus, 10-year guarantee mindset

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1) Removing the Concrete Tiles

Concrete tile roof installs begin with careful tile handling. Tiles are moved/removed where needed to expose the correct mounting locations, keep layout clean, and avoid “guess-work” fasteners.

Clean installs are a key success factor for ABC Solar. We design and install systems that look great.

Tile handling Rafter hit Layout discipline

Concrete tile roof with tiles shifted/removed in preparation for solar mounting locations. — Tiles staged/removed to access mounting points while protecting the roof plane.

Close-up of a concrete tile opening exposing the mounting area beneath. — Close-up: access window for a mount under the tile field.

2) Mounting Feet (the foundation under tile)

Mounting feet are the primary component of a rooftop solar installation. On retrofit installs, the feet are installed by a licensed roofer and are mounted to house the solar rails that hold the modules.

Typical layouts allow approximately 2' of overrun at rail ends and 4'–6' over the row span (project-dependent).

Concrete tile roof standoff/mount riser passing through a tile cutout. — Mount riser coming through a controlled tile cutout—clean, stable, and serviceable.

3) Waterproofing (the most important part)

Waterproofing uses standard roofing penetration materials (including “Henry’s” and tacky tape). The goal is simple: a roof that stays a roof for the long haul.

ABC Solar focuses on 100% waterproofing. If the roof leaks, the job is not finished.

Waterproofing detail around a roof penetration under concrete tile (original ABC Solar photo). — Waterproofing detail (original photo): penetration sealed and dressed for long-term reliability.

4) Feeder Drill Holes (smooth, safe, strong)

Once rafters and the mount layout are determined, feeder holes are drilled to make bolting the feet to the rafter smoother, safer, and stronger.

Original documentation references 5/16" x 3" lag screws per mounting foot (final specs can vary by engineering and site conditions).

Rails staged on mounts across a concrete tile roof before module installation. — Rails staged and aligned across the roof plane—straightness now = beauty later.

5) Solar Rails Attach to Solar Mounts

Rails are laid along the mounts to verify spacing and distance. Module count is calculated by width/height depending on portrait vs landscape orientation (including allowance for mounting parts). Rails are drilled above each mount and fastened.

Crew handling modules on a concrete tile roof with rails installed. — Modules handled on rails—alignment checked continuously during placement.

Solar array view showing completed module rows on a concrete tile roof. — Array view: clean row geometry and consistent spacing on concrete tile.

6) Solar Panels Attached to the Rails (finish + airflow)

The key thing to remember about the mounting system is that the panels sit a few inches above the roof surface. This allows cooling airflow, and it can also act as a shade barrier—helping reduce heat load on the roof plane below.

Completed solar array on a concrete tile roof (angled view). — Completed array: clean finish and consistent clamp alignment.

Completed solar array on a concrete tile roof (wide view). — Wide view: modules sit above the roof plane for airflow and cooling.

Miller Solar Estate — Claremont, California →

First decision: pick the best roof face

The first consideration for any solar installation is selecting the best roof plane. Key factors include shading from trees and chimneys, plus the conduit run from the array to the main electrical panel.

Design it right once. Install it clean once. Service it easily forever.