by Ryan Davis, on Jan 31, 2019 3:43:26 PM
Your solar panels will generate plenty of savings on your electric bills over the next 30 to 35 years
Many homeowners have questions about the impact this will have on their roof because solar panel systems have such a long life. What if you have to remove and reinstall your solar panels for a roof replacement? How will the roof hold up over time?
Should you consider replacing your roof before to going solar?
Definitely consider having your roof evaluated to make sure it can withstand installation, especially if the roof is towards the end of its life. If your roof is needing replacement in the next 5 to 10 years, it’s a good idea to get one of our experts out there to assess.
Re-roofing is commonly done with a solar installation, and Summit Solar has good referrals for roofers in your area to contact.
If we determine that your roof should be replaced before going solar, it’s definitely a smart move to do so. Solar panels are more durable than most roofing materials. Panels extend the lifetime of the portion of the roof that they cover as a result when you pair a roof replacement with solar.
This can help save you money in the long run, because you can avoid the costs associated with removing and reinstalling the solar panels on your roof because it’s unlikely you’ll need to re-roof during the lifetime of the system.
How much does solar panel removal cost if you need to replace your roof?
There will be labor costs associated with taking the panels off your roof and putting them back on if you run into a roofing issue and need to replace the roof after your solar installation.
It’s hard to give details on the costs associated with this labor, as it can vary greatly. Installers will have different rates for their labor, how many panels will need to be removed, and whether you need a place to store the equipment.
If any mounting hardware needs to be removed in order to replace your roof, this will add to the cost. Residential installations tend to cost somewhere between $1,500 to $6,000 to remove and reinstall on average. This is not inclusive of the cost required to replace your actual roof.
Keep in mind, too, that while roofing issues caused by the installation are uncommon, Summit Solar has warranty coverage for your roof where the panels are located. We do this because it’s common for existing roofing warranties to become void if you’re installing solar, at least for the portion of the roof where your system is installed. The duration of our warranty is 10 years
If I need to re-roof, is going solar still worth it?
An average solar installation will save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system. Re-roofing costs can be high, but the savings of going solar should make up for it in the long run. There is also a no better time to consider solar if you were planning on re-roofing anyway (those panels love new roofs!).
If you're considering switching to solar, get a free design that includes potential costs and savings specific to your home, from our team here at Summit Solar. If your roof is on the older end we can note this in your account. Summit Solar team members can give you advice on potential options for your roof before going solar!
