The short answer
To replace a roof under solar, the panels come off, the new roof goes on, and the system goes back up. At today’s market prices that usually runs $200 to $300 per panel, and it can be more. With cash, loans and most leases, the homeowner pays. With our solar subscription, removal and reinstall is included at no extra cost.
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How it works
- Plan the dates with your roofer. The panels come off right before tear-off and go back on once the new roof is done.
- Shut down and remove. The system is turned off safely, and the panels, racking and wiring are taken down and stored.
- New roof. The roofer replaces the roof.
- Reinstall. The racking is reattached into the roof framing, every attachment is flashed and sealed again, and the panels and wiring go back up.
- Inspect and restart. Your city or county may require a permit and inspection. Then the system is tested and turned back on.
What it costs
Removal and reinstall tends to run $200 to $300 per panel today, and some systems cost more. For example, a 24-panel system at that range would be about $4,800 to $7,200. The price depends on the system:
- Racking. Some mounting systems use custom parts that are expensive to replace.
- Inverters. Microinverters under each panel take more handling than one central inverter.
- Wiring and conduit. Older or longer runs can need new parts.
- System age. Older systems sometimes need worn parts replaced before they go back up.
- Roof type. Tile takes more care than shingle or metal.
Who pays
| How you have solar | Who pays for removal and reinstall |
|---|---|
| Paid in cash | The homeowner |
| Solar loan | The homeowner |
| Most leases | Usually the homeowner. Check your agreement |
| Our solar subscription | Included, no extra cost |
That difference is one of the reasons we like the subscription. Over 25 years, most Florida roofs will need work at some point.
If insurance is paying for the roof
Ask your adjuster and roofer whether panel removal and reinstall is part of the claim, and get it written into the estimate before work starts.
Plan ahead if you can
If your roof is near the end of its life, replace it before going solar and skip this cost entirely. See Is your Florida roof ready for solar?
Need panels removed?
Planning a roof replacement? Ask us about removal and reinstall. Tell us about your system and your roofer’s timeline, and we’ll explain the next steps.
Common questions
Can my roofer take the panels off? Use a licensed solar contractor. Solar is an electrical system, and the wrong hands can damage equipment or put warranties at risk.
Will my warranties still apply? Check your panel, inverter and workmanship warranty terms before anyone touches the system, and keep records of who did the work.
How do I know if my roof should be replaced first? If it is past the middle of its life or shows wear, replacing it before solar usually costs less than removing and reinstalling later.
Keep reading
The questions homeowners usually ask next.
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. We checked these facts on October 8, 2026. Rules and rates change, so we confirm what applies to your home before you sign.