Mikku and Sons Roofing logo, featuring a roof illustration on a transparent background 623-465-1068

Roof Replacement With Solar Panels

Date: July 14, 2022

With the added complexity of installing a roof, replacing your home's roof is already a significant undertaking. Solar panels on the roof necessitate two additional steps in the roof replacement process.

Many people with solar panels installed on their roofs are baffled by this. Is it necessary to remove your roof's panels to install a new one? Are the solar panels going to be removed by the roofers, or will you have to contact your solar installer?

Is it possible to incorporate solar panels into the design of your new roof? Roofs and solar panels are inseparable. For some people, replacing their roofs before installing solar panels is recommended, but this isn't always possible.

Trying to figure out how to put solar panels on a roof? Continue reading our guide 'Roof Replacement with Solar Panels' for a few pointers to start your solar and roof journey.

How to Handle a Roof Replacement with Solar Panels

Getting in touch with everyone involved in the removal and installation of solar panels is essential once you've worked out a strategy. Summer and peak roofing season can make this difficult.

As many solar installation companies are very busy, it is essential to get in touch with the company first to ensure that they charge you a reasonable price and secure your spot. Removing the panels can take up to six months on average.

Maintaining regular contact with the roofing contractor while working around the solar panel company's schedule is important. This way, the roofing company can order the necessary materials, schedule their delivery, and have their crew come out and install your roof on time.

Important Roofing Tips for Homeowners.

After the solar company has reinstalled the solar panel system on the roof, it is critical to have the roofing company inspect the roof for any damage that may have occurred during the installation process. Some of the damages include:

Water Leaks and Fire Hazards:

This can lead to increased water leakage and fire hazards, as the structure of the roof and its ability to withstand the elements are jeopardized. Roofing warranties can be voided if solar panels damage or compromise a roof.

Drilling Holes:

Drilling holes into the roof is the most common, efficient, and cost-effective method for installing solar panels on a home's roof.

These holes need to be appropriately drilled and filled by licensed solar panel installers who know how to avoid damaging the roof during installation. If damage does occur, it is frequently the result of a previously unresolved roof issue.

Caulking Holes

Rather than caulk the hole or use an extra shingle, people with no extras on hand will sometimes place a piece of aluminum underneath the shingle, which almost always results in a leak. Roofing shingles can be ripped or torn when installing solar panels.

So, to ensure that the shingle seals properly and is watertight, the shingle must be replaced or caulked/repaired.

Can You Use Solar Panels to Replace a Roof?

A row of solar panels on a shingled roof

In theory, solar panels can be placed on top of an existing roof, but this isn't feasible because your roof comprises more than just the visible portion. Solar shingles can be used as a part of the roof, while solar panels can be used on top of the roof to generate power.

Compared to the installation of a complete solar roof made of shingles, solar panels are much faster. However, this does not necessarily make them the best option, as they will cost less upfront, which appeals to many people.

It would be best to familiarize yourself with the available solar panels before deciding which to use and how much they will cost.

Installing a New Roof and Adding Solar Panels.

It's important to weigh all of your options before deciding on whether or not to replace your roof with solar panels.

Besides, you may have a roof that needs replacing; solar shingles may be within your financial reach!

Should I Replace my Roof Ahead of Installing Solar Panels?

If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it may be a good idea to have it evaluated before installing solar panels. You should get an expert to inspect your roof if it's between five and ten years from needing to be replaced.

Solar companies don't typically offer roofing services, but a few exceptions exist. Your solar contractor is likely to have good recommendations for local roofers, and they may even be able to get you a discount on the cost of your roof replacement with solar panels.

In comparison to most roofing materials, solar panels are far more durable. With a roof replacement with solar panels, the new roof will last longer because of the panels' impact on the life of the old roof.

Additionally, if you're installing a new roof, it's unlikely you'll need to re-roof during the solar system's life, which is another benefit. You'll save money in the long run by not having to pay for the solar panels on your roof to be removed and reinstalled.

How To Complete A Roof Replacement with Solar Panels

Before installing solar panels, replacing your roof is a good idea. Solar panels have a basic life expectancy of 20-25 years.
Because of this, solar panels can outlive their original roofs for many decades. Quite a few people have even relocated and taken their solar panels to their new location.
Regardless of your circumstances, learning how to replace a roof with solar panels is a valuable skill with an answer that's more straightforward than you might expect.

Step One: Contact Your Rooftop Solar Installer

If you bought your solar panel system from a company or store that sells solar panels, you wouldn't have to figure out how to replace your roof. Contact your Solar Energy Specialist, and they'll help you out.

Step Two: Removing Your Solar Panels

man on top of a ladder replacing old mobile solar panels for new ones

Ideally, your solar panels should be serviced by the company that installed them. As a result, you won't risk damaging them or voiding warranty claims. Your Solar Energy Specialist will handle the removal once you've contacted us.

Step Three: Securing Your Solar Panels

When completing a roof replacement with solar panels, it's important to store your solar panels safely after they've been taken down. A safe distance from your roof replacement would be ideal for this new location.

Generally speaking, a garage or a shed will do just fine. Keep them away from your porch or front lawn at all times.

Step Four: Removing Roofing Material

After installing the solar panels, your trusted roofers will begin removing your old roof. Removing the roof leaves a lot of debris, so maintain a reasonable distance away!

Step Five: Replacing Your Roof

Installers will begin re-roofing your home once the old one has been removed. Dependent on the size of your roof and the roofing materials used, the time it takes to complete the job will vary.

Step Six: Reinstalling Your Solar Panels

Your solar installers will complete the re-installation on your new roof once the replacement work has been completed. If you have solar panels and batteries, this service also includes re-connecting them to the utility grid.

Carefully Choose Your New Roof Material

A new roof material may be considered when it comes time to replace your old one. Not all roofing materials use the same solar mounting brackets, whether they are more energy-efficient, durable, or affordable.

Changing materials may necessitate purchasing new mounting hardware, which can cost thousands of dollars.

To ensure that your new roofing material will work with your current mounting hardware, you should speak with the solar installers before the roof replacement is complete. As a result, your solar energy system installation won't be delayed by the need to wait for a new delivery.

Select Solar Installers and Roofers Who Will Work As One

A solar installer and roofer working together

As a liaison between your roofers and your solar, you'll likely have to do some work. Keep in mind that you are in charge of your project, and you should be able to dictate exactly what gets done, how it gets done, and when it gets done.

Choosing a roofer willing to work directly with your solar installation company can make your replacement a lot easier. A more efficient and less stressful project will be achieved if you provide your solar installers with the contact information of your roofing company.

Avoid Extra Costs by Replacing your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels

Have you given any thought to making the switch to solar power? Before beginning your project, many solar installers will inquire as to whether or not you've recently had your roof inspected for general health and quality.

 A simple explanation for this is that you'll likely be told by your solar installer that you're better off replacing your roof before installing solar if yours has less than five years left of useful life.

Installing your solar panels and replacing your roof later will cost you thousands of dollars more than simply removing them and replacing them later, even if it is only for a short time.

FAQs:

Can roofers work around solar panels?

Since most roofers lack the knowledge and experience to remove solar panels safely, it's best to contact your installers ahead of time and arrange for them to do so.

What disadvantages are there in putting solar cells on roofs?

1. Cost: The initial investment in a solar power system is substantial
2. Weather-Dependent: Although solar energy may still be harvested on overcast and rainy days, the system's efficiency decreases.
3. Solar energy storage is pricey.
4. It uses a lot of space

Do solar panels affect your house insurance?

Your house insurance may pay for your solar panels; as long as they are permanently attached to your house, they are covered by your homeowners' insurance policy's dwelling coverage.

However, if a covered risk damages your panels, you will receive compensation.

What happens to shingles under solar panels?

Shingles provide both protection for the roof and a cooling effect in the attic. I don't think solar makes replacing your roof more difficult. It would be more appropriate to use the term pricey. Finally, solar panels should only be installed on recent roofs.

Installing solar panels on a roof on the verge of needing replacement is a no-no for reputable solar contractors usually, they want it to be less than five years old.

The roof is protected by shingles, although this has little practical use. The advantage of lowering the temperature in the attic is likely more significant. Even though a partial roof replacement isn't ideal, it's necessary when it comes time. As a result, having solar-preserved shingles isn't all that important.

About Mikku & Sons
Mikku and Sons red repair track with its logo painted on its side- roofing company track wraps
Our roofing company was founded in 2001 by Michael Riutta, who is still part of the ownership and management team. Between Michael, his two sons and co-owners, Devin and Joshua, and our crew members, we have many years of experience to handle any type of roof repair or roof installation solutions you may need.
crossmenu