Who Can Remove Solar Panels From Your Roof?

Solar panels are worth it, but, like anything, they’ll eventually need to be removed or replaced. When that day comes, you’ll be less stressed if you already know who can remove solar panels from your roof. Both roofers and solar panel contractors can get the job done, but which you hire will depend on your particular needs—like if you’re getting rid of your panels for good or simply looking for a replacement. 

Benefits of Hiring a Solar Panel Technician to Remove Solar Panels

There are several reasons you may need to remove solar panels. For example, if there’s a problem with the shingles underneath that needs fixing or you’re looking to upgrade your solar setup to a newer model, you’ll need to remove the system. In any case, solar panels are extremely delicate, and even a little bit of mishandling can cause irrevocable damage. 

Companies that remove and reinstall solar panels are the best fit for a job like this because they have all the tools and knowledge to take them down without a struggle. Hiring a solar panel contractor near you ensures there won’t be damage during the removal process. Solar panel techs are also equipped to repair your solar panels if needed and reinstall them after the fact. They can also replace them with a new system if you’re opting for an upgrade.

Can I Hire a Roofing Company to Remove Solar Panels? 

The good news is that roofing companies are qualified to remove solar panels, but they might not have the means to put them back in place when all is said and done. That’s fine if you’re getting rid of the panels permanently, but not if you plan on putting them back on. 

That’s because installing solar panels isn’t as simple as placing them on top of your shingles and calling it a day—they need to connect to each other and to your home’s system to work properly, all of which requires advanced electrical work. So, even if a roofer can remove the panels, you’ll still need to hire a solar technician to put them back on.

How Do Pros Remove Solar Panels From a Roof?

Here’s how the pros go about removing solar panels from a roof in a safe and secure way.

1. Protect themselves: A licensed solar panel technician will always wear gloves, goggles, helmets, and other protective gear before starting a risky project like this. 

2. Shut down electricity: Turning off the power grid ensures that electrical shocks won’t happen while working. 

3. Have the necessary permits: Roof work always needs to obey local building codes and often requires special permits, all of which an experienced pro will already have or know how to get. 

4. Disconnect panels: Once all the preliminary work is done, the pros will get up on the roof via ladder, and begin unfastening the screws one panel at a time. 

5. Delicately remove panels from roof: Working as a team, solar technicians will then gently move panels from the roof to the ground, taking care to gather wires and avoid damaging the roof. 

6. Store them safely: Once they’re all down on the ground, the pros will wrap and secure each panel and store them where they can’t be harmed. 

How Much Does Solar Panel Removal Cost?

Removing solar panels costs $200 to $500 per panel. The project includes uninstalling and disconnecting the panels, removing the mounting system, and reinstalling the panels. The cost is lower if you choose not to reinstall them.

Your solar panel removal will increase depending on many factors, such as:

• Size: If you have an extensive solar panel system on your roof, removing it will require more time, increasing labor costs.

• Complexity: If your roof is steep and difficult to reach, or if complex mounting systems need to be removed, the additional labor time will increase the costs. 

• Labor rates: The labor rates in your area vary depending on which business you choose and the cost of living. 

• Damage: If you’re reinstalling solar panels and a few are damaged, repairing them will increase your overall cost.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Remove Solar Panels 

For this type of job, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Not only is it risky to venture on your roof, but with the complexity and size of solar panels, you could increase your risk of falls and electrical shocks.

Removing solar panels involves removing mounting systems and hardware. One wrong move can damage both your roof and solar panels. Both of these are costly to repair.

Hiring a pro to remove your solar panels is the safer and more reliable choice. Not only will they have the experience and tools to get the job done efficiently, but as a business, they’re often insured and capable of repairing damage.