Complete Guide to Removal and Reinstallation of Solar Panels

While solar panels are built to last 30 years or more, unexpected circumstances sometimes require their removal and reinstallation. Whether it’s a surprise roof repair, a home improvement project, or relocating the solar panels to a new property. Whatever your motivation, it helps to understand what’s involved in the solar panel removal and reinstallation process.

In this blog, we’ll share what you need to know about removing and reinstalling solar panels, including the steps involved, factors involved in cost, expected duration, and why it’s essential to hire professionals for the job. 

Why would solar panels need to be removed?

Solar panels might need to be removed and reinstalled to allow for roof repairs, system expansion, home improvement projects, or even relocating to a new home. Below are some typical reasons why homeowners might need to remove and reinstall solar panels: 

Roof repairs or upgrades

First, it’s worth noting that a reputable solar company will conduct a thorough roof inspection prior to installation. With that said, not all solar companies are honest, and it’s not unheard of for panels to be installed on roofs that will need service long before the solar panels stop producing. This is one of the main reasons we always recommend thoroughly researching and selecting a reputable solar installer prior to making a purchase. “Downplaying needing roof repairs is, sadly, a common tactic of less than reputable solar sales organizations.

Read more: Ten Things To Check Before Hiring Solar System Installers

With that said, roof repairs are one of the most common reasons for removing and reinstalling solar panels. Whether you’re fixing leaks, replacing shingles, or upgrading roof materials, removing solar panels prior to any roof repairs ensures full and easy access to the repair area for safe and effective service. Removal also protects your solar panels from potential damage during the roofing repair process. 

Most roofing companies lack the expertise and training required to safely remove and reinstall a solar panel system. If you need to repair a roof that has solar panels on it, it’s essential to contact professionals experienced in solar panel installation. Like a new installation, you should pick a reputable installers can safely dismantle older electrical connecting and racking systems without damaging critical roof penetrations. They should also know how to safely handle, transport and and store your solar solar panels while the roof is being repaired. Once roof repairs are complete, your solar R&R team should be able to safely reinstall your system—protecting the integrity of the new roof and ensuring all electrical components are restored for optimal performance and longevity. The last thing you want to do is repair your roof only to be faced with damaged solar panels or a leaky penetration site afterwards. 

Read: 4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Quality Roofing for Solar Installations

Solar system repairs

If your solar panels or their mounting hardware are fatigued, damaged or simply out of date, they may need to be replaced with newer standoffs and racks - especially if your system is older. Removing solar panels makes assessment, diagnostics, and repairs of all components much easier and safer. If you suspect there may be issues with your solar power system, contact a solar company for a professional inspection. They’ll be able to check for any damage and provide a solution. 

Home improvements

Solar panels might need to be removed to accommodate certain home improvements, particularly those involving the roof or attic area. Projects like adding or upgrading electrical wiring, installing or replacing HVAC systems, or adding attic insulation sometimes  require solar panels to be removed temporarily to allow better access or protect the panels from damage during construction. 

Selling your home

Solar is a popular addition, so many people ask about relocating solar panels to a new home when a relocation is part of their plans. . If the panels are owned this is much easier, but if the panels are leased, the homeowner must first buy out the lease to secure ownership before removing  the panels for reinstallation at a new  property.

Note that removing solar panels without the intent to reinstall them on the same roof can involve additional costs. This is because all conduits, electrical wiring, and roof penetrations must be undone and properly sealed to ensure the roof is left in good condition without any trace of the previous system.  In addition, solar energy systems are typically designed specifically for the structures and property on which they are installed. A solar energy system that you love on one home, may not perform as well on another. A reputable removal and installation team can explore these options with you before you make the decision to invest in relocating your system. 

Read More: Selling Your Home With Solar Panels: Expert Guide 2025

End of life or degradation

Modern solar panels typically come with a 25-30 year warranty, with effective production extending well beyond that timeframe. As such, solar panels provide decades of free  energy well after the initial payback period and warranty have expired. However, as they near the end of their lifespan, solar panels will begin to gradually lose efficiency. This means they’ll produce less solar power than when they were first installed. At some point, homeowners may choose to remove and replace their aging solar panels with newer, more efficient options..

The process of solar panel removal and reinstallation

Much like the initial installation, removing and reinstalling solar panels is a complex process that requires care and expertise to prevent damage to the panels and their components, or your home. Below is a step-by-step outline of our typical solar panel removal and reinstallation process. 

Step 1: Site visit and preparation

The solar panel removal process starts with a comprehensive site visit. Our solar technicians will inspect the condition of the solar panels, mounting hardware, and roof to identify any potential issues or damage. 

Based on this evaluation, we’ll create a complete site plan for your solar removal, including an estimated timeline and cost estimate for removal, reinstallation, and any associated repairs. We’ll share this information with you before the project begins and it will serve as a roadmap for our crews throughout the project. 

Step 2: Disconnecting the solar system

Before we begin the removal process, we disconnect the solar inverter and other electrical components to eliminate any electrical hazards. This step ensures the solar system is safe to handle and prevents causing damage to both panels and wiring. 

Step 3: Removing and storing solar panels

Once the system is disconnected, the solar panels are detached from their mounting hardware. This step is handled very carefully to ensure no damage occurs to either the panels, roof or any critical electrical connections. Solar arrays contain delicate circuits and dozens of electrical junctions that can be easily damaged if handled improperly. 

After removal, it’s necessary to store the panels and related hardware in a safe place until they are ready to be re-installed. Sun Valley Solar offers storage service for such instances. This includes safely preparing the panels for transportation and storage, depending on whether they’ll be reinstalled on the same roof or relocated to a new site.

See More: Replacing Your Roof? It's a Great Time to Add Solar

Step 4: Assessing solar panel condition

Before reinstallation, we inspect each solar panel and other components for any potential damage that may have occurred during their years of service. This involves checking for cracks or damaged wiring. If any issues are identified, we address them before reinstallation to maintain the system’s efficiency and prevent any future problems. 

Step 5: Reinstalling solar panels

The reinstallation process is mostly similar to a new installation process. It  starts with reinstalling new mounting hardware (old hardware is rarely reusable) while following all of the protocols to maintain roof integrity and system safety. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions we follow a strict, Platinum Installation methodology, whether a new installation or a re-installation. 

Step 6: Final testing 

Once reinstallation is complete, our technicians conduct a final inspection to ensure all connections are secure, the panels are properly grounded, and the system is able to generate electricity as it should. 

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we stand by our workmanship and our solar panel removals and reinstallations include a 2-year workmanship  warranty for peace of mind that your system will operate just as well – if not better – than it did prior to removal.

How long does it take to remove & reinstall solar panels?

The time it takes to remove and install solar panels can vary depending on factors like ease of roof access and the size or design of your solar array. Generally, however, it can take a  full day or more to remove roof-mounted solar panels and another full day to replace them. This timeline doesn’t account for the time spent on repairs, inspection, or whatever else is required. 

As a rough guideline, the absolute minimum amount of time it takes to remove and reinstall solar panels would be three days:

• One day to remove the solar panels
• One day at least to complete the necessary project
• One day to reinstall the solar panels. 

Again, this is just a rough guideline and serious repairs will take far longer than a day. Complex or bespoke solar arrays may also take longer to remove and reinstall. Every project is unique, so to have a clearer understanding of the expected timeline it’s best to contact a professional solar company for a custom quote.

How much does it cost to remove & reinstall solar panels?

The cost of removing and reinstalling roof-mounted solar panels can vary significantly depending on various factors, including roof type & condition, location, the condition of your solar panels and hardware, weather conditions, and whether you have storage available on site or need to rent storage space elsewhere. .

Roof type & condition

The type and condition of your roof can play a role in how much it costs to remove and reinstall solar panels. For example: 

• Certain roof types require different handling techniques and materials (e.g. shingles vs metal vs tile)
• Steeper or higher roofs are more challenging to work on, which can require additional time and safety equipment. A two story home will always be more complex than a single story home. 
• If your roof is in need of repairs, extra care must be taken to ensure safety and prevent causing further damage during the removal process or injury to our crew members.  

Condition of solar panels & hardware 

If we discover solar panel damage during the removal process, additional costs may be needed to repair or replace them before reinstallation. Similarly, faulty mounting brackets, worn wiring, or fatigued junction boxes or risers will also require attention to ensure your system remains safe and efficient.

It’s also common practice to replace racking and standoffs once panels are removed. These components are secured directly into the roof and sealed against water intrusion, so once they’ve been disturbed their long-term integrity can’t be guaranteed. Weathering, worn seals, and stressed fasteners make reuse risky, and replacing them ensures proper waterproofing, structural stability, and compliance with manufacturer standards. While replacing or repairing solar panels and hardware may add to the total cost of removal and reinstallation, it also provides an opportunity to extend the life of your system, protect your roof, and enhance performance for years to come.

Replacing or repairing solar panels or hardware will add to the total cost of removal and reinstallation, however it also serves as an opportunity to extend the life of your system and enhance its performance.

Read: Solar Performance Monitoring - Best Practices

Weather conditions

Unfavorable weather conditions, such as rain or high winds, can delay the removal and reinstallation process. This can result in additional labor hours and increased costs. 

Who is qualified to remove solar panels?

While roofers are experts in roof repairs and replacements, they typically lack the specialized electrical knowledge and licensing required to handle high voltage systems such as solar. 

Solar systems are like power grids attached to your home. Many roofers don't have the electrical training or certifications needed to safely disconnect and reconnect solar energy systems. Without this expertise, there is a risk of causing electrical hazards or damage to solar equipment. Additionally, solar panels removed and reinstalled by a roofer may void manufacturer warranties if they lack the proper licensing and certification. This can leave your solar investment unprotected in the future. 

For that reason, we always recommended hiring a licensed solar installer to remove and reinstall your solar panels. There are many reasons for this, which we’ll outline in the next section.

Keep Reading: How to Choose the Best Solar Installer for Your Home

Why hire a solar installer to remove and reinstall your solar panels?

Hiring a solar installer to manage your solar panel removal and reinstallation is essential for many reasons – they have the technical expertise required to do the job properly and safely, they understand local regulations, they’ll be able to inspect your panels and components for damage, they’ll have access to parts and replacement equipment if anything needs replacing during the swap, and they’ll back their workmanship with a warranty for extra peace of mind. 

Technical expertise

Solar power systems are extremely complicated and require several components that must work together seamlessly. Experienced solar installers have the technical knowledge required to manage the removal and reinstallation process without causing damage. This includes safely disconnecting inverters and wiring and ensuring solar panels are correctly reinstalled and operating efficiently. 

Safety & compliance

Removing and reinstalling solar panels involves working with high-voltage electrical systems, which can pose serious risks if done without the right training and equipment. Professional solar installers have the necessary training required to work with electrical systems, including an in-depth understanding of local regulations, permits, and safety protocols. 

By hiring trained professionals, you can ensure the entire process is handled safely and in full compliance with applicable codes. This not only minimizes risks, but also helps you avoid potential fines or complications with home insurance.

Enhanced efficiency

Besides safety and technical know-how, having professional solar installers remove and reinstall your panels provides an opportunity to identify and address any potential issues. Solar installers will be able to assess the condition of your panels and hardware and offer recommendations for repairs or upgrades that can enhance your system’s performance or extend its lifespan. 

Quality assurance

Finally, using solar installers for your panel removal and reinstallation can provide additional quality assurance and peace of mind. Reputable solar installers will make sure your solar panels are properly reinstalled and working as intended. They’ll even back their work with a warranty – at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, all our removals and reinstallations are backed by a 2-year artistry warranty to ensure they continue operating efficiently for years to come. 

Read More: Sun Valley Solar’s Platinum Installations Methodology

Expert solar panel removal & reinstallation in Arizona

Solar panels are a significant investment that should be handled with care by trained professionals. Trying to remove or reinstall your solar power system without the proper expertise risks damaging your panels, voiding their warranty, and compromising their ability to generate electricity for your home. While hiring a solar professional may cost more upfront, it ensures the job is done correctly and often provides an opportunity to enhance your system’s efficiency and lifespan. 

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we’ve partnered with local company Azul Roofing to offer a seamless approach to both roofing and solar. With one point of contact for both services, we make the process of roof repairs and solar panel removal and reinstallation hassle-free for everyone involved. Contact us today to discuss your solar needs.