Roof Replacement with Solar Panels: Removal, Reinstallation & Costs Explained
If your roof needs to be replaced and you already have a solar panel system, you’re likely wondering: What now?
Removing and reinstalling solar panels isn’t just about unplugging and reinstalling — it requires planning, permits, proper equipment handling, and the right contractor who understands both roofing and solar systems. At Home Pro Roofing and Solar, we specialize in seamless, solar-smart roof replacements throughout the Bay Area.
🔧 Can You Replace Your Roof If You Already Have Solar Panels?
Yes — and in fact, this is more common than many homeowners think. Roofs generally have a shorter lifespan than solar panels. A typical asphalt composition roof lasts 20–30 years, while modern solar panels can last 25–40 years. If your roof wasn’t replaced before the solar install, a replacement might be unavoidable.
❗ Why Roofs Usually Need Replacement Before Solar
Many solar companies install panels on older roofs to close a sale quickly, without evaluating whether the roof will last as long as the solar system. This can leave homeowners with a tough decision just a few years later.
🔍 What Happens When the Roof Fails After Solar is Installed?
If your roof starts to leak, sag, or show signs of aging, it’s crucial to replace it. But with solar on top, you’ll need to:
- Safely remove the solar panels
- Replace the roofing system (shingles, underlayment, vents, flashing, etc.)
- Reinstall the solar panels, ensuring optimal performance
🛠️ What’s Involved in Removing and Reinstalling Solar Panels?
At Home Pro Roofing and Solar, we handle the full scope of your project—roofing, solar, battery backup, and permits—so you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors.
🔁 Step-by-Step Process:
- Pre-inspection and assessment of your roof and solar system
- City permit pulled (if required for your location)
- Panels safely removed, including wiring and inverters
- New roof installed (composition, CertainTeed Solaris, TPO, etc.)
- Solar panels cleaned, tested, and reinstalled
- System inspection and recommissioning
✅ Why Choose a Roofing Contractor That Also Handles Solar?
Many roofers outsource the solar removal to third-party electricians or solar techs. That leads to delays, finger-pointing, and potential code violations.
Home Pro Roofing and Solar is a licensed contractor for both roofing and solar, serving Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. We handle everything in-house or with preferred partners.
💰 Cost of Removing and Reinstalling Solar Panels for Roof Replacement
📊 Average Cost for Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation
- $150–$250 per panel
- Minimum project cost: $2,500
- Pricing varies depending on:
- Number of panels
- Roof pitch and accessibility
- Wiring/inverter configuration
- Age of the solar hardware
We include:
- Removal
- Safe handling/storage
- Reinstallation with code-compliant methods
- Clean Solar Panels for optimal performance
- Performance check and system restart
🏛️ Permit Requirements by City
Cities in the Bay Area vary when it comes to permits for solar panel removal and reinstallation. Some require permits for even temporary removal, while others do not.
- Common permit fees: $250–$700
- Cities where permits are often required: Palo Alto, San Jose, Redwood City, San Mateo
- Home Pro Roofing and Solar handles all paperwork for you
⚡ When Additional Equipment Might Need Replacing
During reinstallation, some older components may need upgrading:
- Mounting hardware or flashing that’s no longer watertight
- Inverter or combiner box for code compliance
- Battery backup compatibility (e.g., with Tesla Powerwall3 or Franklin Battery)
🧰 How to Choose the Right Contractor for Roofing with Solar
Replacing a roof with solar on it isn’t a standard job. Here’s what to look for:
✔️ Look for a Local Company with Roofing + Solar Expertise
- They should be licensed in both trades
- They should have experience coordinating permits and PG&E/PTO
✔️ Ask About Panel Handling, Storage, and Insurance
- Make sure the company is insured to handle solar equipment
- Ask how panels are stored during roof work
✔️ Importance of Coordinated Scheduling
Avoid delays by using one contractor for both services. At Home Pro, our roofing and solar crews are scheduled together — no waiting weeks to reinstall panels after roofing is done.
🌉 Local Bay Area Expertise from Home Pro Roofing and Solar
We’re based in Sunnyvale, CA, and serve homeowners across:
- Santa Clara County – San Jose, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Los Altos
- San Mateo County – Redwood City, Belmont, San Mateo, San Carlos
- Alameda County – Fremont, Alameda, Oakland
We understand local permitting, climate needs, and utility interconnection rules.
We use high-efficiency systems like:
- QCells and REC Solar Panels
- Axia by QCells PPAs and ownership packages
- Tesla Powerwall3 and Franklin Battery Backup
- CertainTeed Solaris Cool Roofing Shingles for energy efficiency
❓ FAQs – Roof Replacement with Solar Panels
Q: Do I need a permit to remove and reinstall solar panels?
Q: Can I upgrade my solar system or add a battery during the roof replacement?
Q: Will removing my panels affect my warranty?
Q: How long does the process take?
🏁 Final Thoughts: Get a Seamless, Solar-Smart Roof Replacement
Roof replacement when you have solar panels doesn’t have to be stressful — especially when you work with a company that knows both trades. At Home Pro Roofing and Solar, we simplify the process by handling everything in-house, from roofing and solar to battery backups and permits.
We’ve helped hundreds of Bay Area homeowners protect their investment and power their home efficiently for the long haul.
📞 Ready to schedule your free roofing and solar evaluation?
Contact Home Pro Roofing and Solar at (800) 650-3134 or visit homeproca.com to get started.
