Replacing a roof that has solar panels takes three steps: a licensed solar or electrical contractor safely disconnects and removes the panels, the roofer replaces the roof and installs new flashed mounts, then the solar crew reinstalls and recommissions the system. Good sequencing, clear responsibility for the mounts, and warranty checks keep the job smooth.
Key takeaways
- Panel removal and reinstall involve electrical work and are done by a licensed solar or electrical contractor.
- The roofer owns the waterproofing: new roof, new mount flashing, and sealing every penetration.
- Agree in writing who supplies and installs the mounts, and who warranties the penetrations.
- If your roof is aging and you are planning solar, replace the roof first.
Our general article on solar and roofing in the Bay Area covers planning solar on a new roof. This one covers the specific case of replacing a roof that already has panels.
Step 1: Check your solar paperwork
Before scheduling anything, find your solar installation agreement, warranty, and any lease or power-purchase agreement. Look for:
- Whether the solar installer requires its own crew, or an authorized company, to remove and reinstall panels to keep the warranty
- Whether a leased or PPA system needs the system owner’s approval and scheduling
- The roof penetration warranty the solar company gave, and whether it ends when the system is removed
- Monitoring login, so you can confirm production after reinstall
If the original installer is out of business, a licensed solar contractor can still do the work. We can coordinate with one.
Step 2: Plan the sequence
- Inspection. We inspect the roof, including under the array as far as visible, and estimate the replacement.
- Solar detach. The solar contractor shuts down and disconnects the system, removes panels and racking, and caps conduit.
- Storage. Panels are stored on-site, often in the garage or on padded racks, or taken off-site by the solar company.
- Reroof. We tear off, repair decking, install underlayment and new roofing, and install new flashed mounts at planned locations.
- Solar reset. The solar contractor reinstalls racking and panels, reconnects, and tests.
- Inspection and sign-off. Permits are finaled as required by your city.
Gaps between steps cost time. We schedule the solar crew’s dates before tearing off so the house is not left without production longer than needed.
Who does what
| Task | Usually handled by |
|---|---|
| System shutdown and electrical disconnect | Solar or electrical contractor |
| Panel and racking removal and storage | Solar contractor |
| Roof tear-off, deck repair, new roof | Roofer |
| Mount flashing and sealing | Roofer, or as agreed in writing |
| Racking and panel reinstall, reconnection | Solar contractor |
| Electrical permit work, if required | Solar or electrical contractor |
| Reroof permit | Roofer |
The mounts are the critical detail
Every solar mount is a hole in your new roof. Leaks at old mounts are one of the most common problems we see on roofs with solar. On a reroof:
- Old mounts and their holes are removed, and the deck is repaired.
- New mounts are placed into rafters at the solar contractor’s layout.
- Each mount gets proper flashing integrated with the shingle courses, not just sealant.
- Mount locations are photographed before panels cover them.
Agree in advance which mount system will be used, so the racking fits, and who warranties the penetrations. We put that in the estimate.
Under-array details
A reroof under solar is a chance to fix things that are hard to reach later:
- Replace pipe boots and vents that sit under the array
- Install critter guard around the array perimeter to keep pigeons and rodents out
- Plan wire management so cables do not rest on the roof surface
- Consider material: a roof that outlasts the panels avoids another detach cycle
Timing and production
The system produces nothing while removed. Scheduling in the dry season is best for the roof work anyway, but summer is also peak production. Some owners prefer late spring or early fall to balance both. See the best time to replace a roof in the Bay Area.
Questions to settle before work starts
- Who is the solar contractor, and are their dates confirmed for both removal and reinstall?
- Where will panels be stored, and who is responsible for damage while stored?
- Will the same racking be reused, or are new rails or mounts needed for the new roof?
- Who orders the mounts, and do they match the new roofing material?
- Will the array layout change? If panels are being added or moved, that may need new solar permits.
- Who confirms the system is producing after reinstall, and how?
Getting these answered in writing up front avoids the most common frustration: a finished roof waiting days or weeks for panels to go back on.
Permits
A reroof generally needs a permit in Bay Area cities, and some jurisdictions also require an electrical or solar permit for reinstalling the system. We pull the reroof permit and coordinate with the solar contractor on theirs. Our roofing permits page explains how we manage approvals.
Thinking about solar but have an older roof?
If your roof is past mid-life and you are about to add solar, replace the roof first. Adding solar to a roof that will need replacing in a few years means paying for a detach and reset later. A standing-seam metal roof is especially solar-friendly; see standing-seam metal roofing.
We coordinate solar removal and reinstall as part of our roof replacement service throughout the Bay Area, including San Jose and Livermore. For a free inspection and a written estimate with the solar sequencing laid out, request a quote or call (415) 410-7917.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roofer remove my solar panels?
Panel removal involves electrical disconnection and should be done by a licensed solar or electrical contractor. The roofer coordinates the schedule and handles the roof and mount flashing.
Will removing panels void my solar warranty?
It can, depending on your agreement. Some installers require their own or an authorized crew. Check your warranty and, for leased systems, get the system owner’s approval first.
How long will my solar be offline?
It depends on the roof size, material, and the solar contractor’s schedule. We book the solar crew’s dates before starting so the system is offline only as long as the reroof requires.
Should I replace my roof before adding solar?
If the roof is near the end of its life, yes. Replacing it later would require a detach and reset of the panels.
Who is responsible if a solar mount leaks after reinstall?
That should be set in writing before work begins. We specify in our estimate who installs and flashes the mounts and who warranties those penetrations.
