How to Remove Solar Panels From a Roof?

You might also need to remove and reinstall solar panels because of home repairs in and around the rooftop. Examples include when you’re working on trees, satellite dishes, electrical wires, the attic, and your HVAC system.

As more homeowners invest in solar panels, the way roofs are done is changing over time. If you install solar panels on your roof, you’ll need to have them removed to replace the roofing material, decking, and other components whenever the time comes.

The process of removing solar panels involves unhooking the solar power generation system, uninstalling the hardware that holds the panels in place, and then detaching and storing the panels safely until it is time to reattach them.

The size and type of solar panels installed affects the cost and labor of the project. Solar panel removal services should be employed to complete the project as the average roofer is unfamiliar with the intricate inner workings of the modern solar panel system.

Reasons to Remove Solar Panels

You might also need to remove and reinstall solar panels because of home repairs in and around the rooftop. Examples include when you’re working on trees, satellite dishes, electrical wires, the attic, and your HVAC system.

While uncommon, there are instances where you may need to remove your solar panels from your home. It is recommended that a new canopy be installed or repairs made prior to installing the panels to eliminate these problems. However, problems can arise that may require you to remove the panels.

This may include repairing roof damage after the panels were installed or replacing a roof that had problems after the panels were installed. Because solar panels can last for years, some roofs deteriorate.

If your solar panel system is old, outdated, or no longer working, you may want to remove it. You can remove it if it no longer works or you want to replace it with a newer system. While in some cases it is cheaper to move existing panels to a new home than to purchase new panels, some people are able to move their panels to a new home.

Can I remove and reinstall my solar panels myself?

You may feel confident enough to remove and reinstall solar panels yourself, but doing so without the right tools or expertise can be very risky. This task requires the use of specialized equipment that can be expensive for the average homeowner to acquire. Also attempting DIY solar panel projects can void your contracts and warranties.

A solar panel system is an intricate and complex power plant with electrical connections that only solar experts should handle. Considering that a solar panel system is a large investment, it makes sense to only let experienced solar installers handle your solar panels and perform this solar panel removal service.

Additionally, removing and reinstalling solar panels involves a complicated permitting process that is best performed by a qualified solar installer. The permits are mandatory as your solar panel system is connected to the grid and a licensed installer has the experience to expedite these permits. Therefore, hiring a professional solar contractor can help ensure your solar panel removal and reinstallation is successful.

Despite claiming that they can handle the entire roofing project, including solar panel removal and reinstallation, many roofing companies lack the expertise necessary to correctly remove and reinstall solar panels every time.

Cost to Remove Solar Panels

The cost of removing the panels is actually a bit more complicated than it first appears. Your method of purchasing the panels will largely determine the actual cost. For example, if you have panels installed in your home as part of a solar lease or other agreement, you could be charged for removing the panels before your contract ends. For example, a homeowner in Portsmouth, UK, faced a nearly $16,000 fee for removing its panels a year after the end of the contract.

Even if you completely own your panels, just removing them from your roof will cost you around $300-$500. If the panels or glass need to be repaired, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 depending on the extent of the damage.

However, a complete removal, which disconnects the system from the utility main, adds about $100 to the cost. Dismantling the assembly parts also increases the price significantly. You should also budget around $200 to ship the panels to a new location. And if your roof needs repair to plug holes at the installation site, a roof repair can cost you over $600 — or anywhere from $1,500 to $9,000 for a new roof.

Removal of solar panels to replace the roof: 15 panels.