The average life expectancy of photovoltaic solar panels is around 30 to 35 years. The problem? Roofs today last somewhere between 20 to 25 years. This means that your roof might run out of life before your solar panels do, and will likely require repair or replacement while your solar panels are still in prime condition.
Whether you need to repair or replace your roof, your solar panels need to be removed first. This isn’t a job that can be handled by anyone, and it’s not something you should ever attempt to do yourself. These panels need to be carefully removed, transported, and stored for safekeeping while repairs are made, and this needs to be done by professionals.
With this information in mind, how should you prepare to have your roof repaired or replaced? Here is what you need to know about keeping your roof in good condition when you’ve installed solar panels.
Coordinate with Your Solar Panel Company
If you suspect that your roof may need repair and that your solar panels will have to be removed to mend it, it’s wise to connect with your solar panel installer right away. After all, solar energy is booming, and installation companies are working faster than ever to try and keep up with demand.
It takes an average of 3 months from the first consultation to the finished product when you are having solar panels installed—and a lot of this time is wait time.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to contact your solar installer right away when you need repairs. They’re busy and so are you, so it’s important to find a time that works as soon as possible.
It can be especially challenging to find a time when your solar panel installation company is available during peak roofing season, which is typically late summer through the fall months.
Communicate with Your Roofing Company
Typically, roofing companies understand that they have to work around the schedule of solar panel companies, but this doesn’t mean they will always be ready at the drop of a hat.
By being in contact with your roofing company, they can ensure that they have everything they need as soon as your solar panel company is ready to remove (and eventually reinstall) your solar panels.
Consider Extending the Life of Your Roof
Removing and reinstalling your roof is not an inexpensive endeavor. Depending on factors like the size of your roof and number of panels, plus the pitch of your roof and level of difficulty to remove them, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 to take your solar panels off your roof, then reinstall them after your roof has been repaired. This removal process can include all kinds of additional fees including:
- Around $800 to remove the mounting hardware for your panels
- Approximately $250 to transport and store your solar panels for safekeeping during repair
- Another $300 to $430 if you want to have your solar panels cleaned by professionals
These costs add up quickly. Don’t be discouraged though; the average American homeowner can save tens of thousands of dollars in energy savings over the life of their solar panels.
While your solar panels are removed, this is the perfect time to consider taking measures to extend the life of your roof while it is being repaired.
The asphalt shingles of today aren’t always what they used to be. With less asphalt in the shingles, they dry out faster and roofs need to be replaced more frequently. At Roof Maxx, we used a plant-based bio-oil to restore the flexibility of your shingles, extending the overall life of your current roof.
While your solar panels have been removed, it’s the perfect time to make sure that you don’t have to pay to replace your roof quite so quickly. This process costs 15 to 20 percent of what it costs to replace your roof, which means you’ll lengthen the time between removing and reinstalling your solar panels and the next time you need to pay to have them removed. Plus? With a roof that’s in better condition, you’ll be far less likely to have to pay for solar panel removal and reinstallation for roof repairs in the interim.
About Roof Maxx
At Roof Maxx, we’re just as excited about your solar panels as you are. We know the cost savings that they can provide, and we appreciate how much better they are for the environment. It’s our goal to stretch the lifespan of your investment so you don’t have to pay to have your panels removed and reinstalled quite so frequently.
Contact your local Roof Maxx expert, Jack Kopko, via e-mail at: jkopko@roofmaxx.com, by phone at: (302) 291-2799, or visit Roof Maxx of Delaware on the web at: www.roofmaxx.com.
