Do I have to run the piping through the roof?

No, you do not have to. You can, and should, use flexible stainless steel piping which allows you to direct the piping anywhere you want with very little trouble. Many installers will choose to send the piping the ;ong way around just to avoid a roof penetration. While this works well for ensuring that there is no leakage, it does however waste a bit of solar energy. But if you can avoid going through your roof, then do it! Click here to view our flexible stainless steel piping