Solar Coordination
How to Re-Roof a House With Solar Panels.
Quick Answer
You can't re-roof a home with solar panels in place — the panels have to come off. The standard process: your solar contractor detaches and stages the panels, your roofer installs the new roof, and the solar contractor returns to mount and reconnect the system on new flashings. Expect to add cost to the project for detach-and-reset, on top of the re-roof cost.
Why panels have to come off
Solar panels are mechanically attached to the roof through penetrations — usually lag bolts into rafters with flashing that's integrated into the existing roofing. A re-roof, by definition, replaces everything from the deck up: shingles, underlayment, flashings. There's no way to install fresh underlayment and flashing under panels that are still attached, and there's no way to maintain weather-tight integrity if you leave old flashings buried under a new roof.
Even partial roof work (repairs, single-section reroofs) around panels usually requires some level of detachment. For a full tear-off and replacement, the entire array comes down.
The detach-and-reset process
A typical re-roof with solar runs about 5 working days from start to finish — usually 1 day for detach, 1–3 days for the roof, and 1 day for reset.
Day 1 — Solar detachment
Your solar contractor (or a qualified PV technician) arrives in the morning, safely shuts down the system at the disconnect and inverter, and removes the panels and racking. Mounts and flashings are typically pulled too if you're doing a full tear-off. Panels are stored on-site (usually in your driveway or garage), and the wiring is capped and secured.
Days 2–4 — Re-roof
Your roofing crew strips the old roof, inspects the deck, replaces any compromised sheathing, and installs the new roofing system to manufacturer spec. Because there's no array in the way, the install is straightforward and goes faster than a roof with the panels still up. See our full process walkthrough in What to Expect During a Roof Installation.
Day 5 — Solar reinstallation
After the new roof is complete and inspected, the solar contractor returns to install new mounts and flashings into the new roof, reattach the panels, rewire, and recommission the system. They'll typically test the output and confirm everything is producing as expected before they leave.
Who does what
| Task | Done by |
|---|---|
| Panel detach + stage | Solar contractor |
| Re-roof (tear-off + new install) | Roofer |
| New mounts & flashing on the new roof | Solar contractor |
| Panel reset + recommission | Solar contractor |
Storm Roofing handles only the roof portion. The solar detach-and-reset is contracted directly between you and your solar provider — typically your original installer is the most cost-effective option since they know the system, but any licensed PV contractor can do it.
Timing & sequencing
Coordination is the hardest part of this project. Storm Roofing can help coordinate scheduling with your solar contractor so the detach, re-roof, and reset land in the right order without your panels sitting offline longer than they need to.
Warranty considerations
Both the roof and the solar system carry warranties — and a careless install can void either one. Things to confirm in writing:
- Solar warranty preservation. Your solar warranty requires that disconnect and reinstall be done by qualified personnel — not the roofer. Confirm with your solar provider that the detach-and-reset doesn't void coverage.
- Careless solar reinstall can result in roofing issues. Most roofers (including Storm Roofing) do not warranty penetrations made by other trades after install. Make sure the solar contractor flashes those penetrations to manufacturer spec.
- Documentation. Get written confirmation that the solar contractor's reinstall meets the panel manufacturer's mount-spacing and grounding requirements.
Consider solar panel lifespan
Solar panels last about 25 years. Before paying to detach and reset an older system, take a moment to weigh whether the panels themselves have meaningful life left. If your array is nearing the end of its useful life, it may make more sense to replace the panels at the same time you re-roof — or wait while you save up for new panels. Talk to your solar contractor about a quick cost-benefit analysis.
FAQs
Can you re-roof a house without removing the solar panels?
Not for a full tear-off and replacement. Solar panels are mechanically attached to the existing roof through penetrations that need to be reflashed against the new roof. A proper re-roof requires the panels to be detached, the roof installed, and the panels reset on new mounts.
Who detaches the solar panels — my roofer or my solar installer?
Almost always the solar contractor or a qualified PV technician — not the roofer. Detaching and reconnecting solar panels involves electrical disconnects and warranty implications that fall outside a roofer's scope. Storm Roofing coordinates with your solar provider on timing; we handle the roof, they handle the panels.
How much does it cost to detach and reset solar panels for a re-roof?
In the Eugene/Springfield area, detach-and-reset typically runs $1,500–$4,000 depending on the size of the system, complexity of the array, and whether new mounts and flashings are required. Your original installer is usually the most cost-effective option since they know the system.
Should I get a new roof before installing solar?
If your roof is over 15 years old or showing wear, yes — re-roof first. Solar panels typically last 25+ years; if your roof has less than 10 years left in it, you'll pay to detach and reset the system before the panels reach the end of their own life. Easier to install a fresh roof first and put the solar on top of a roof with matching lifespan.