Replacing a roof that has solar means removing the panels and racking first, storing them, letting the roofer work, then reinstalling and testing the system. Fixr puts removal and reinstall at about $200 to $300 per panel, or $2,800 to $4,800 for a typical system, before the roof itself.
Why the panels have to come off
Roofers cannot replace shingles or a membrane under an array, and the panels are live electrical equipment. They have to be shut down, disconnected, removed with their racking and stored before the roof work starts.
Reinstalling is just as important: new attachments must be flashed into the new roof, the wiring reconnected to the original design, and every string tested before the system goes back online.
What removal and reinstall cost
Fixr puts solar panel removal and reinstallation at about $200 to $300 per panel, or $2,800 to $4,800 for a typical system, not counting the roof. Roof Maxx puts the combined cost of a roof replacement with solar removal and reinstall at roughly $10,300 to $28,662, depending on the roof and the array.
The per-panel price depends on access, storage, whether new mounting hardware is needed and how far the crew has to travel.
Sources: fixr.com, roofmaxx.com
How to sequence the roofer and the solar crew
The cleanest schedule puts removal, roofing and reinstall in tight sequence, with dates agreed between the roofer and the solar crew before anyone starts. The roof should not sit with capped penetrations longer than necessary, and the system makes nothing while the panels are off.
If the roofer finds deck damage, the schedule slips; build in a little margin and keep both crews in touch.
- Agree removal and reinstall dates with the roofer
- Confirm where the panels will be stored
- Plan new attachments for the new roofing material
- Test every string after reinstall
Roofer already scheduled? Call and we will plan the panels around it.
Call (771) 247-9849Flat rowhouse roofs are different
On a flat rowhouse roof, the array often sits on ballasted racks behind the parapet, and the membrane under it is what wears out. City Renewables notes the membrane condition is the key concern on these roofs.
Ballasted sections can sometimes be moved in stages so the roofer can work around them, which may cost less than a full removal. Attached racks need their flashed bases removed and reinstalled with the new membrane.
Sources: cityrenewables.com
Use the removal to fix other things
With the panels off, it is the cheapest moment to replace aging panels or an inverter, add panels, plan a battery, or install bird mesh. Doing those jobs later means paying for access twice.
Ask the solar crew to note any damaged panels, chewed wiring or failing connectors during removal, with photos, so you can decide before reinstall.
Questions to ask both contractors
Before the work starts, get the roofer and the solar crew talking. A few questions settle most of the problems that show up on reroof jobs.
- Who shuts down and removes the system, and who reinstalls it?
- Where are the panels stored, and how are connectors protected?
- What attachment and flashing will the new roof take?
- Who is responsible if a leak shows up at a solar mount later?
- When is the reinstall date, and what happens if the roof runs late?
Avoid the reroof altogether if you can
The best time to replace a roof under solar is before the solar goes on. If you are planning solar and your roof has only a few years left, replace the roof first.
Angi puts typical solar repairs at $120 to $550 for a cracked panel and $100 to $400 for wiring, so catching damage during removal can save a second visit later.
Sources: angi.com
Reroofing under solar questions
Many prefer not to, and warranties may require a solar contractor.
Fixr puts it at about $200 to $300 per panel, or $2,800 to $4,800 for a typical system.
On padded racks on site or off site, with connectors capped.
No. It produces nothing while the panels are off.
If it has only a few years left, yes.
Often, with an updated Pepco filing for the larger system.