Although having a roof replaced that already has solar panels installed on it, is generally a straightforward and safe process, it can be helpful to keep the following things in mind when scheduling the work to be carried out:
The solar panels must come down first
It’s an obvious point, but one that’s worth remembering. This process isn’t complicated per se, but as it involves some electrical work being carried out, it’s best to leave this to the solar professionals. Don’t worry, your roofing contractors will arrange this for you.
Usually, the panels will be stored somewhere safe and secure at your property, until the roof has been fully replaced and the solar installers are ready to put them back up again.
The roofing contractors will coordinate with the solar contractors
For the best results when replacing a roof that has solar panels on it, try to give both your solar installer, and your roofing contractor, plenty of time to coordinate their work before the scheduled replacement takes place.
The process usually involves the solar installer removing the solar panels immediately before the roofing contractors begin their work, to avoid your roof being exposed to the elements for longer than is absolutely necessary. Then, once the roof has been replaced and the contractors have completely finished their work, the solar installation company will return to reinstall the panels.
The reinstallation of the solar panels
Reinstalling the solar panels once the new roof is in place, isn’t quite as simple as putting them back where they once were. Firstly, the solar installers will need to carry out their own inspection of the roof, to make sure that it’s capable of handling the additional load of the panels, and that the mounting hardware remains in good condition.
Once the panels have been successfully reinstalled, the system will be given a thorough once over by the installation team, to make sure that everything is working as it should.
The cost of reinstalling solar panels following a roof replacement
Moving the panels and reinstalling them will of course add an extra cost to the overall cost of replacing your roof, so be sure to get as exact an estimate of the potential costs, before proceeding. While every solar system is different, costs associated with removal and reinstallation typically include removal fees, reinstallation fees and possible repairs; it’s also worth noting that some warranties may cover these costs, so check the details of your warranty before signing any contracts.
More about solar panel warranties
Each manufacturer will have different warranty requirements, so it’s essential that you fully understand the details of yours before any work gets underway. For instance, some warranties may demand that a certified solar professional remove and reinstall the panels, while others might specify how they want the panels to be stored and handled.
Ignoring your warranty could leave you without the necessary coverage should something go wrong.
Where possible, try to time it so that your roof can be replaced at the same time as your solar system (well-maintained systems can last for up to 25 years), but where this isn’t possible, keep the above information in mind when scheduling a roof replacement, and the removal and re installation of existing solar panels.
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