If a roof starts leaking after solar installation, protect the building first, then preserve evidence before multiple contractors alter the site. Map the leak against mounting/penetration points, record rain conditions and installation dates, review the contract’s waterproofing responsibility, and get an independent roof/solar assessment when cause is disputed.
Handle the leak without destroying the evidence
1. Make the interior safe
Protect people and electrical equipment from water. If water is near electrical components, use qualified help rather than touching wet equipment.
2. Photograph before repair
Record interior leak location, roof area, mounting points, sealant/flashing condition and recent weather from safe access.
3. Notify the installer in writing
State installation date, first leak date and affected area. Ask for inspection and a written cause/remedy report.
4. Get independent assessment if causation is disputed
A roofing professional and solar installer may need to inspect together. Avoid letting one party remove all evidence before the other sees it.
5. Repair the cause, then the damage
Confirm roof waterproofing, mounting integrity and cable penetrations are corrected before only repainting the interior.
Build a causation timeline
| Evidence | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pre-install roof condition/photos | Shows whether a defect existed earlier. |
| Installation/mounting drawings | Locates roof penetrations and attachment points. |
| Date leak first appeared | Links timing to installation or later weather/work. |
| Rain event and leak pattern | Helps reproduce or diagnose the water path. |
| Photos of penetrations/flashing | Preserves condition before repair. |
| Installer and roofer reports | Creates competing/independent technical explanations. |
Do not assume “near the panel” proves installer fault
Water can travel along roof layers and emerge away from the entry point. The cause may be mounting penetrations, disturbed flashing, pre-existing waterproofing failure, cable routes, blocked drainage or unrelated roof damage. Ask the inspector to identify the probable entry path and evidence.
Equally, do not accept “old roof” as a complete denial if the leak began immediately after new penetrations. Ask for the contract, method statement and inspection findings.
Contract clauses to review
- Who was responsible for roof suitability assessment.
- Mounting and penetration method promised.
- Waterproofing/workmanship warranty.
- Exclusions for pre-existing roof defects.
- Notice requirements before third-party repairs.
- Who pays for panel removal/reinstallation if roof repair is required.
Official sources
- National Rooftop Solar Knowledge Centre
- National Consumer Helpline
- MNRE solar standards and quality-control documents — current official module, inverter and solar-component quality-control references.