Solar Panel Maintenance: How to Upkeep Your Solar System
February 16, 2024
What To Do When Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business
February 29, 2024Solar Panel Removal, Reinstallation, and Relocation
Going solar has become a popular choice in recent years for homeowners and businesses looking to both save money and reduce their carbon footprint. While going solar has many benefits, it has always been a long-term investment that generates power and savings for you over the course of decades. As such, it’s likely that solar panel systems will need maintenance or repair at some point during that time. In some cases, that may involve a more involved process that would require removing, reinstalling, and in some cases relocating your solar panels.
In these instances, you’ll likely need work done on both your solar panels and your roof, so it’s best to get professional help from a company that specializes in both. Whether you need to remove your solar panels to repair a leak in your roof, or are moving to a new home and and looking to bring your solar panels with you, it’s important to understand the process of removing and reinstalling solar panels.
Process of Solar Panel Removal and Reinstallation
Removing and reinstalling solar panels is a process that requires expert knowledge and equipment to ensure safety and to prevent damage to your panels or roof. While homeowners may often attempt to handle this task themselves, we strongly recommend that professionals are brought in to do the work.
Factors such as the number of panels, their location on the roof, and the complexity of the system will influence the removal and reinstallation process. For more straightforward projects where only roof work is required, such as to fix a leak, panels are removed and reinstalled in the same location afterward. However, for larger renovations or additions to the home, additional steps like permitting and a full solar system redesign may be necessary, adding time and cost to the project. If you are remodeling, it’s important to take your solar system into consideration when making blueprints. Remodeling is a good opportunity to optimize your roof for your solar system if you want to get the most out of it. For example, things like the overall dimensions of your roof, the roof pitch and azimuth, and any obstructions that may be blocking sunlight.
The entire process will therefore vary from one case to the next, depending on many factors. In general, these are the steps involved:
- Site Visit. The first step is a visit to your home to assess the condition of your solar system and roof. After inspection, you will receive an estimate for the project’s overall cost and timeline. This process will go more smoothly if you work with a company that can handle both the solar and roofing aspects of the project.
- Removal. Technicians are sent to remove the panels and all mounting hardware from your roof. Depending on the scope and timeline of your project, the panels may need to go into storage. At this point, technicians will be able to better assess your roof, as well as the solar system, and may give you an updated estimate.
- Repair. It’s at this stage where all repairs are done. Repairs include both the solar panel system and the roof, depending on what was found during initial inspection.
- Relocation. In specific cases, like when moving to a new home, you may want to relocate your panels. This type of project will likely take longer and be more costly, so it’s worth consulting with solar experts to see if it’s the right decision. In some instances, it may simply be worth it to buy a new solar system for your new home.
- Reinstallation. Once your roof and panels have been repaired as necessary, the panels can be reinstalled on your roof. In most cases, they will be reinstalled in the same location as they were before. However, if your home has been remodeled or added on to, there may be changes in the location or even the number of the panels.
When Should You Consider Solar Panel Removal and Reinstallation?
There are several scenarios and situations that warrant the consideration of solar panel removal and reinstallation, including:
- Roofing Issues. Whether you are replacing your entire roof or fixing a leak, you’ll likely have to remove and reinstall your solar panels.
- Major Home Remodeling Projects. You’ll have to remove and reinstall your solar system ff you’re remodeling your home or adding on to it. In many cases, you may even want to consider rearranging your panels or even adding new panels to your system.
- Panel Repair and Maintenance. As mentioned above, your panels will likely need maintenance from time to time, and in some cases, they may need to be removed and reinstalled during repair.
- Relocation. If you’re moving to a new home, you may want to take your panels with you.
Regular maintenance of both the roof and solar panels is essential to maximize their lifespan and performance, making removal and reinstallation a necessary step in ensuring their continued efficiency.
Is It Worth It to Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels?
The decision to remove and reinstall solar panels depends on various factors such as the extent of repairs or renovations needed, the age of the system, and the overall cost-effectiveness. While it may seem like a daunting task, especially for larger projects, working with professionals who specialize in both solar and roofing services can streamline the process and provide peace of mind. The case in which you’ll need to really consider your options is relocation to a new home, as this type of project involves the most work and is therefore usually the costliest. It’s best in these cases to consult with experts to decide if it would be worth it or not.
Solar Panel Removal and Reinstallation with Solar Discovery
Solar Discovery specializes in both solar and roofing installations, as well as a wide range of solar services, and can handle both the solar and roofing aspects of the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help ensure that your solar system and roof are functioning at their best.
