Solar panels are generally easy to install on your home or business, and in most cases, you can rest assured that they will last a lifetime once they’re up there. But, in rare cases, you might need to take your solar panels down and reinstall them. For example, something could go wrong with a couple of solar panels, your roof could need to be repaired, or you might move houses and want to take your solar panel system with you. In these cases, you will have to uninstall your panels – but don’t worry, uninstalling and reinstalling your solar panels is fairly simple. So how does it work and what will it cost you?
How Does It All Work?
If you decide to remove your solar panels, don’t attempt to do it yourself – you risk damaging the panels or their components, as well as voiding your warranty. Instead, you should contact the company who installed them, who will send professional solar installers to your house.
So what will the professionals do? The process of removing solar panels involves unhooking the solar power generation system, uninstalling the hardware that holds the panels in place, and then taking down and securely storing the panels until it is time to put them back up again. It is important that you properly store any panels that you remove so they do not get damaged.
How Long Will It Take To Remove & Reinstall Solar Panels?
In general, most residential systems (5-20kW) installed on asphalt shingles can be removed in 1 day. 2-3 days will be needed to reinstall the panels and racking once you’re ready for them. For businesses, depending on the roof type and conditions, a 50 to 100 kW system could require 3-5 days for panel and racking removal. Then another 8-10 days will be needed to reinstall the panels.
Before Removing Your Panels Consider…
- Your warranty– Your solar panel’s warranty will most likely require that the panels only be handled by professionals, otherwise, you risk voiding your warranty.
- How much it will cost – Removing and reinstalling the solar panels on your roof will cost around $250 to $300 per solar panel. The average cost to remove and reinstall a solar energy system is around $3,750, depending on the size, and other factors such as how long the panels will need to be stored. Sometimes you can safely store them in your garage, shed, or business/ warehouse to cut down on costs.
- Who is doing the job– Roofers or contractors might claim that they can uninstall and reinstall solar panels, but you have to be very careful who you allow to do this job. You risk voiding your warranty, and you risk damaging your solar panel system, if you allow unauthorized workers to do the job – and if they make a mistake, it’ll be your responsibility to fix it. Not to mention, if not done right, there can be electrical hazards, including fire risks.
Need Help?
It can be confusing and overwhelming knowing where to start if you have to uninstall and reinstall your solar panels. But the most important things to remember are: you’ll need to contact your solar company to send out professionals to do it to keep your warranty in place, and you’ll need to prepare a storage place for the panels until they are ready to be reinstalled.
If you are looking for further help, or looking to install solar panels on your home or business, Go Solar Energy can help! We can help you figure out the best system for your budget, and how much you will save when making the switch to solar power. Our agents are highly trained and will compare all the different systems available for your home or business, and find the perfect plan for your budget and needs. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code on the homepage, or to speak directly to one of our agents call (888) 290-3112.