How Much Does It Cost to Remove Solar Panels? [2025 Data]
Solar panel removal costs $5,000 on average. Most homeowners spend $3,000 to $12,500 depending on the number of solar panels and the accessibility of the roof.
How much does it cost to remove solar panels? The average homeowner spends $5,000, though most removals cost anywhere between $3,000 and $12,500. Costs depend on a number of factors, including the size of your system. Expect to spend about $200 to $500 per panel. This guide sheds some light on the cost of the job.
Solar Panel Removal Cost Factors
A few considerations impact the total cost of solar panel removal. The largest factor is the number of panels because it drives up labor costs, though other aspects—like the slope of your roof, the steps involved, and any additional work—also play a role.
Number of Panels
Solar panel removal costs $200 to $500 per panel (or $250 per panel on average). Most homes have 15 to 34 solar panels, depending on the wattage. You could spend as little as $200 to remove a solar panel that isn’t working or as much as $17,500 to remove your entire solar energy system. Some companies charge a $3,000 minimum fee for solar panel removal if you have a smaller system.
| Number of Panels | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 | $200–$500 |
| 5 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| 10 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| 15 | $3,000–$7,500 |
| 20 | $4,000–$10,000 |
| 25 | $5,000–$12,500 |
| 30 | $6,000–$15,000 |
| 35 | $7,000–$17,500 |
Labor
Labor costs $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the contractor and the team size. The average pro will spend one hour on a single panel or around eight hours on a large system. Some contractors charge a $500 base fee in addition to the cost per panel.
There are only a couple of different contractors who remove solar panels. Most are electricians specializing in solar panel installation, though some companies have technicians working alongside licensed electricians to disconnect the panels from the main grid.
Roof Specifications
The complexity of the removal depends on the type of roof, height, and pitch. The higher your roof and the more inaccessible the panels, the more difficult they are to remove. The same goes for damaged roofing. If your roof has an especially steep slope, your contractor will need to use special equipment to safely complete the job, increasing labor costs.
Age of System
Older solar panels may require more labor to remove. Weathering can stiffen the mounting system and make removal more challenging. Additionally, it can take more time to uninstall outdated technology.
Mounting System
Your contractor will remove the mounting system to remove a solar panel. You may want to install new mounting hardware when you reinstall your panels, especially if your existing hardware is corroded or you’re installing your panels in a different location. Here are the costs associated with your solar panel mounting system:
| Mounting System | Average Cost (Per Panel) |
|---|---|
| Mounting hardware removal | $30–$50 |
| New mounting hardware | $40–$60 |
Grid Removal and Disconnection
Disconnecting your solar panels from the main power grid costs $400 to $600. Solar panels are either off-grid (not connected to the city’s main power grid) or grid-tied (connected to the city’s main power grid). If you have a grid-tied solar panel system, your contractor will need to disconnect it before removing your panels.
Removing Obstructions
Sometimes, large tree branches make your solar panels inaccessible. In this case, you’ll need to remove the branch, which costs $150 to $850 per branch. Expect costs on the high end if your contractor needs to hire a crane to reach the branches.
Lease vs. Own
Some homeowners lease their solar panels instead of buying them outright. Depending on the contract, the same company that installed your panels might remove them for free. However, you can expect some sort of penalty if you want the panels removed before the contract ends.
Insurance and Warranties
Solar panels can outlast some roofing materials, so you’ll need to remove your panels to make repairs. Some solar panel warranties cover temporary removal. In the event of unexpected roof damage, your homeowner’s insurance might cover solar panel removal and reinstallation. Check with your provider before you start the job.
Permits
Most of the time, you’ll need a permit to remove your panels because it requires electrical work. This is often true if your solar panels are connected to your city’s main electrical grid—whether you’re removing or reinstalling them. Some areas have solar-specific permits. Costs range from $150 to $1,000, and residential permits are usually on the lower end.
Shipping
Some homeowners remove their solar panels when they move and reinstall them on the roofs of their new homes. In this case, they’ll have to pay about $50 to $400 to transport the panels, but costs increase for particularly long distances.
Additional Costs
A few jobs go hand-in-hand with solar panel removal. One of the most common reasons for removal is to access the roof to make repairs, but you may also want to relocate or upgrade your system. Here are some additional costs to consider:
| Additional Jobs | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar panel repairs | $250–$1,550 |
| Reinstalling solar panels | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Roof repairs | $400–$2,000 |
| Roof replacement | $5,800–$13,200 |
| Solar energy system upgrade | $18,400–$36,400 |
Solar Panel Repairs
You may need to repair your panels before you reinstall them. For most homeowners, the cost to repair solar panels ranges between $250 and $1,550.
There are many different reasons solar panels sustain damage. Panels naturally wear down over time and require some routine maintenance. Certain components, like your power inverter, can break. Sometimes, panels are damaged during removal and transit (though hiring the right solar panel repair contractor can limit accidents).
Reinstallation
Reinstalling your system costs $50 to $100 per panel, though depending on your roof, you may need new mounting hardware. The average system costs around $2,000 to $2,500.
Roof Renovations
Since solar panels outlive most roofing, you’ll likely need to remove them for roof renovations. Most roof repairs cost $400 to $2,000, while an entire roof replacement costs $5,900 to $13,200. The cost will depend on whether your homeowner’s insurance covers the damages.
Solar Energy System Upgrades
Solar technology is constantly advancing. If you want to upgrade your system to one with higher efficiency, expect to spend $18,400 to $36,400. Costs can soar even higher for larger systems depending on the panel type.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Solar panel removal is not a suitable DIY and can only be completed by a solar panel repair pro near you. You won’t just need to climb on your roof (which poses a risk of injury). You’ll also need to perform electrical work, which can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Beyond that, DIY work can void your solar panel or roofing warranty. Most municipalities require a permit before you start the job, which a licensed pro must obtain.
How to Save Money on Removing Your Solar Panels
Since labor and the number of panels make up most of the cost, there’s not always a ton you can do to decrease your budget for solar panel removal. You can, however, save money in the long run with strategic maintenance. Here are some ways you can save:
Check your insurance and warranty: Your insurance or warranty may cover your solar panel removal. This is sometimes the case if your roof sustained unexpected damages or your warranty has a clause about roof repairs.
Make repairs at the same time as removal: If you already have to remove your panels, make as many repairs as possible to avoid having to remove them again.
Consider your roof’s life span: If you’re removing your panels to repair or upgrade your system, consider your roof’s overall life span. You may want to wait until your roof needs repairs or a replacement so you don’t have to remove your solar panels twice.
Clean your panels: After removal, consider cleaning your solar panels. This only costs $10 to $20 per panel but can improve efficiency by 30% and lead to energy savings in the long term.
Sell your panels: If your solar panels are still in good condition, you can consider selling them to make back some of the costs of removal. It can also save you on disposal costs.
When to Remove Solar Panels
Though solar panels can last 20 to 30 years, there are a few reasons you may want—or need—to remove them:
Replacing or repairing your roof: This is one of the most common reasons for removal. Even if your roof is brand new, asphalt shingles may need to be replaced before your panels do, so you’ll have to remove them.
Upgrading your system: As technology advances, upgrades can make your home more efficient and reduce your electric bill. If you notice your panels are no longer generating the same savings, it could be time to replace them.
Damaged panels: If panels sustain damage, whether it’s due to the natural aging of various components or storm-related impact damage, you’ll need to remove them to make repairs or replacements.
Moving to a new home: Some homeowners take their solar system with them when they move into a new home because it’s more affordable than installing a new system.
Selling your home: Not every homeowner wants solar electricity. Some buyers may request that you remove the panels as part of the terms of the sale.
Local regulation changes: Solar energy is a growing sector, and sometimes the regulations change. If the regulations change in your area, you might need to remove your panels.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Solar panel removal and reinstallation are often more affordable than purchasing a brand-new solar energy system, depending on whether you qualify for a tax credit. You can expect to spend $200 to $500 per panel on removal, with some contractors charging an additional $500 base fee. Some companies have a $3,000 minimum for the job.
Removing solar panels can be straightforward, but it’s not necessarily a simple process. Your contractor needs to prevent damage—not only to your panels but also to your roof and electrical system. Many systems are wired into the main electrical grid, and you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to disconnect it.
