For homeowners with slate roofs
Keep your slate roof. Power your home with the sun.
For years the answer was that you couldn’t put solar on slate without wrecking it. The patented SlatePlate™ mounting system changed that — engineered so the array’s weight is designed to carry to your roof structure, not your slate tiles. We make SlatePlate and install the slate mounting, working alongside your solar installer.
No cost, no obligation. Send a few photos and we’ll tell you whether your slate roof is a good candidate.
Patented slate-roof mounting system (U.S. & E.U.) · slate-mounting specialists serving New England
U.S. & E.U.
patented mounting system
Already told “no” by a solar company because of your slate roof? You’re in the right place.
An asset, not an obstacle
Your slate roof is worth keeping
Slate is one of the longest-lasting roofs in the world — which is exactly why tearing off good slate to “make room” for solar rarely makes sense.
A roof worth keeping
Well-maintained slate commonly lasts 75 to 100 years or more. If your slate is sound, it may never need replacing in your lifetime — so why tear it off?
A method built for slate
SlatePlate’s patented spacer sits between the slate and the structure below, so the array’s load is designed to carry to the structure — not your tiles. The look of your roof stays intact.
Your roof gets better
Before mounting, compromised slates in the array footprint can be inspected and replaced. Once panels are up, they cover that section from hail, snow, wind, and UV.
Worth checking now
Energy costs keep climbing, and federal or state incentives may help — but the rules keep changing, so confirm eligibility with a tax professional. It’s worth finding out where you stand.
On the roof
What solar on slate looks like
Low-profile arrays, set with care, on the slate roofs they were designed for.
See it on real roofs
Installation videos
Real installs and product walkthroughs — play inline, no pop-ups.
Homeowners who went solar on slate.
“Solar Slate Solutions was the only vendor we knew of who would install solar on slate. It was seamless — no complaints! It’s great not to have an electric bill!”
J
Jane G.
Northampton, MA
“We had wanted them for years, but didn’t think they could work on slate. But Dave’s engineering solution changed that, and now we can admire our panels every day.”
A
Anne B.
Northampton, MA
“…You proved it could be done. Now I am enjoying my savings.”
P
Pat O.
Cambridge, MA
A documented sequence
How a homeowner project works
It starts with your roof — and we coordinate with your solar installer throughout.
1
You request an assessment
Tell us about your home and roof. A Solar Slate Solutions advisor follows up — no obligation, no pressure.
2
Roof & structure review
A specialist evaluates slate condition, structure, orientation, and shading. Not every roof is a fit — and we’ll tell you if yours isn’t.
3
Design & proposal
You get a layout that maximizes production while keeping panels tidy and, where you prefer, less visible from the street — developed with your solar installer.
4
Slate prep
Compromised slates in the array area are replaced and the roof is readied by slate-skilled crews. This is where the roof gets healthier.
5
SlatePlate mounting goes in
We install the SlatePlate racking and rails without removing your slate to mount the array. Your solar installer then sets the panels and handles the electrical.
6
Permits, inspection & activation
Your solar installer manages permits, the utility, and inspection. The system is switched on — and you start generating power.
7
You generate — and we’re still here
You monitor your production and savings, and SlatePlate and our support stand behind the mounting for the life of your system.
Your concerns, answered
What slate-roof homeowners worry about
The concerns we hear most — answered honestly.
“Will it crack my slate?”
This is the exact problem SlatePlate was built to solve. Its patented spacer is designed to transfer the array’s load to the structure rather than compress the slate. Every project starts with a roof-condition review.
“Will my roof leak?”
Weather protection is designed in at each mount, using SlatePlate flashing, an approved sealant, and the mounting brackets. Ask for the flashing and warranty specifics in your proposal.
“Will panels ruin the look?”
Placement is planned for performance and appearance — low-profile, and where you prefer, on slopes less visible from the street. You’ll see the proposed layout before anything is installed.
“Will a regular installer know slate?”
Most won’t take it on — and that’s the point. We make SlatePlate, train and supply solar installers on the method, and install the slate mounting ourselves so your installer can handle the panels with confidence.
“Is my slate roof too old?”
Age alone isn’t disqualifying — good slate can last a century. What matters is your roof’s current condition and structure, which is exactly what the assessment determines. If it needs attention first, we’ll tell you.
“Who’s responsible if something goes wrong?”
You’ll have clear lines of coverage — manufacturer warranties on components including SlatePlate, your installer’s workmanship and roof warranties, and your property insurance for weather events. Confirm the exact terms in writing before you sign.
“Should I replace the slate with asphalt first?”
Usually not. If your slate is sound, it may outlast you — and swapping it for asphalt is a large expense now, then again every couple of decades. The point of SlatePlate is that you don’t have to give up the slate to get the solar.
“Is this actually affordable?”
Solar on slate costs somewhat more than on asphalt because of the specialized prep and labor, but the savings can still be substantial. Financing may be available for qualifying homes — the assessment tells you where you stand.
Not sure your roof qualifies? Send a few photos — we’ll give you an honest answer.
Common questions
Homeowner FAQ
Can you really put solar on a slate roof without removing or breaking the tiles?
Yes. The SlatePlate attaches directly to the wooden frame, not to the slate tiles — so your slate stays right where it is. We check the roof engineering and the quality of the roof to make sure your system will last for 30 years.
How do you keep water from leaking in?
Everywhere a bolt goes through the roof, we seal it with several layers — the SlatePlate, which is the flashing; a waterproof sealant; and mounting brackets with rubber grommets. Ask us to spell out the exact waterproofing and warranty details in your quote.
Will solar make my slate wear out faster?
It’s built not to. The weight rests on the frame under the roof, not on the tiles — and the panels actually shield that part of the roof from hail, snow, wind, and sun. Good slate often lasts 75–150 years or more.
How do I find out if my roof will work?
We do a detailed site visit for every project. We look at the condition of your slate, the roof’s frame, which direction it faces, and how much shade it gets. We won’t promise anything without seeing it — the site audit tells you where you stand.
Does solar on slate cost more than on a normal roof?
Usually a bit more, because slate needs special tools, skilled workers, and extra prep. The exact amount depends on your roof, and your written quote gives you the real numbers.
Can I get solar without paying a lot up front?
There may be financing (payment plans) for homes that qualify. A solar consultant will go over all the options with you. Not every home qualifies — the site audit confirms it.
Are there tax breaks or rebates?
There may be federal and state programs that save you money, but the rules and deadlines keep changing. A solar consultant will go over the options with you, and you can also consult your accountant about other available tax deductions.
Do you keep my old slate, or put on new slate?
We don’t tear off your slate. If any tiles in the panel area are cracked or worn, we repair just those few — so that section ends up in great shape.
Who does the actual work?
We (Solar Slate Solutions) own the patent on the SlatePlate and install the slate mounting. The solar electricians install the panels and handle all the specialized electrical work needed for safety and quality. We have several trained SolarSlate specialists across many U.S. states.
What warranties do I get?
Usually three kinds: the makers’ warranties on the parts (including SlatePlate), your installer’s warranty on their work and your roof, and your home insurance for weather damage. We’ll walk you through what’s covered and put the terms in writing.
Will it work with the panels I want?
Yes. The SlatePlate is the flashing that makes SolarOnSlate possible, and it’s universal with many racking systems and panels. Your solar consultant will help you decide which wattage panel is best for you.
What’s the first step?
A free, no-pressure check of your roof. If your roof isn’t a good fit, we’ll tell you honestly. Just fill out the form and you’re on your way to green energy.
Find out what your slate roof can do.
Patented slate-roof mounting — and an honest answer about your roof.
It starts with a no-cost, no-obligation review of your roof and your energy goals. Keep the roof you love. Add the power you want.