If you already have solar panels and your roof needs to be replaced, there is an extra step to plan for.
Your solar panels will usually need to be removed before the roofing work begins and reinstalled once the new roof is complete.
This process is commonly called solar removal and reinstallation, solar R&R, or a solar detach and reset.
For Bay Area homeowners, the big question is usually:
How much is this going to cost?
The answer depends on your solar system, roof, number of panels, accessibility, and the condition of the existing equipment.
How Much Does Solar Removal and Reinstallation Cost?
For a typical residential solar system in the Bay Area, removal and reinstallation can cost approximately $2,000 to $7,500 or more.
Published Bay Area estimates vary considerably. Some local contractors estimate approximately $2,000 to $6,000 depending on system size and complexity, while another estimates approximately $4,000 to $7,500 for a typical 20 to 25-panel system.
Because every home and solar system is different, these numbers should only be used as a general starting point.
The most accurate way to determine your cost is to have the roof and solar system inspected before the project begins.
What Affects the Cost of Solar Removal and Reinstallation?
Several factors can affect the final price.
Number of Solar Panels
The size of your solar system is one of the biggest factors.
A home with 12 panels will generally require less labor than a home with 30 or 40 panels.
Each panel needs to be carefully disconnected, removed, stored, and then reinstalled after the roofing work is complete.
Larger systems also tend to have more mounting equipment, wiring, and roof attachments to address during the project.
Roof Type
Your roofing material can also affect the removal and reinstallation process.
Solar systems may be installed over:
- Asphalt shingles
- Concrete tile
- Clay tile
- Stone-coated steel
- Standing seam metal
- Flat or low-slope roofing
Each roofing system requires a different approach to mounting and waterproofing.
This is one reason it helps to work with a contractor that understands both solar and roofing.
Roof Pitch and Accessibility
A steep roof, multiple roof levels, limited access, or a complicated solar layout can increase the amount of labor required.
A simple single-story home with an easily accessible roof may be easier to work on than a multi-story home with several roof sections.
Existing Solar Equipment
The age and condition of your existing solar system also matter.
Before removing the system, the solar equipment should be evaluated for damaged panels, wiring issues, equipment problems, and anything else that could affect the reinstallation.
The good news is that replacing your roof does not automatically mean replacing your solar panels.
If your existing panels and solar equipment are still in good condition, they can often be reinstalled onto the new roof. Infinium provides removal and reinstallation services for existing solar systems throughout the Bay Area.
Why Infinium Replaces the Solar Mounting Equipment
When Infinium reinstalls your solar system on a new roof, we replace the solar mounting equipment rather than simply putting the old roof attachments back onto your new roofing system.
There are several reasons we take this approach.
A New Roof Should Start With New Mounting Equipment
Your roof is being replaced so you can start with a new, properly installed roofing system.
We believe the equipment connecting your solar system to that new roof should receive the same attention.
Instead of carrying old roof-mounted hardware onto the new roof, new mounting equipment allows the solar array to be properly attached to the newly installed roofing system.
Better Waterproofing
Every solar attachment is also an area where the solar system interacts with your roof.
Proper mounting, flashing, and sealing are extremely important for keeping water out.
Using new mounting equipment allows our team to establish new attachment points and properly integrate the solar installation with the new roof.
This is especially important when the purpose of the project is to give the homeowner a fresh roofing system that will protect the home for years to come.
Old Hardware Has Already Been Exposed to the Elements
Solar mounting equipment can spend years exposed to sun, rain, heat, moisture, and temperature changes.
Even if an old component appears usable, it has already gone through years of service.
By replacing the mounting equipment, we avoid carrying older roof-interface components onto a brand-new roof.
The New Roof May Be Different
Sometimes the new roof is not identical to the old one.
A homeowner may change roofing materials, upgrade shingles, replace tile, modify ventilation, repair decking, or make other improvements during the reroof.
New mounting equipment gives the solar installation an opportunity to be properly integrated with the new roofing system instead of simply recreating what was there before.
Protecting the New Roof
A reroof is a major investment.
The solar system should be reinstalled in a way that protects that investment.
At Infinium, we approach the solar reinstall as a new installation onto your new roof, rather than simply putting everything back exactly as it was.
That gives our solar and roofing teams the opportunity to coordinate the roof attachments, waterproofing, and solar installation together.
Why Do Solar Panels Need to Be Removed for a Roof Replacement?
A full roof replacement requires access to the roofing material, underlayment, flashing, and roof deck.
If solar panels are covering part of the roof, the roofer cannot properly replace the roofing system underneath them.
That is why the solar array generally needs to come off first.
For most projects, the process looks something like this:
1. Inspect the Roof and Solar System
Before work begins, the roof and existing solar system are evaluated.
This helps identify the condition of the roof, solar equipment, panels, wiring, and layout.
2. Shut Down and Remove the Solar System
The solar system is safely shut down and disconnected.
The panels are then carefully removed and stored while the roofing work takes place.
Infinium also documents the existing system configuration so the array can be properly reinstalled afterward.
3. Remove the Existing Mounting Equipment
The existing roof-mounted solar equipment is removed along with the array.
This gives the roofing team full access to the roof underneath the solar system.
4. Replace the Roof
Once the solar array is out of the way, the old roofing system can be removed.
The roofing team can inspect the decking, complete necessary repairs, install the new roofing system, and properly address the entire roof area that had previously been underneath the solar panels.
5. Install New Solar Mounting Equipment
Once the new roof is ready, Infinium installs new mounting equipment for the solar system.
The new attachments are properly integrated with the new roof before the solar panels are placed back onto the home.
6. Reinstall the Solar Panels
The existing solar panels are reinstalled onto the new mounting system.
7. Test the System
After everything is connected, the solar system is tested to confirm it is operating properly.
Should You Use the Same Company for the Roof and Solar?
This is one of the biggest advantages of working with a company that handles both.
If separate contractors are involved, the homeowner may have to coordinate:
- The solar company removing the panels
- The roofing company starting the reroof
- The roofing company finishing the project
- The solar company returning
- New mounting equipment being installed
- The solar system being reconnected and tested
If one contractor falls behind, the entire project can be delayed.
There can also be questions about who is responsible if an issue develops around a solar attachment or roof penetration.
At Infinium Solar, Roofing and Electric, we handle both solar and roofing.
Our in-house teams can coordinate the solar removal, roof replacement, new solar mounting equipment, solar reinstallation, and system testing as part of one project.
That means you are not stuck managing multiple contractors just to replace the roof underneath your solar panels.
Can I Reuse My Existing Solar Panels?
In many cases, yes.
Solar panels can have a long service life, so an older roof does not necessarily mean the solar panels need to be replaced too.
Infinium can evaluate your existing solar system to determine whether the panels and other system components are suitable for reinstallation.
If the system is still performing well, reinstalling the existing panels may make more sense than purchasing an entirely new solar system.
Is This a Good Time to Upgrade My Solar System?
It can be.
Since the solar panels are already being removed, some homeowners use the project as an opportunity to evaluate other home energy upgrades.
You might consider:
- Adding battery backup
- Expanding your solar system
- Preparing for an EV charger
- Upgrading electrical equipment
- Changing the solar layout
- Replacing aging solar components
However, upgrades are not always necessary.
If your existing solar system is working properly and still meets your home’s energy needs, the best option may simply be to reinstall it onto your new roof.
What If My Original Solar Installer Is No Longer in Business?
This is becoming more common as older solar systems reach the age where the roof underneath them needs work.
You do not necessarily have to leave your roof untouched because your original solar contractor is gone.
Infinium works with existing solar systems and provides professional removal and reinstallation services for homeowners throughout the Bay Area. Our technicians have experience working with different types of solar equipment and systems.
If your system is leased or under a Power Purchase Agreement, check your contract before allowing another contractor to remove the equipment. Your agreement may include specific requirements regarding removal, reinstallation, warranties, or authorized contractors.
Don’t Wait Until Your Roof Starts Leaking
If your roof is approaching the end of its life, it is better to start planning before a major leak develops.
This is particularly important heading into the Bay Area rainy season.
Once water starts entering the home, what could have been a planned roof replacement can quickly turn into an urgent project involving solar removal, roofing repairs, interior damage, and scheduling multiple scopes of work.
An inspection gives you time to understand the condition of your roof and plan the solar removal and roofing project before it becomes an emergency.
Solar Removal, Roof Replacement and Reinstallation Under One Roof
Having solar panels should not make replacing your roof unnecessarily complicated.
Infinium Solar, Roofing and Electric can coordinate the entire process.
We can inspect your roof and solar system, remove your existing solar panels, replace your roof, install new solar mounting equipment, reinstall your panels, and make sure your system is operating properly afterward.
Instead of coordinating separate solar and roofing contractors, you have one team managing the project from start to finish.
If your roof is getting older or you are already considering a roof replacement, schedule a free roof inspection with Infinium.
We can evaluate the roof underneath your solar panels and provide an estimate based on your specific home, roofing system, and solar installation.
