If a recent study by the University of Sussex in England is correct, rooftop solar deployment at scale has the power to transform global energy — and roofing contractors have a key role to play. 

The study, with a decidedly unsexy title called “Worldwide rooftop photovoltaic electricity generation may mitigate global warming,” does offer a compelling hypothesis:

If the world covered every suitable roof with solar panels, the energy generated could supply nearly two-thirds of humanity’s total annual electricity consumption. 

The findings, written by lead author Zhixin Zhang, posit that installing solar panels on all suitable rooftops worldwide could generate approximately 19,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to about 65% of global electricity consumption. 

The authors assert that renewable energy surpasses the 17,718 TWh currently generated by fossil fuel sources and underscore rooftop solar's potential to replace coal—and gas-driven power production.

The study used satellite data to assess global rooftop potential, factoring in roof slope, shading, and other criteria. 

Researchers estimate that 286,000 square kilometers of rooftop space worldwide are suitable for solar installations. East Asia stands out as the region with the most extensive rooftop solar capacity due in part to its dense building stock and high population. 

North America and Europe collectively account for about 25% of the global rooftop solar potential, offering over 4,300 gigawatts (GW) in capacity. Meanwhile, Africa's abundant sunlight presents considerable opportunities for solar expansion despite having fewer buildings. 

The research indicates that optimizing panel tilt angles or using solar tracking systems can maximize the sun's free energy, potentially enhancing generation efficiency by as much as 39%. 

In this ideal, strategic installation techniques could allow rooftop solar to fulfill 100% of the world's electricity demand. 

The hedge: Researchers warn that increasing global temperatures could diminish solar panel efficiency over time. Still, optimism quickly aspires to the possibility that panel positioning and advancements in solar technology may alleviate this issue.

Why Should Roofing Contractors Care?

These findings present a significant opportunity for roofing contractors to expand services and find ways to align with the renewable energy sector. 

Partnering with solar installation firms or training teams in solar installation techniques can position contractors as full-service providers. 

Stocking solar-compatible roofing materials, such as standing seam metal roofs, can also be advantageous since these designs offer ideal mounting conditions for solar arrays. 

Roofing professionals can be critical in ensuring that solar installations meet proper load-bearing capacity, weatherproofing standards, and electrical safety requirements.

While government funding has seemingly become more fungible each day, federal incentives continue encouraging solar adoption. 

Residential Clean Energy Credit

These expenses may qualify if they meet the requirements detailed on energy.gov: 

• Solar, wind and geothermal power generation
• Solar water heaters
• Fuel cells
• Battery storage (beginning in 2023)
• The amount of the credit you can take is a percentage of the total improvement expenses in the year of installation:
• 2022 to 2032: 30%, no annual maximum or lifetime limit
• 2033: 26%, no annual maximum or lifetime limit
• 2034: 22%, no annual maximum or lifetime limit

Further Details: irs.gov.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit offers a 30% tax credit for eligible solar installations through 2032, decreasing to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which introduced expanded clean energy tax credits totaling $20 billion, was meant to drive investment in solar solutions. 

The Associated Press reported on March 12 that President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Lee Zeldin, terminated the tax credits.

While rooftop solar offers immense potential, experts emphasize the need for complementary energy strategies to store all that excess energy. 

Battery storage systems, electric vehicle integration

Of course, the study is theoretical, but on paper, at least, it sounds like a winning proposition for roofing contractors who have incorporated solar offerings in their services.