Should you replace your roof before installing solar panels?

Solar panels last a long time. They may even outlast your roof, which can make going solar a bit tricky.

Solar panel systems typically last around 25 to 35 years. These systems have very long lives, which makes it reasonable to ask if your roof will hold up for the same amount of time. Should you replace your roof before you install solar panels? What happens if you need to repair or replace your roof after going solar?

The fact is that it's usually best to replace your roof when you go solar. The good news is that the savings on your electric bill will likely make up the cost of a new roof over time.

Before you reach out to a roofing contractor, we'll help you think through whether you should replace your roof, how a roof replacement will impact your savings from going solar, and the costs involved with removing existing panels for a roof repair.

Before installing solar panels, it's worth it to get your roof inspected unless it's new. While metal roofs and tile roofs can last over 50 years, asphalt roofs usually only last up to 30 years. So even if your asphalt roof is just 5-10 years old, you'll still want to make sure it will last as long as your solar panels. Most solar panel brands cover their products under warranty for 25 years, but they can often produce adequate electricity for 35 years.

Re-roofing may be necessary to avoid paying hefty fees to remove and reinstall your panels, or worse, get leaks in your roof that damage your home. Replacing your roof and getting solar panels at the same time can even provide some benefits.

If you want to get a free quote and design, from a certified Solar Consultant, click here.

Solar panels make your roof more durable

Replacing your roof and installing solar panels will probably cost about $30,000. This assumes you're installing an average 10.5 kW system ($22,000 after the 30% federal tax credit) and an asphalt roof ($10,000).

Adding solar panels can bring down your roofing costs

Most solar companies don't offer roofing services, but because it's common to need your roof replaced when going solar, the industries are closely connected.

Working with a solar installer can result in a discount on your roof replacement.

What if you need to replace your roof after going solar?

If you run into a roofing issue and need to replace your roof post-installation, don't worry. It won't be cheap but it is possible.

How much does it cost to remove solar panels to replace your roof?

On average, it costs between $1,500 to $6,000 to remove and re-install solar panels. And you'll still need to pay roof replacement costs on top of that.

Ultimately, the price you'll pay depends on the size of your system, how many panels you need removed.

Do solar installation warranties cover the roof?

Solar installations rarely cause roofing issues. As we mentioned previously, solar panels usually make your roof more durable. It's common for an existing roofing warranty to become void when you install solar, at least for the portion covered by solar panels. Solar installers offer this roof warranty so you still have peace of mind.

Is going solar still worth it if you need to replace your roof?

Re-roofing costs can be high, but so are rising energy costs. Even with the cost of a new roof, you'll likely save tens of thousands of dollars on electric bills with solar. If your roof already needs replacement, this is the best time to go solar. As we mentioned before, you may even get a discount on your roof.

If you're considering moving in the future, it's normal to be worried about putting too much money into your home. But solar can increase your home's resale value by 4% and having a new roof can make it easier to sell your home for more money.

Free Solar Texas' engineering team is comprised of experts in fields like solar energy, battery energy storage, EV charging and home efficiency.

If you want to get a free quote and design, from a certified Solar Consultant, click here.