How do you coordinate a roof replacement when you have solar panels?
Short answer. Replacing a roof with solar panels takes two contractors: a solar company removes and stores the array, the roofer replaces the roof and flashes the new mounting points, and the solar company reinstalls and recommissions the system. It goes smoothly when both are lined up before tear-off, with written scopes that say who flashes the mounts and who warrants what.
Coordination checklist
- Call the original solar installer first. Removing panels yourself, or letting someone unqualified do it, can void panel or inverter warranties. If the original company is gone, find a licensed solar contractor that does removal and reinstall.
- Get both scopes in writing. The solar quote should cover removal, storage, reinstall, new mounts if needed, inspection and recommissioning. The roofing quote should cover the roof and say who flashes each mount.
- Agree on the mounting layout. Mount points are easiest to flash well while the roof is open. Ask the solar company to mark rafter locations for the roofer.
- Schedule tightly. Panels come off a day or more before tear-off, the roof is usually done in a day or two on an average house, and reinstall follows.
- Permits. Expect a roofing permit and often an electrical or solar permit for the reinstall.
- Insurance claims. If storm damage triggered the replacement, detaching and resetting the array is commonly a separate line in the estimate. Make sure it is there before work starts.
Should you replace the roof before adding solar?
If the roof has less than roughly 10 to 15 years left, yes. Panels often stay up 25 years or more, and paying for removal and reinstall in the middle of their life is a cost you can avoid. See replace your roof before solar and roofing warranties explained.