Solar Panels and a New Roof: What to Know Before You Reroof

Panel removal: why the panels must come off

Yes, the panels have to come off. Roofers can't replace the shingles under solar panels while the panels are still mounted. The panels, the racking and the roof mounts all sit on the surface being torn off. So the whole system is shut down, disconnected and removed before the reroof, then remounted and reconnected after.

This detach-and-reset is a routine job, but it has electrical work at both ends. It is not something the roofing crew should handle on its own. This post is part of our solar maintenance and repair guide, and the cost side is in what it costs to remove and reinstall solar.

Roofer vs. solar company: who does what

A reroof with solar brings in two crews, and it helps to know who does what:

• The solar service company safely shuts down the system and removes the panels and racking. It stores them, then reinstalls everything after the roof is done. It reconnects the wiring and confirms the system is making power again.
• The roofer replaces the roof while the panels are off. The roofer also owns any roof leak. Service Solar Pros does not repair roof leaks.

Some roofers say they can remove the panels themselves. But disconnecting and reconnecting a live electrical system is solar work. Done wrong, it puts your equipment, your warranty and your safety at risk, so keep that part with a solar removal and reinstall service.

Timing the job: keep the panels off briefly

The goal is to keep the panels off for the shortest time possible, because you make no solar power while they are down. Here is the clean order:

• Schedule the solar removal for the day before the roofing starts, or that morning.
• The roofer tears off the old roof and puts on the new one.
• The solar company comes back to remount the panels and test the system once the new roof is ready.

Good teamwork between the two crews keeps your panels from sitting on the ground for weeks. Book both crews at the same time so the dates line up. A service company that does this often will help you plan the order.

Warranty protection during a reroof

This is where care really matters. Sloppy handling during a detach-and-reset can void panel or workmanship warranties. It can also leave weak spots where the mounts meet the new roof. Two things protect you:

• Use a solar crew for the solar work. Bolts tightened to spec, sealed mounts and a clean electrical reconnection keep your warranties in place.
• Keep the records. A written record of the removal and reset, with photos, proves the work was done right if a warranty question comes up.

If a warranty claim does come up later, Service Solar Pros can help you file it. A reset is also the perfect moment for a checkup, as the next section explains.

Reset checkup: inspect while the panels are off

Here is the upside: your panels are never easier to check than when they are already off the roof. A good service company uses the reset to check the backs of the panels, the connectors and the wiring. It swaps out worn mounting parts and makes sure everything is sound before it goes back up. It is the ideal time to catch a hot spot or a rusted connection.

If your system has not been serviced in a while, add a full checkup to the reset. You get a new roof and a clean bill of health for your solar in one project. Read do solar panels need maintenance to see what a checkup covers.

It is also a good time to add a solar critter guard. The mesh clips around the panel edges to keep birds and squirrels out, with no drilling into your new roof.

Florida reroofs: why so many solar owners face one

Central Florida shingle roofs take a beating from sun, heat and storms. Many wear out before the solar panels on top of them do. That means many Florida solar owners will face a reroof while their panels still work. Add the insurance-driven roof replacements common across the state, and detach-and-reset is one of our most requested services.

Plan it right with the right crews, tight timing and written records, and a possible headache becomes a routine project. Thinking about selling after the new roof goes on? Read selling a home with solar in Florida.

Planning a reroof with solar? We handle the panels

Service Solar Pros does the full removal and reset and works with your roofer on dates. We check everything while it is down, then test the system so it is making power again. We work on any brand from any installer, including Enphase and SolarEdge systems. We serve Eustis, Mount Dora and all of Central Florida, so learn more about our solar removal and reinstall service, request a free quote or call (407) 270-2542.

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