Here at Arch, some of the most common questions not directly related to solar production are questions about roof installations. Things like age of roof, roof replacement, and roof damage due to weather are all possible reasons why a homeowner may need to remove or replace their panels. When Arch works with homeowners, we always ask the age of your roof and advise holding off on solar for a roof that is older than 15 years. That could prevent a needed reinstallation down the line.
Even with proper planning, solar removal and reinstallation is sometimes necessary. From the day a homeowner requests removal and reinstall, Arch’s Service and Quality Management (SQM) reacts with speed and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Generally, for a re-roofing assignment, the entire solar system will not need to be re-designed. Instead, all or some of the panels will be carefully removed and replaced when finished. This work takes about 1-2 days for an average Wisconsin home.
Being a vertically integrated company means that Arch doesn’t subcontract any work, and all job requirements are handled by us – expediting the process and keeping every piece of the puzzle under one company.
Understanding Solar Panel Removal and Reinstallation
What is Solar Panel Removal?
Although our panels are high quality set-and-forget money savers, there may be issues where more direct maintenance needs to be done. In these cases, removal and reinstallation work is necessary.
Some general use cases include:
- Roof repairs or replacement
- Upgrading to more efficient panels
- Repairing or replacing faulty equipment.
The Removal Process
Our initial plan for removal and reinstall can come either from customer requests, or our in-house residential solar monitoring will alert us remotely and we will contact the homeowner about any potential issues.
Arch will service a home’s removal and reinstallation request even if we did not install the initial solar system! The only requirement we have is your original engineering drawings. If your original drawings are unavailable, we will need to schedule a technician site visit prior to starting your project. Working from proper engineering drawings allows better safety precautions and lets us maintain proper electrical code requirements.
Our technicians will then come on site, shut down the system, and begin disconnecting the panels. The same safety precautions we take in every residential job are strictly followed.
Once the panels are removed from the roof, they will need to be stored in a secure facility such as a garage or storage unit until replacement is ready. The metal racking is reused, and the flashings will be replaced.
Preparing for Reinstallation
As the first step in the reinstallation process, the roof quality will need to be reassessed before solar panels and racking are replaced. This allows us to make sure that there are no obvious issues or dangers, such as structural damage or other obstacles.
The Reinstallation Process
After the roof is checked and approved, the reinstallation process can begin. It works the same way as our other common residential installations. Arch installs hundreds of residential solar systems yearly, so you can be sure of the quality and service.
After the panels are reconnected, they are evaluated and commissioned through your local utility provider. For example, We Energies for Milwaukee, and MGE for Madison.
Choosing the right installer can be difficult but choosing Arch for your solar R&R should be an easy choice. We have been in business for 20+ years, employ some of Wisconsin’s earliest NABCEP certified installers, and are the top-ranked home solar provider in Wisconsin.
Costs and Considerations
Like all construction projects, solar panel replacement and reinstall has a cost associated with it. Quality labor, materials, and service are all bundled up into our costs. However, with Arch’s [Service and Quality Management] team, we dedicate a whole team to serving the maintenance needs of our residential customers.
Generally, the cost of solar removal and replacement is $315 per panel, plus additional time and materials creating a total for around $5,000 on average. This cost depends on factors such as roof height and pitch, roof type (shingles, rubber, metal), and the number of roof faces with installed panels.  It also includes the labor and expertise of our certified installation team.
Reinstallation also allows us the chance to extend the life of your system by installing new hardware, double-checking the panels and inverters, and reviewing cables/wiring.
Maintenance Tips Post-Reinstallation
After a solar reinstallation, your system should be producing like new! Keeping the process safe and quick is our top priority. We want your system to have the least amount of downtime as possible so that you can keep saving on your energy bill and stay green. 
Wisconsin weather usually does not require the cleaning of solar panels. Our multiple seasons benefit the natural cleaning of panels with snow and rain. Panel productivity is shown on your enphase app and monitored through Arch, so being aware of any problems is easy and convenient.
We 100% do NOT recommend DIY cleaning or tampering with your panels. When a third-party touches the panels, it can void the workmanship warranty.
Conclusion
Overall, solar removal and reinstallation is not something that most homeowners need to consider. For those who run into the need for reinstallation work, it’s important to work with an installer you trust. Arch uses our 20+ years of solar experience for every job we do; our talented and experienced team gets the work done quickly and efficiently to keep your production running.
We are a fully certified, insured, and experienced company ready to serve your specific needs.
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Home Solar Frequently Asked Questions
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