TLDR: Solar panels have to come off before a roof can be replaced, then go back on afterward. Live Oak Roofing does this all the time, and our own crew handles the removal and the reinstall. Plan for a longer job than a roof without panels, and check your solar paperwork before we start.
More San Antonio homes have solar every year, and sooner or later hail finds the roof under the panels. If you need a new roof and have solar, here is how it works.
Do the panels really have to come off?
Yes. A roof replacement removes the old shingles and underlayment down to the decking. That cannot be done around or under a solar array. Roofing around the panels would leave old roof under them and old mounts sealed into new shingles.
How the job goes
- Removal. The panels and their mounting rails come off the roof and are set aside safely.
- Roof replacement. Tear off, decking check, underlayment, flashing, and new shingles, the same as any other roof. What happens on roof replacement day.
- Reinstall. The mounts go back on with new flashing at every attachment point, then the rails and panels.
Our own crew does the removal and the reinstall, so you are not scheduling a second company around the roofing work.
How long will my solar be off?
Your system will not produce power while the panels are off the roof. The exact time depends on the size of the array and the weather. We give you a schedule before we start so you know what to expect.
What to check before the job
- Your solar warranty or lease. If your system is leased or under a solar company warranty, read the terms on removal and tell us what they say, so we can plan the job around them.
- Your insurance claim. If a storm damaged the roof, ask your adjuster whether removing and reinstalling the panels is part of the claim. We document the roof damage and meet the adjuster at the house.
- The age of the roof. If you are thinking about adding solar to an older roof, replace the roof first. It costs less than taking new panels off a few years later.
A good time to upgrade the shingle
Since the panels are coming off anyway, this is the time to consider a Class 4 impact resistant shingle. It holds up better to hail, which means less chance of pulling the panels again after the next storm.
Live Oak Roofing has served San Antonio and the Hill Country since 2017. Inspections and estimates are free. Call or text (210) 460-8896, or request a free inspection online.