Home
“What happens to my home solar panels during a roof replacement?” It’s a very fair question, and though the answer may seem complicated, really, it’s not. The key to this question is the strength of your solar panel installer and the experience they have. It also comes down to their knowledge and coordination with the roofers, but really, it’s seamless. It is as simple as you are probably guessing it is – take the solar panels down, replace the roof, and put the panels back on. But, there is some need-to-know information we are going to provide you with if your roof is about to be replaced with existing panels. Let’s read on to find out what you need to know about your upcoming reno with house solar panels.
Removing Solar Panels Before Roofing Work
Before any roof work can start, your solar panels must come down. There’s no way around it—roofing over solar panels just isn’t an option. This is where we come in! The panel removal process involves detaching the panels from their mounting hardware and disconnecting all the electrical connections. This job isn’t something you want to try yourself – or can try yourself. Because of the electrical components, it needs to be done by a professional solar installer to prevent any damage to panels or wiring.
The process starts with shutting down your solar system completely to make sure everything is safe. Then, the panels are taken down one by one. The mounting brackets and hardware are also removed so we can give the roofers full access. Typically, your panels are stored on-site in a secure place where they won’t be damaged during the construction.
This step is critical because improper panel removal can lead to damage, which is of course not something you want. It can lead to inefficient power and very expensive repairs (yikes!) That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced solar installer who knows how to handle the system correctly.
Coordination Between Roofing and Solar Contractors
Another important aspect of replacing a roof when you have solar panels is the coordination between the roofing contractor and your solar installer. Timing and communication between these two professionals are key to getting the job done right. It’s best to give both companies enough time to coordinate together and plan the best possible transition for you.
Here’s how we do it: Your solar installer schedules the panel removal right before the roofers start their work. This way, your roof isn’t left exposed longer than necessary. And, you’re not without power longer than necessary. Once the new roof is installed and roofers give the green light, the solar installer comes back for their reinstallation.
This mindful coordination helps to avoid big problems like misaligned mounts, which can happen if the roofing work interferes with the original setup of your system. If the mounts aren’t reinstalled in the exact same spots, it could affect how well your solar panels work. This is very avoidable though, and isn’t likely to happen with careful planning and collaboration. But it’s best you know all the possibilities.
Reinstalling Home Solar Panels
Once the roofers have finished, it’s time to get the solar panels back up. Reinstalling the panels is more than just putting them back where they were. We need to first inspect the new roof. Your solar installer will check that the new roof can handle the load and that all the mounting hardware is still in prime condition.
Here’s a reinstallation step-by-step:
- Mounting Hardware Check: The installer looks over the existing mounting hardware. If any parts are worn out or damaged, they’ll need to be replaced before the panels can go back up.
- Reinstallation of Panels: The panels are then reattached to the mounts, and the electrical connections are restored. Anything involving electrical work needs to be very precise so there are no faulty connections.
- System Testing: After the panels are reinstalled, the entire system is tested to make sure it works. This includes checking the connections, the panel alignment, and overall system output.
What It Might Cost You
Another important piece of this is the cost. There is of course a cost to replacing a roof with solar panels. It’s best to budget for the additional costs of removing and reinstalling your system. Each system is unique and exact prices are harder to pinpoint, but here’s what you can expect on our end:
- Removal Costs: This covers the labor involved in taking down the panels and storing them safely.
- Reinstallation Costs: After the roof is replaced, you’ll pay for the labor to reinstall and test the system.
- Potential Repairs: If any mounting hardware or panels are damaged during the process, you’ll need to factor in the cost of repairs or replacements.
- Warranty Considerations: Some warranties might cover the cost of removing and reinstalling panels, but this varies by manufacturer. It’s worth checking your warranty details before scheduling the work.
Discuss these costs upfront with both your roofing contractor and solar installer to avoid surprises.
Protecting Your Warranty
One of the key concerns during a roof replacement is how it might affect your solar panel warranty. Different manufacturers have different requirements, so it’s important to know what’s necessary to keep your warranty intact.
Some warranties require a certified professional to handle the removal and reinstallation. Others might have specific guidelines on how the panels should be stored and handled during the process. Ignoring these guidelines could void your warranty, leaving you without coverage if something goes wrong, so make sure you’re on top of it.
Be sure to clarify these details with your installer and manufacturer before the entire project begins. This will help you avoid anything that could impact your warranty.
Up and Away
So, what happens to your home solar panels during a roof replacement? They’re carefully removed, stored safely while the roof is replaced, and then reinstalled. It’s a straightforward process, but it needs careful coordination and professional handling to avoid damage and keep everything working properly. If you’re planning a roof replacement and have home solar panels, make sure you’re working with professionals who understand each step in the process. At Solar Pro, we know how to handle your solar panels for home with care, making sure they’re always removed and reinstalled correctly. How can you kickstart this process? Just reach out to us and we will get those panels down and back up again for you. It’s best to let us know as far in advance as possible so we can coordinate with the roofing company.