Solar panel systems normally have a lifespan of 30 to 35 years; throughout this time, your solar panels will create substantial savings on your monthly electricity bills. These systems have very lengthy lifespans, which causes many homeowners to wonder how they will affect their roofs over time: how will the roof hold up? What happens if you need to replace your roof following solar installation? Should you replace your roof simultaneously with the installation of solar panels? This post will clarify all you need to know about replacing your roof before installing solar panels.

Should the roof be replaced before the installation of solar panels?

Before installing solar panels, consider having a roof assessment, especially if the roof is towards the end of its useful life, to ensure it can withstand installation. If your roof is between five and ten years from needing replacement, it is advisable to have a professional inspect the situation.

Exceptions exist, but most solar companies do not provide roofing services. In either case, roof work is routinely conducted in conjunction with a solar installation, and your solar contractor likely has strong suggestions for local roofers - they may even be able to negotiate a discount on your roof replacement.

If your installer believes that you should replace your roof before installing solar panels, it is prudent to do so. Solar panels are more durable than most roofing materials; therefore, when combined with a roofing installation, solar panels lengthen the lifetime of the portion of the roof they cover.

Another advantage of combining solar with a roof replacement is that you will unlikely need to re-roof throughout the system's lifetime if you install solar on a new roof. This will help you save money in the long term because you will not have to remove and reinstall the solar panels on your roof.

How much does it cost to repair a roof and install solar panels?
If you need to replace your roof before installing solar panels, you are certainly curious about the cost of solar panel installation. The average cost to install a new solar system in 2022 is $20,000 before rebates and incentives (such as the federal tax credit). The average cost to replace a roof is approximately $10,000. Therefore, a new solar system installation and roof replacement will cost approximately $30,000 on average. However, if you choose to combine the two higher fees, you may be able to reduce the price significantly. You can save up to 30 percent on a new solar system with the federal tax credit, and you may be eligible for reductions on roofing expenses if local roofing contractors and solar installers have partnered to offer consumer discounts.

How much does it cost to remove and dispose of solar panels while replacing a roof?
If you have a roofing problem and need to replace your roof after installation, there may be labor expenses connected with removing and reinstalling the panels. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to estimate the costs of this labor because they can vary substantially. Installers will charge different prices for their labor, and the cost might also vary based on the size of the system, the number of panels that need to be removed, and whether or not you want storage space for the equipment.

If mounting hardware must be removed as well to replace your roof, the cost will increase. Removal and reinstallation of home installations often cost between $1,500 and $6,000. (This does not include the cost of replacing your actual roof.)

It is typical to return to your original solar installer for this type of repair, as they will be best known with the specifics of your system installation. If you prefer not to utilize that installer, numerous solar companies offer operations and maintenance services for third-party systems.

If re-roofing after installation is your concern, you should always ask your potential installer how often they perform this job and what the average cost is. In certain cases, the price will be included in the initial contract, but it never hurts to inquire about it before installation.

Do warranties for solar installation cover the roof?
Roofing concerns caused by the installation process or over time are unusual. Still, many solar installation companies provide warranty coverage for the roof where the solar panels are installed if a roof repair is required. Because it is usual for current roofing warranties to become void if you install solar, at least for the area of the roof where your system is placed, this is a standard practice among many providers.

The period of this form of guarantee varies from company to company but is typically ten years. Confirm with your installation provider before you sign a contract whether they offer a warranty on the roof and the duration of that warranty.

Is going solar still worthwhile if the roof must be replaced?
A typical solar installation will generate clean, renewable energy while saving households tens of thousands of dollars on electricity costs during its lifespan! Re-roofing expenses can be considerable, but the savings from solar power should more than makeup for it in the long run, especially with growing energy bills - and there's no better time to examine solar if you were already going to re-roof (solar panels love new roofs!). You might save up to 30 percent on roofing costs if you replace your roof and install solar simultaneously. Many homeowners obtain discounts from roofing companies with existing agreements with solar companies.

If you anticipate relocating in the near future, you may be concerned about investing in a new roof and solar panels. However, this should not be a concern: if you install solar panels while upgrading your roof, you will likely boost the resale value of your home. A new roof increases the value of your property, and many purchasers are interested in electric and eco-friendly homes, making your solar system quite desirable!

Start solar shopping immediately
Suppose a solar installation is in your future. In that case, you can use our Solar Calculator to evaluate potential costs and savings, or you can utilize QuestGreens to receive comparative quotations for solar installations from local and accredited installation firms that service your home. You can indicate that your roof is on the older side of your account. Questgreens installers are capable of recommending reputable roofers or performing the work themselves.