It is becoming more common to find homeowners requesting a roof repair or a complete re-roof when they already have solar panels on their current roof. Most solar panel systems have a long life span, lasting anywhere from 30 to 35 years. Many homeowners question how this long commitment will impact their roof and any future maintenance their roofing system may require. Even if removal and reinstallation are necessary, solar panels are a financial winner, and knowing you might need a new roof someday is not a good reason to avoid solar.
How will the roof hold up over time?
Solar panels are solid, lightweight, waterproof, and weather-resistant, and their presence can add a degree of protection to a roof that might otherwise be fully exposed to sun, rain, wind, snow, and falling debris during storms. When solar panels are installed, installers will drill holes into the roof to anchor and mount the panels securely. These large holes are for lag bolts, which are strong enough to keep solar panels in place and are made to withstand the elements for a long time.
What if you have to remove and reinstall your solar panels for a roof replacement?
If your roof needs repairs but has large and heavy solar panels installed on top of it, there are a couple of things you should do to be sure the repairs go smoothly without damaging your solar panels or further impacting your roof. First, contact the company that installed your solar panels to inquire about any policies or processes they have in place to facilitate their temporary removal. You don’t want to attempt to remove your solar panels on your own because this could permanently damage their effectiveness or even invalidate your warranty.
Second, you’ll want to enlist the services of a reputable roofing contractor. For a simple roof repair, any qualified roofing company should have the experience and ability to work around your solar panels. However, any extensive roof damage repair or a complete roof replacement will require the solar panels to be uninstalled by the panel provider and then reinstalled once the new roof installation is complete. The cost to remove and reinstall your solar panels will vary depending on the size of the project. Furthermore, it’s recommended that your roof is inspected by a roofing contractor after solar panels are installed or reinstalled to ensure no damage has occurred.
How much does solar panel removal cost?
If you run into a roofing issue and need to replace the roof post-installation, there will be labor costs associated with taking the panels off your roof and putting them back on. Installers will have different rates for their labor, and the cost can also vary based on the size of the system, how many panels will need to be removed, and whether you need a place to store the equipment.
If mounting hardware also needs to be removed in order to replace your roof, this will add to the cost. On average, residential installations tend to cost somewhere between $1,500 to $6,000 to remove and reinstall, according to Energy Sage.
It is suggested that homeowners return to the original solar installer for the labor because they will be familiar with the ins and outs of your particular solar system installation.
If re-roofing after solar installation is a concern for you, it’s always good to ask your potential installer how often they do this type of work and the typical cost associated with it. Some companies will specify a price for this in your initial contract, and it never hurts to request this from your company prior to installation. Before you sign a contract, confirm with your installation company whether they warranty the roof and the duration of that warranty.
Should you replace your roof before going solar?
If you are considering solar shingles or solar panels for your home or business, have your roof inspected beforehand. Consult your trusted roofing company about the installation. If your roof is between five and ten years from needing replacement, ask them what they suggest and advise.
If it is determined that your roof should be replaced prior to going solar, it’s a smart move to do so. Solar panels are more durable than most roofing materials. As a result, when you pair solar with a roof replacement, the panels actually extend the lifetime of the portion of the roof that they cover. The other benefit of pairing solar and a roof replacement together is that if you’re installing on a new roof, it’s unlikely you’ll need to re-roof during the lifetime of the system. This can help save you money in the long run, because you can avoid the costs associated with removing and reinstalling the solar panels on your roof.
Rely on Avsten Roofing & Construction for Your Roof Repair Needs
If you need roof repair but have solar panels, not to worry, you can trust Avsten as we have experience with replacing roofs and then reinstalling original solar panels. Our team of roofing experts has the tools and experience to navigate any roof with solar panels. This may also be a great time to compare solar panels to solar shingles.
Avsten Roofing and Construction has been Cincinnati Ohio’s Trusted and Dependable Roofers and Construction Company for over 15 years providing unsurpassed, residential, and commercial roofing services. We have the skill sets to restore and upgrade your home. We are a fully licensed and insured roofing contractor. We only employ reliable, honest, and skilled workers to represent our company. We have worked very hard to earn the reputation that we have in the area and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that great reputation intact. We are not happy until you, the customer, are happy and that is our guarantee!
Need some roofing done before the big installation or just want to ask a roofer about the risks of solar panels? Call Avsten Construction today at 513-795-7467 to schedule a free roof inspection and estimate!