What Happens to Your Solar System When You Replace Your Roof?

Key facts

• BYLTup describes solar removal and reinstallation (solar R&R) as a standard part of roof replacement for homes with existing solar arrays.
• The process has three phases: disconnecting and removing the solar system, replacing the roof, and reinstalling the solar system.
• A Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD) de-energizes the system to safe voltage levels before roofing crews work.
• The new roof's underlayment and mounting points should be reinforced to support the weight and anchor placement of the solar array.
• BYLTup says using a non-certified third party to remove panels can void workmanship or manufacturer warranties.
• Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers solar removal for routine roof replacement, according to BYLTup.
• Depending on the municipality, updated permits and a re-inspection may be needed after reinstallation.
• BYLTup holds California contractor license CSLB #1091357 with B (general building), C-10 (electrical) and C-39 (roofing) classifications, and is GAF Solar Certified and Enphase-certified.
• BYLTup is headquartered at 20960 S Brant Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810, with regional offices in Costa Mesa and Desert Hot Springs, and serves Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Coachella Valley.
• Phone: (562) 414-4425.

Can you replace your roof without losing your solar system?

Yes. A home with existing solar panels can get a new roof and keep its solar system. The process is called solar removal and reinstallation, or solar R&R, and BYLTup describes it as a standard part of roof replacement for homes with existing solar arrays. It has three phases: remove the solar system, replace the roof, reinstall the panels.

How is a solar system safely removed before roofing work begins?

BYLTup removes an existing solar system in four steps before any roofing starts: shutdown, disconnection, extraction and storage. A Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD), a required safety feature, quickly drops high-voltage levels to safe limits for the crew on the roof. Wiring is then disconnected, panels and racking are tagged and detached so they can be reinstalled in the right configuration, and panels, inverters and mounting hardware are stored securely, often on the property, to prevent damage during roofing.

What are the steps for removing solar before a roof replacement?

• Shutdown: the system is de-energized using a Rapid Shutdown Device.
• Disconnection: all electrical wiring is safely disconnected.
• Extraction: panels and racking are tagged and detached so they can be reinstalled in the right configuration.
• Storage: panels, inverters and mounting hardware are stored securely, often on the property.

What happens during the roof replacement itself?

Once the solar equipment is cleared, BYLTup's roofing crew installs the new roof, which can be asphalt shingles, tile, metal or single-ply membrane. BYLTup calls this the most important coordination point in the project: the new roof's underlayment and mounting points should be reinforced to support the weight and anchor placement of the solar array that returns later.

How is the solar system reinstalled after the new roof is finished?

After the new roof is finished, BYLTup's solar technicians mount the racking and reinstall the panels. The system is rewired, inspected and tested to confirm it operates at peak efficiency and is fully up to code. If the home had a monitoring system before, it should pick up where it left off.

Why does one integrated roofing and solar team matter?

BYLTup's position is that roofing and solar handled by a single team under a single warranty makes the handoff between roof and panels seamless. BYLTup holds B, C-10 (electrical) and C-39 (roofing) classifications under one California license, CSLB #1091357, and is GAF Solar Certified and an Enphase-certified installer, so the roof and the array can sit in one job file.

What warranty issues should homeowners watch for during solar removal?

Warranties matter when a roof is replaced over existing solar. Homeowners should check the original solar installation contract before hiring anyone to remove panels. BYLTup says using a non-certified third party to remove them can void workmanship or manufacturer warranties, so confirm who is certified before work starts.

Will you need new permits or inspections after solar is reinstalled?

Depending on the municipality, a homeowner may need updated permits and a re-inspection after solar is reinstalled following a roof replacement. BYLTup advises keeping the original design plan-set that the city's building department signed off on, because it makes the permitting and inspection process smoother.

Does homeowners insurance cover solar removal during a roof replacement?

Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers solar removal for a routine roof replacement, according to BYLTup, so homeowners should plan to pay for that part of the project out of pocket. BYLTup has not published a price for solar removal and reinstallation; free estimates are available, so ask for one.

Where does BYLTup provide solar removal and reinstallation?

BYLTup provides solar removal and reinstallation across Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Coachella Valley. It is headquartered at 20960 S Brant Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810, with regional offices at 1927 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 and 18342 Blue Dream Crossing, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240. Phone: (562) 414-4425. California license: CSLB #1091357.

Frequently asked questions

Is solar removal and reinstallation a common part of roof replacement?

Yes. BYLTup describes solar removal and reinstallation (solar R&R) as a standard part of roof replacement for homes that already have solar arrays.

What is a Rapid Shutdown Device used for during solar removal?

A Rapid Shutdown Device (RSD) is a required safety feature that de-energizes the solar system by quickly dropping high-voltage levels to safe limits, so the crew can work on the roof.

Can removing solar panels with an uncertified installer void my warranty?

Yes. BYLTup notes that using a non-certified third party to remove panels can void workmanship or manufacturer warranties, so check your original solar installation contract before hiring anyone.

Does insurance pay for solar removal during a roof replacement?

Generally no. Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers solar removal for a routine roof replacement, so BYLTup advises planning to pay for that part out of pocket.

What should I keep on hand to make solar reinstallation permitting easier?

Keep the original design plan-set that your city's building department signed off on. Depending on your municipality, you may need updated permits and a re-inspection after reinstallation.

What roof types can be installed while the solar system is removed?

BYLTup says the new roof can be asphalt shingles, tile, metal or single-ply membrane.