For most homeowners, a solar energy system is a long-term investment, designed to save money for over 30 years. However, there are some maintenance expenses you should be aware of—one of which is the cost of removing and reinstalling solar panels.
With solar panel warranties typically lasting 25 to 30 years and their lifespan extending beyond 30 years, it’s possible you might need to remove your panels at some point—whether to repair your roof or replace it entirely.
In this blog, we’ll provide estimates on what it might cost to remove and reinstall your solar panels. We’ll also walk you through the process and offer important considerations before getting started.
Pro Tip:
To minimize the need for removing and reinstalling panels, ensure your roof is in excellent condition before installing solar. Ideally, your roof should have a longer lifespan than the solar system’s payback period. For instance, if your solar system has a 10-year payback, it’s best not to install it on a roof with only 8 years of life left.
The Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation Process
The removal and reinstallation process is straightforward. Once you’ve hired a qualified professional, they’ll begin by safely de-energizing your solar system. The next step involves carefully removing the panels, racking, and wiring on the roof, stripping it down to allow for safe and easy reinstallation.
Make sure the company you hire seals any roof penetrations (holes left from bolts or screws) with roofer’s cement to prevent moisture intrusion until your roof repair is complete. Once your roof is ready, the solar installer will reinstall the racking, wiring, and panels, ensuring the system is in safe working order before it’s re-energized.
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to complete the removal and reinstallation depends on the size of your system and the complexity of the roof. For a typical residential system (5-20kW) on asphalt shingles, it usually takes 1 day to remove the panels and 2-3 days to reinstall them after roof repairs.
Commercial systems (50-100kW) will take longer. Panel and racking removal could take 3-5 days, and reinstallation may require an additional 8-10 days, depending on the roof type and conditions.
Reusing Equipment
In most cases, your existing solar panels and racking can be reused. However, some components may need to be replaced, which is another reason it’s important to hire experienced professionals. The original installer is often the best option, as they’ll be familiar with your system, but another qualified local contractor can also do the job.
While DIY solar panel removal may be tempting for some, we strongly advise against it due to the risks involved. Incorrectly handling the equipment can lead to serious damage or void warranties, leading to higher costs down the road.
Considerations Before Removal
After removing your panels, you’ll need to store them in a safe place. Outdoor storage can be risky due to weather exposure, particularly moisture entering the connectors, which could cause panel failure. We recommend storing them indoors, such as in a garage or shed, where they are safe from the elements and theft.
It’s also worth noting that there’s always a chance of accidental damage during the removal and reinstallation process. Even with the best team, unforeseen issues can arise, which might add to your costs. Ensure that both your solar contractor and roofing company coordinate to prevent any warranty issues with your roof.
Costs for 2024
Based on our recent projects, the average cost for removing and reinstalling solar panels is around $300 per panel. For a system with 15 panels, this means an estimated cost of $4,500. However, the final cost depends on several factors, such as:
- Travel time for the crew
- The number of roof surfaces the panels are installed on
- The height and pitch of your roof
- Roof material (shingles, rubber, metal, etc.)
It’s important to keep the project moving as efficiently as possible, as every day your system is offline is a day of missed energy savings. Choosing experienced companies with a clear timeline will help ensure your system is up and running again in no time.
Get a Quote Today!
If you’re in Florida and need to remove and reinstall your solar panels, GPL Contractors is here to help. Our team of professionals is ready to assist with all your solar needs, from removal to reinstallation.