Do solar panels affect how gutters work on Scottsdale homes?

The short answer is yes, and it catches a lot of homeowners off guard.

Once solar panels go up, the way water moves on your roof changes. Panels create a smooth surface where rain picks up speed fast. When Scottsdale storms hit, water does not trickle off like it used to. It slides quickly and usually drops right at the gutter’s edge.

Everything can look fine on dry days. Then a storm rolls through and suddenly water is spilling over the gutters in spots that never had issues before. That is usually the first sign the gutter system is struggling to keep up.

This is something CR Gutters, Inc.™ sees often on Scottsdale homes after solar installations, especially when the original gutters were never adjusted for the added runoff.

Why solar panels change roof runoff.

Solar panels sit slightly above the roof surface. That small gap underneath creates a channel. Rain hits the panel, speeds up, then drops all at once near the lower edge. Instead of spreading across shingles, water funnels into a tighter stream.

That leads to:

• Faster moving runoff
• More water hitting the gutter at the same time
• Heavy flow concentrated at panel edges
• Overflow during stronger rain

Scottsdale storms might be short, but they can be intense. When fast moving water hits gutters designed for a standard roof, overflow becomes likely.

Where problems usually show up.

Most homeowners first notice issues directly below the panels.

Common signs include:

• Water pouring over the gutter edge
• Splash marks on stucco or siding
• Soil erosion below panel lines
• Drips landing far from downspouts

At first, it can look like clogged gutters. In many cases, they are clean. They just do not have enough capacity anymore.

Why standard gutters often fall short.

Many homes are built with 5 inch gutters. On roofs without panels, they usually work fine.

Once solar panels are added, the issue is not quality. It is volume.

More water is hitting the gutter faster. Without enough space to carry it, water backs up and spills over. That overflow almost always shows up right where panels end.

What actually helps fix the problem.

One of the most effective solutions is upgrading to 6 inch gutters in areas affected by solar panels. Larger gutters handle higher flow without backing up.

Extra downspouts also help. More exit points keep water from bottling up during storms.

A proper adjustment often includes:

• Larger gutters along panel edges
• Additional downspouts below heavy runoff areas
• Placement that matches how water actually flows

The goal is not overbuilding. It is matching the gutter system to the roof’s new behavior.

What this usually costs in Scottsdale.

Costs depend on how much of the roof is affected and how many changes are needed. Typical pricing in affected areas ranges from $3,500 to $7,000. That usually covers gutter upgrades and added drainage where panel runoff is strongest.

Make sure your gutters match your solar setup.

If you have solar panels and keep seeing water spill over below them, it is not random. It is runoff moving faster than your gutters can handle.

CR Gutters, Inc.™ helps Scottsdale homeowners adjust gutter systems so they work with solar panels instead of against them. Call (602) 671-3476 to review your setup and make sure your gutters can handle the extra water without overflowing.