The solar industry across the nation has seen majorly impressive growth over the past decade. Perhaps one of the reasons that this is the case? The cost of solar-powered energy systems has declined by almost 70 percent.
With more homeowners experiencing all the perks and benefits of solar panels for several years now, that means that more homeowners are also encountering an important question for the first time ever:
What needs to happen when my roof needs repairs if I have solar panels?
Here’s what you should know about preparing your roof for repair when your home runs on energy generated by the sun.
Restoring Your Roof After Panels Have Been Installed
Solar panels can last at least 25 years. Sometimes they last up to 40 years. But your roof may need to be repaired after a big storm, or need maintenance after 10 or 15 years. It may look especially run-down, or have incurred hail damage in a major storm, which means it’s time for roof inspection and repair.
Roof repair when you have solar panels is a bit more complicated than a standard roof repair. When your roof needs mending, oftentimes, the solar panels need to be removed. This isn’t something that you should try to do yourself—it’s a job best left to the professionals.
Solar panels can cost quite a bit. Your investment may be as much as $15,000 to $25,000. To protect this investment, hire an experienced photovoltaic solar panel installer to carefully remove them, then reinstall them after repairs are completed. This may be the same contractor who initially installed your solar panel system.
Once your panels have been removed, your roof is a blank canvas, ready for repair. After your roof is back in peak condition, your solar panels can be re-installed. Typically, the cost to remove 14 to 16 solar panels from a 1,500-square-foot roof averages $2,000 to $3,000, plus the cost of removing the mounting hardware, which is around $800.
What Happens with Your Panels While Your Roof is Under Renovation?
Your solar panels come equipped with hundreds of sensitive electrical connections and circuits. All of these can be easily damaged during the time your roof is being repaired. Panels that have been removed from your roof need a safe storage place so your system works just as well after your roof has been mended.
Your panels will need to be removed and racked, then safely bundled and stored on-site. If there isn’t a great place to keep them? They will need to be shipped and stored in a facility where they will be free from harm. The average cost to do this is around $250. You may also choose to have your solar panels professionally cleaned during this time to improve their efficiency, which usually costs between $300 and $430.
Other Things to Consider
What else should you know about removing your solar panels to have your roof repaired? Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Check to see if your solar panels are under warranty. Some companies offer warranty coverage for your roof where the panels are located, although this varies from company to company. Especially if your roofing issues stem from your solar panels, you may get a bit of a cost break on both the removal of your solar panels and the repair of your roof.
- Don’t hire just anyone to remove your solar photovoltaic system. These panels and the related electrical equipment are very complicated and need to be handled carefully to avoid damage. Only a certified professional is legally allowed to perform these electrical disconnects.
- DIY solar panel removal isn’t just difficult—it’s risky too! Not only are you dealing with the entire energy system for your home (which comes with a hefty price tag), but you’re doing so on the roof. You are responsible for anything that happens, which is why we recommend a professional.
- Solar panel installers are busy. It’s important to coordinate repairs with the schedule of your solar panel company so your repairs aren’t unnecessarily delayed waiting for removal or reinstallation of your panels.
Prevent Future Repairs
There’s a lot of work that has to happen to make repairs on your roof when you run your home on solar energy. To ward off further damage and prevent needing these kinds of fixes again, the repair timeframe is the perfect time to make improvements to your roof.
If you’re looking to extend the life of your roof, Roof Maxx can help. Using a plant-based bio-oil, Roof Maxx revives the flexibility of your roof’s shingles to prevent curling, cracking, and other damage that could put your roof in jeopardy in just a few months or years down the line.
Roof Maxx is a fraction of the cost of paying to remove your solar panels or the cost of replacing your roof. At 15 to 20 percent of the cost of a new roof, it makes sense to ensure your solar panels are mounted on a sturdy foundation that will support them for years to come. Want to learn more? Contact us today!
