Can Your Manufactured Home Actually Support Solar?
Manufactured homes are built differently than site-built houses, and a lot of what gets written about that difference makes it sound like the answer is no before anyone's even looked at your roof. It's a fair question, and it deserves a real answer.
Why "it depends" is the honest answer, not a dodge
Manufactured homes are built to a different structural standard than site-built homes, and roof framing varies considerably depending on when and how a home was constructed. That's true, and pretending otherwise would only cost us credibility the first time someone checked.
Two homes in the same park, built in the same decade, can have meaningfully different roof structures depending on the manufacturer, any additions or repairs made over the years, and the general condition the roof is in today. A page that told you every manufactured home qualifies would be telling you something no one can actually know without inspecting your roof.
What the site assessment actually looks at
Before anything moves forward, a technician evaluates your home in person. That assessment covers two things: your roof, structurally and in terms of general condition, and your home's electrical system.
What a real assessment looks like
This isn't a drive-by glance from the street. A technician looks at the actual condition of your roof and what your home's electrical setup can support, then gives you a straight answer based on what they found.
Does the age of your home matter?
Age is one factor a technician considers, since building practices, materials, and roof condition all shift over time. It isn't the only factor, and an older home isn't automatically disqualified any more than a newer home is automatically approved.
What happens if your roof isn't a fit
Some homes won't qualify as they currently stand, and we'd rather tell you that plainly than have you find out after signing something. If your assessment turns up a real concern, you'll hear about it directly, along with what it would take to change that, if anything does.
Who makes the call, and when
The technician who evaluates your home is the one who determines suitability, and that happens early, before any agreement is finalized and before installation is ever scheduled. You're never asked to commit first and find out later.
This is also where owning the system, rather than selling it to you, changes the incentives. Solnr owns the system for the life of the agreement, which means we're the one responsible for it sitting on your roof for years to come. The assessment isn't a hurdle standing between you and a sale — it's us checking the thing we're going to be responsible for.
Frequently asked questions
Can a manufactured home roof actually hold solar panels?
For many homes, yes. Manufactured homes are built to a different structural standard than site-built houses, and roof framing varies by age and construction, so this is determined by a real assessment of your specific home rather than assumed either way.
What determines whether my home qualifies?
A technician evaluates your roof's structural condition and your home's electrical system in person. That assessment, not the age or model of your home alone, is what determines whether and how a system gets installed.
Does the age of my home matter?
It's one factor among several a technician considers, since materials and building practices have changed over time. An older home isn't automatically disqualified, and a newer home isn't automatically approved.
What happens if my roof isn't suitable as it stands?
You'll be told directly, along with what it would take to change that, if anything does. Not every home qualifies as-is, and we'd rather you know that upfront than after signing anything.
When does the assessment happen?
Early, before any agreement is finalized and before installation is scheduled. You're never asked to commit before you know where your home actually stands.
Why does Solnr check this so carefully instead of just saying yes?
Because we own the system for the life of the agreement. If it is on your roof, we are responsible for it, which means we have a direct reason to get the assessment right rather than just get the sale.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the assessment?
Just make sure the technician has access to your roof and your home's electrical panel. Anything specific to your situation will be covered when the assessment is scheduled.
Does this apply the same way in master metered and directly metered parks?
Yes. Roof and electrical suitability is evaluated the same way regardless of how your park is metered.
Find out where your home actually stands
Not in theory. Not based on the year your home was built. Based on an actual look at your roof.