Why it usually happens
By far the most common cause is a roof that reached the end of its life underneath a twenty-five year array.
Second is storm or structural damage requiring deck repair. Third, and much rarer, is moving house and taking the system — which is usually a worse idea than it sounds, because a system designed for one roof rarely fits another.
The coordination problem
R&R involves two trades who do not work for each other and one roof they both need access to.
The failure mode is a gap: panels come off, the roofer is delayed, the roof sits exposed or the array sits in a garage for six weeks while the homeowner has no production and no clear owner of the problem.
Fix it contractually. Agree the sequence and the dates between both companies before either starts, in writing, with someone named as responsible for the handover.
What it is a good opportunity to fix
Since the array is coming off anyway, some things become nearly free to improve.
- Flashing and penetration detail, which is where roof leaks around solar originate.
- Attachment hardware, which may have improved since the original install.
- Array layout, if shading has changed or the original design was compromised.
- Conduit runs and any wiring that has degraded.
- A failing inverter, which is far cheaper to replace while a crew is already on site.
Who is liable for what
Liability is the question to settle before any removal and reinstall begins, because afterwards you may have three companies with a claim to blame each other: the original installer, the roofer, and whoever did the R&R.
Establish before work starts whether the original workmanship warranty survives a third party touching the array. Often it does not. If it does not, get the R&R company’s own warranty on their work in writing.
How the work runs
- Decide the sequenceRoof first or solar first is not a real choice — but who books whom, and the dates, absolutely is. Settle it before either mobilises.
- Warranty reviewConfirm in writing what happens to the existing workmanship warranty when a third party removes the array.
- Electrical disconnectThe system is shut down and disconnected properly. This is licensed work.
- Removal and labellingPanels, racking and wiring come off. Labelling matters — an unlabelled array is slower and more error-prone to rebuild.
- StoragePanels stored flat, supported and protected. Ask where, and whether it is covered by anyone’s insurance.
- Roof workThe actual reason for all of this.
- ReinstallationNew flashing and attachments, array rebuilt, conduit re-run.
- RecommissioningReconnected, tested, and monitoring verified against pre-removal production. Do not skip the comparison.
What moves the price
We do not publish a national average and present it as your price. These are the variables that separate two quotes for the same job — run your own numbers with the cost guides and calculators, and check what incentives you actually qualify for.
| Factor | Why it moves the number |
|---|---|
| Array size | Priced largely per panel, both directions. |
| Roof complexity | Multiple planes, steep pitch and tile all slow both removal and reinstall. |
| Storage duration | A long gap between removal and roof completion costs money and risk. |
| New attachment hardware | Flashings and mounts are generally replaced rather than reused. |
| Electrical scope | Whether the inverter and conduit are reused, updated or replaced. |
| Who does it | The original installer may price this differently from an independent R&R specialist. |
What to ask before you commit
Take this list to the conversation. A professional who answers these directly is telling you a lot; one who deflects is telling you more.
- Who is coordinating with the roofer, and what are the agreed dates?
- What happens to my existing workmanship warranty when you remove the array?
- Where will the panels be stored, and who insures them while they are there?
- Are you replacing the flashings and attachment hardware, or reusing them?
- Will you compare production before and after to confirm the rebuild is correct?
- Should we replace the inverter while you are here, given its age?
Common questions
Can I replace my roof without removing the solar panels?
Generally no, not for a full replacement. The array sits on the roof surface being replaced. Partial work away from the array is sometimes possible.
How long will I be without solar production?
As long as the roof work plus both mobilisations take. That is why agreeing the sequence and dates in advance matters — uncoordinated projects are where weeks get lost.
Can I take my solar panels with me when I move?
Physically yes, practically rarely worth it. A system is designed for a specific roof, orientation and electrical service. Removal, transport and a fresh design and permit usually cost more than the panels are worth.
How do I avoid needing this at all?
Replace an ageing roof before installing solar. If the roof has under about ten years left, doing it first is cheaper than an R&R later.