If your roof needs replacing but it's covered in solar panels, here's the short answer: the panels have to come off before the roofers start and go back on after — a "solar removal and reinstall" (also called detach-and-reset), which typically costs $2,000–$6,000 depending on system size. It's routine work, but it has to be sequenced and wired correctly or you'll void warranties and fail inspection. Here's what Bay Area homeowners need to know.
Pacific Edge Electric and Solar is a licensed C-10 electrical contractor (CA #1143455) in Los Gatos. Because we're electricians and solar installers — not just a roofing crew — we handle the electrical side of removal and reinstall to code, which is exactly where these jobs go wrong.
Why panels have to come off for a reroof
Roofers can't replace the roof deck and shingles under mounted solar, and they can't warranty a roof they had to work around. So on any full roof replacement, the solar comes off first. The panels, rails, and often the conduit are removed, the roof is redone, and then the system is remounted — ideally with new flashing and fresh roof penetrations sealed properly. Trying to "roof around" panels almost always leads to leaks and voided roof warranties.
What solar removal & reinstall costs
| System size | Typical remove + reinstall |
|---|---|
| Small system (up to ~15 panels) | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Medium system (~16–30 panels) | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Large system (30+ panels, or with battery) | $5,000–$6,000+ |
Cost drivers are panel count, roof complexity and height, whether rails/conduit are reused, and whether any old parts need replacing. Ground-mount and some flat-roof systems differ. We put the number in writing after seeing the system — see our solar removal & reinstall page.
The right sequence (and why it matters)
- De-energize and disconnect the system safely — this is electrical work, not a job for the roofers.
- Remove panels, rails, and conduit, labeling everything so the array goes back exactly as designed.
- Roofers replace the roof with the deck fully clear.
- Remount the system with new flashing and properly sealed penetrations, then re-wire and re-commission.
- Test, inspect, and coordinate with PG&E if the interconnection was affected.
The coordination between the roofer and the solar/electrical crew is where timelines slip and leaks happen. Having one licensed team own the electrical detach-and-reset — and schedule it around the roofer — keeps the job tight.
Watch-outs that cost people money
- Warranty gaps. Sloppy remount can void panel and inverter warranties. Reinstall should preserve manufacturer requirements.
- Old, brittle parts. Aging connectors, cracked conduit, or a dated inverter are best replaced while the array is down — cheaper now than a second trip later.
- Permits. Detach-and-reset is typically permitted work with a final inspection; skipping it creates resale and insurance issues.
- A good time to upgrade. With the panels off, it's the ideal moment to add a battery, upgrade the panel, or re-optimize the array layout.
Plan it as one project
The smoothest reroofs treat the roof and the solar as a single, sequenced project rather than two contractors pointing at each other. We coordinate the electrical detach-and-reset with your roofer, handle permits and PG&E, and bring the system back online correctly. See our removal & reinstall service or request a free quote and we'll scope it with your roofing timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remove and reinstall solar panels for a new roof?
In the Bay Area, a detach-and-reset typically runs $2,000–$6,000 depending on system size, roof complexity, and whether any aging parts are replaced. Get the number in writing after an on-site look.
Can roofers just work around my solar panels?
No — a full roof replacement requires a clear deck, and roofers won't warranty a roof they worked around. The panels must be professionally detached and reset, which is electrical work best done by a licensed C-10 contractor.
Should I upgrade anything while the panels are off?
Often yes. It's the cheapest time to add a battery, upgrade an aging inverter or electrical panel, or improve the array layout, since the labor to access everything is already being paid for.
Is a permit required for solar removal and reinstall?
Typically yes — detach-and-reset is permitted work with a final inspection, and interconnection with PG&E may need to be re-confirmed. Always use a licensed contractor who pulls the permit.
Costs are typical Bay Area planning ranges; your exact figure depends on your system and roof and is quoted after an on-site assessment. Written by Adam Aksoy, licensed C-10 electrical contractor (CA #1143455), Pacific Edge Electric and Solar.