Replacing a roof with solar panels typically costs between $10,300 and $28,662, which includes standard roof replacement, panel removal, storage, and reinstallation. Roof replacement alone averages $7,500 to $14,000, but costs can be as low as $6,000 in rural areas and as high as $23,862 in major cities. Solar panel removal and reinstallation add $2,800 to $4,800. Final costs will vary based on roof size, pitch, materials, panel layout, and any underlying damage.
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Replacing a roof is already expensive, but it gets a lot more complicated when solar panels are involved. In addition to standard labor and materials, your panels will need to be safely removed, stored, cleaned, and reinstalled once the new roof is in place.
Solar also limits your flexibility in ways many homeowners don’t expect. Below, you’ll learn what a full roof replacement typically costs and how solar panels affect the final price. We’ll also cover other factors you need to consider first, including how Roof Maxx can help you save.
First, let’s look at the cost of just replacing your roof. Nationwide, roof replacement typically costs between $7,500 and $14,000. Most customers pay somewhere around $10,000. Prices can be as low as $6,000 in some rural areas and as high as $23,862+ in major cities.
Solar panels must be removed completely before any comprehensive repairs, treatments, or replacements can be handled. You can expect to pay around $2,800 – $4,800 for both the removal and re-installation.
Are you starting to add all of this up? That’s right:
It’ll cost you $10,300 to $28,662 to replace a roof with solar panels on it.
Removing and reinstalling solar panels adds significant cost to roof replacement because the work requires specialized labor, careful handling, and extra time. They’re also incredibly easy to break, scratch, or damage in the process.
The final bill will depend on:
Panels also need to be stored safely in a secure location if any roof work is going to take a while, and keeping them in your garage isn’t always an option. They might not weigh much, but they are easy to scratch, crack, or break accidentally, even when people mean well.
If you can store them at home, that’s one less item to pay for. Otherwise, they’ll need to be shipped to and stored at an off-site location, which can cost around $250.
ProTip: If your solar panels need to be cleaned or repaired while they’re off your roof, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 per panel to $1,000 or more.
The ranges we mentioned in the last section cover the cost to remove the existing shingles, make repairs where necessary, and install new shingles. Roofing materials themselves can vary widely in price depending on the type of roof you choose.
You might pay more if you’re thinking about upgrading to one of the materials in the table below, so we’ve included a rough estimate of costs for each one on a roof measuring around 2,000 square feet. Prices may be higher or lower depending on where you live and the overall size and style of your roof.
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Roofing Material |
Typical Cost Range |
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Asphalt shingles |
$7,500–$12,000 |
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Plastic |
$8,000–$16,000 |
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Rubber |
$8,000–$30,000 |
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Architectural shingles |
$10,000–$30,000 |
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Cedar shake |
$10,000–$30,000 |
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Concrete tile |
$14,000–$24,000 |
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Metal |
$14,000–$24,000 |
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Clay tile |
$14,000–$28,000 |
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Slate |
$20,000–$60,000 |
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Copper |
$20,000–$60,000 |
Slate and clay roofs typically cost more to work on because they require specialized labor, and fewer roofers or solar installers have experience with them. They’re also less solar-friendly than asphalt shingles because you can’t usually just drill mounts into the roof and flash around them.
Experiencing a little sticker shock right now? We don’t blame you! Solar pays for itself over time by helping you lower your carbon footprint, reduce your energy bill, and protect the planet, but it is expensive to work with. The best way to manage these costs is to keep your roof in good condition in the first place.
That means:
Roof Maxx’s all-natural, plant-based roof restoration treatment is the perfect option for homeowners who are thinking of installing solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof for the first time. It costs up to 80% less than a replacement and can help you put it off for five more years.
Roof replacement costs vary because every roof presents a different set of challenges. Some factors are straightforward, while others only become clear once the existing materials are removed. The total square footage (size) of your roof will be the biggest factor.
Other influences include:
It’s also important to think about the complexity of your roof. A roof with many levels will almost always cost more to re-roof just because there’s more flashing and connection points to deal with.
Typically, a roof with asphalt shingles will last about 15-30 years. By about year 5-10, most homeowners start to notice a little bit of wear and tear, like a few loose granules in the gutters or a little brittleness.
From there, shingle damage gets progressively worse:
Noticing signs like these right after you have your panels put on is a major headache, because you really can’t work on the roof until they’re taken off again. That’s why it’s better to handle any repairs or treatment first before you put them on.
Shingles dry out and lose their flexibility, but Roof Maxx’s all-natural, eco-friendly roof restoration solution can revive them so they can perform more like they did when they were new again. And when you get more life out of your existing roof, that means you’re saving a whole lot of money over time.
Don’t pour $10,000 or more into a full roof replacement until you’re absolutely sure it’s the best way to proceed. Get a free quote today to see if Roof Maxx can help you save!
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
