(disconnection and removal of equipment)
(removal and complete replacement of roof)
Cost to remove solar panels to replace roof varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from solar energy contractors in your city.
The average cost of removing solar panels to replace roof is around $2,000 - $3,000.
Solar panels provide affordable electricity for many homes. This energy source is popular today and provides an efficient source of reliable, renewable, and clean energy because these systems generate their own power. But adding solar panels to your home’s roof means higher maintenance costs because the panels must first be removed before replacing your roof.
The average cost of removing 14 to 16 solar panels for a 1,500-square-foot roof is around $2,000 to $3,000.
It is vital to check a roof from time to time, especially if you want to avoid a cold, uncomfortable, and leaky home. Diagnosis can help with the early detection of roofing issues before they get out-of-hand. If your roof shows any of the following signs, it may be time to replace it.
Removing a roof is best undertaken by a licensed and certified roofing professional. First, the contractor disconnects the solar system from the breakers and any metering appliance, including grid interconnection, and then, the individual panels are detached from their micro-inverters as well as the strings 3 from the single inverter.
Once all the parts are disconnected, the solar panels are removed from the rooftop mounting hardware and carefully lowered to the ground. Mounting hardware, electrical cables, and wires are then removed from the roof.
On average, the cost of removing and reinstalling 14 to 16 solar panels from a 1,500-square-foot roof is around $2,000 to $3,000. Roof replacement is not included. Several factors that affect the removal costs are:
When replacing a roof, the mounting hardware also must be removed, and this cost is not included in removing the solar panels. Expect to pay an additional $800.
While solar panels do not weigh much, they contain hundreds of sensitive electrical connections and circuits that can be easily damaged if not handled properly. Panels removed from the roof require a safe storage place to avoid any damage. The process contractors take is designed to protect your property and panels while ensuring that your solar system works as designed once reinstalled. After all the panels are removed and racked, they are safely bundled and stored onsite. If there is no appropriate storage location at the property, contractors offer an option to transport and store the panels, racking, and all related hardware offsite at their warehouse for an additional cost. The average cost of shipment and off-site storage is around $250.
Many people opt to clean their solar panels before reinstalling them. The average cost of cleaning a 3kW system with 20 panels is $300 to $430.
On an average, the cost to remove 14 to 16 solar panels ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. This does not include the cost required to replace or repair the roof.
Yes, some solar installation companies also offer roof replacement services. Engaging with just one company for your solar and roofing needs saves a lot of time, money, and effort.
Yes, you can remove the solar panels by following certain precautionary measures like turning off the circuit breakers, which absorb electricity from your solar panels, and locking them into the “Off” position. However, it is advisable to have your solar panels removed by professional solar contractors because they carry insurance that covers any damage that may occur.
Properly installed and fixed solar panels should not void your roof warranty. Also, the work done for the installment of your solar panels is covered under the warranty offered by the installer.
If the removal of solar panels is carried out by a certified technician, expect minimum damage. However, if the mounting hardware that holds the solar panels upright is removed, the exposed openings in the roof must be patched to keep the roof from leaking.
Cost to remove solar panels to replace roof varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.