roof preparation

[starbucksue]

I am planning on converting my barn roof for solar panels later next year,..the original roof is in need of replacing first..I have to learn a bunch and will be reading recommended material but is there something that needs to be considered while the new roof is being put on?I would hate to tear apart new construction if there is a way to incorporate the planned solar at the same time..also while I am at it maybe change the composition style with something else.Thanks in advance.

[johnjmw]

IF cost were not an issue, I'd look into a steel roof and the thin film solar panels that bond onto the steel. Of course the steel roof is more expensive than most others (but it lasts longer). The Panels are slightly less efficient than the rigid ones but are also much more shade tolerant. Which means if a shadow passed over them they will still give partial power instead of shutting off all together.
There are weight consideration in all the types of panels, but most roofs that are solid should be fine.
Now someone with more knowledge than be will hop on here and give you better advise and tell me how wrong I am. But I am still learning too.
John