Discover whether it’s a bright idea or wishful thinking
Coordinating your roof replacement and solar installation can make the most of your home improvement budget.
Roof replacements that include solar panels often have restrictions that can cost you, so carefully weigh your options.
Consider replacing your roof before adding solar panels for better results and bigger savings.
You can replace a roof after adding solar, but you’ll pay to remove and reinstall the panels.
Keep in mind that most solar panel warranties don’t cover roofing.
A new roof and solar panels are upgrades that add value to your home and make it more energy efficient. However, both are investments, so many homeowners wonder if there are roof replacements that include solar panels or vice versa. This guide sheds light on whether you should replace your roof when installing solar and why offers for a free roof with solar might be too good to be true.
If you’re dreaming of turning sunshine into savings with solar panels and your roof is on its last legs, why not tackle both projects at once? By starting with a new roof, you’ll avoid the expense of removing and reinstalling your solar panels, and you won’t have to worry as much about roof repairs.
Most experts agree that solar panels are worth the ROI—especially if you pair a roof replacement with your new solar panel installation. Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 35 years, so you’ll want a roof that lasts as long as possible. If your roof is new or in good shape, you’re likely good to go. On the other hand, if it’s aging, a replacement might be your best bet.
Plan carefully, though. Even some new asphalt shingle roofs have an expected life span of just 20 years, so not all new roofs may outlive solar installations. Alternatively, consider investing in a more durable roofing material like metal, tile, or higher-quality asphalt shingles that will save you the trouble of removing your solar panels before their time in the sun is up.
Installing solar panels is an exciting step toward sustainable living, but don’t let your enthusiasm cloud your judgment. If your roof needs replacing sooner rather than later, you could face a costly situation.
If you install new solar panels and have to replace your roof later, removing and reinstalling solar panels costs between $1,500 and $6,000, depending on the size and complexity of the system. Even worse, removing and reinstalling solar panels and system components can damage them. To avoid this, have a roofing company inspect your roof before you install solar to estimate how much life your roof still has.
If you can’t avoid it, budget for removal, storage, and reinstallation of your solar panels. Consult your installer to learn whether this will impact any warranties. In many cases, it’s smart to hire the original installer for removal and reinstallation.
If you need to remove your panels to repair or replace your roof, consider having a solar panel inspection before reinstalling them to make sure they’re in good working order.
Ask your roofing and solar contractors to collaborate on scheduling to help the job go smoothly and keep costs lower. Make sure you’re communicating with both companies and that they’re communicating with each other to avoid unnecessary delays or expenses.
If you’ve seen companies advertising free roof replacements with solar panel installation, the offer can sound like a great way to save money. However, these offers typically involve financing agreements, like leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). In other words, the solar provider—and not the homeowner—owns the system.
While these deals can reduce up-front costs, they also mean you’re handing control over the system to the solar company. This prevents you from claiming solar tax credits, earning money by selling energy back to the grid, and making decisions about the system and the energy it produces.
If you’re thinking about one of these offers, read the contract carefully and look for additional costs, ownership restrictions, and limitations on roof warranties or maintenance responsibilities. If you aren’t sure what the contract wording means, ask for clarification and have a legal expert and another local solar panel installer weigh in before signing.
Explore all of your options before committing to a solar lease or other agreements. What seems like a free roof replacement could be built into your solar panel installation costs. Always compare prices from multiple solar contractors and roofers before making a decision.
Why just soak up the sun when you can cash in on it? Solar panels offer long-term energy savings, lower your home’s carbon footprint, and increase home values by an estimated 4%. They can also shield roofs from direct UV exposure, reducing wear and tear and extending the roof’s life.
You can also light up your savings by taking advantage of solar tax credits, state tax incentives, and rebates to offset the cost of solar panel installation.
Most solar panel warranties don’t cover roofs, but they sometimes protect the sections beneath or around the panels. Standard warranties last about 10 years and insure against damage caused during installation.
When you sign a contract, ask for a written warranty. You’ll also want to confirm that they can install solar panels on your existing roof. Some solar installers require roofs to be below a certain age or free of conditions (including no damage, leaks, rot, structural issues, or signs of wear like curling shingles) to qualify for warranties, so discuss that up front. Your wallet will thank you.
A solar roof can replace an existing roof. Solar panels fit on top of traditional roofs. In contrast, solar roofs that contain photovoltaic (PV) materials, like solar shingles and solar tiles, are standalone roofing systems installed as a main roof. In some cases, installers can place them on existing roofs and as part of new construction. Carefully assess and choose the right type of solar roof replacement for your home and needs.
In almost every case, solar panels need to be removed to replace roof shingles. In some cases, such as solar installations where the panels are on raised platforms above the roof surface, installers may be able to install new shingles without removing the solar installation. However, to get a quality roofing installation, panels need to come off. Most roofing contractors won’t remove or reinstall solar panels as part of a roofing project, so you’ll need to contact your solar provider.
You’re making a big investment, so asking whether homeowners insurance covers solar panels makes sense. In most cases, solar panel coverage is included in homeowners insurance, and you don’t need additional coverage. Since solar energy systems are permanently attached to your home, they’re considered part of the home. However, always check with your insurer before installing solar.
