As Malaysia accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, Solar ATAP (Self-Consumption Solar PV) has become one of the most attractive solutions for homeowners, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. While solar technology continues to advance, one critical factor often determines the success, efficiency, and long-term safety of a solar installation: the roof type.
Not all roofs are created equal when it comes to Solar ATAP installations. The material, structure, slope, and condition of your roof directly affect installation cost, system performance, and lifespan.
In this article, we provide a complete, practical guide to roof types best suited for Solar ATAP installations in Malaysia, helping you make informed decisions before investing in solar.
Before diving into specific roof types, it is important to understand why roof suitability is crucial for Solar ATAP:
Structural Integrity – Roofs must support the additional weight of solar panels and mounting systems.
Installation Complexity – Certain materials require specialized mounting methods.
Waterproofing & Safety – Improper mounting can cause leaks or long-term damage.
Solar Efficiency – Roof orientation and slope impact energy generation.
Cost & Maintenance – Unsuitable roofs can significantly increase installation and maintenance costs.
Selecting the right roof type ensures maximum ROI, system longevity, and compliance with TNB and SEDA guidelines.
Metal deck roofs are widely regarded as the best roof type for Solar ATAP installations, especially for commercial and industrial buildings in Malaysia.
Lightweight yet structurally strong
Easy to install clamp-based mounting systems
Minimal roof penetration required
Excellent water resistance when properly installed
Long lifespan (20–30 years)
Metal roofs often allow optimal panel alignment, making them ideal for maximizing solar generation under Malaysia’s tropical climate.
Factories
Warehouses
Commercial buildings
Industrial facilities
Flat concrete roofs are common in commercial buildings, apartments, and modern landed properties. With the right mounting system, they are highly suitable for Solar ATAP.
Strong load-bearing capacity
No roof penetration using ballast mounting
Flexible panel orientation and tilt angles
Easy maintenance access
Drainage planning is critical to avoid water pooling
Wind load calculations must be properly designed
Commercial offices
Condominiums
Retail buildings
Modern residential homes
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Clay tile roofs are popular in Malaysian residential homes. While solar installation is possible, it requires experienced installers and proper mounting techniques.
Durable roofing material
Aesthetic compatibility with residential solar
Higher risk of tile breakage during installation
Requires tile hooks and precise workmanship
Slightly higher installation cost
Roof condition inspection before installation
Replacement of old or brittle tiles
Waterproof flashing installation
Concrete tile roofs are more robust than clay tiles and are increasingly popular in modern residential developments.
Higher strength and durability
Better load capacity
Lower breakage risk compared to clay tiles
Requires tile-specific mounting brackets
Roof age and waterproofing layer must be assessed
Asphalt shingle roofs are less common in Malaysia but are increasingly found in modern landed homes, villas, and premium residential developments. Solar ATAP installation on shingle roofs is possible, provided the roof is in good condition and professionally assessed.
Lightweight roofing material
Smooth surface compatible with standard solar mounting systems
Clean and modern appearance
Requires roof penetration for mounting brackets
High-quality flashing and sealing are critical to prevent leaks
Shorter lifespan compared to metal or concrete roofs (15–25 years)
Assess remaining roof lifespan before installation
Use certified flashing kits designed for shingle roofs
Ensure all penetrations are professionally sealed
Align solar system lifespan with roof durability
Modern landed homes
Villas
Gated residential communities
Zinc or corrugated metal roofs are commonly found in older residential and semi-commercial buildings.
Roof is structurally sound
Minimal corrosion or rust
Adequate thickness and reinforcement
Older roofs may require replacement before installation
Improper mounting can cause leaks
Shorter remaining roof lifespan
Recommendation: Roof replacement before solar installation is often more cost-effective long-term.
Asbestos roofs are not suitable for Solar ATAP installations due to safety and legal concerns.
Health hazards when drilled or disturbed
Brittle structure
Non-compliant with modern safety standards
Best Solution: Replace asbestos roofing with metal deck or concrete roofing before installing solar.
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Beyond roof material, orientation and tilt angle significantly impact solar performance.
Orientation: South-facing (best), East-West (acceptable)
Tilt Angle: 5°–15° (optimal for Malaysia’s latitude)
Flat roofs allow custom tilt frames, making them especially flexible for performance optimization.
Before proceeding with Solar ATAP, your roof should be assessed for:
Remaining lifespan (minimum 20–25 years)
Structural integrity
Waterproofing condition
Shading from nearby buildings or trees
Compliance with local authority guidelines
A professional site assessment ensures no future rework or unexpected costs.
Even the best roof type can fail if installation quality is poor. Always work with an experienced Solar ATAP provider who offers:
Structural load analysis
TNB & SEDA compliance support
Certified mounting systems
Long-term workmanship warranty
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Best Roof Types Ranked:
Metal Deck Roof – Best overall choice
Concrete Flat Roof – Highly flexible and durable
Concrete Tile Roof – Good for residential
Clay Tile Roof – Suitable with experienced installers
Zinc Roof – Condition-dependent
Asbestos Roof – Not recommended
Choosing the right roof type is the foundation of a safe, efficient, and profitable Solar ATAP investment. With proper assessment and expert installation, your solar system can deliver clean energy savings for decades.
If you are planning to install Solar ATAP in Malaysia, a professional roof assessment is the first step toward maximizing your solar returns.
Contact us today to evaluate your roof and design the optimal system for your property.
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