The Cost Of Solar Panels Removal And Reinstallation
Solar panel installation is the best way to harness solar energy. This power can keep your household’s electrical appliances and EVs working. Solar panels can last about twenty-five to thirty years depending upon how well you maintain your solar energy system. Because of their longevity sometimes you might face the dilemma of solar panels removal and reinstallation. Through this process, you will be able to maintain or replace the roofs and other pieces of equipment on your rooftop.
What are the main reasons for solar panels removal?
Solar panels removal and reinstallation can be expensive. The following are some of the main reasons why solar panels removal becomes of utmost importance.
1. Maintenance or replacement of your rooftop:
The condition of roof is a major factor for solar removal. Shingles and tiled rooftops can last about twenty-plus years. Removal of solar panels will not have any effect on their efficiency rate. This process will ensure the protection of your solar panels. Solar panels removal will also become necessary in case your rooftop needs any kind of repairs like waterproofing, cracks filling, and broken tile replacement. An expert solar panel installer is best for your PV system removal and reinstallation process. It is going to cost you a buck extra, but it is better to leave the work to the expert beforehand than to regret it later. Sometimes the roofers don’t possess the necessary knowledge so make sure to hire an expert like Solar SME.
2. Repairing your solar PV modules:
It is true that the maintenance and repair of solar panels on your rooftops can take place while still keeping the solar panels mounted on your rooftops. But sometimes it is better to remove them from the rooftop and then perform the necessary repairs. It will provide you with an extra step towards the safety of your solar investment. And in this way, if there is any problem with your solar panel hardware, it will also get fixed. In case you are dealing with loose or damaged rooftop mounting brackets, you might want to remove the solar panels. And once the mounts are fixed or replaced, the solar panels can be secured properly on the mounting brackets. This additional step of removing solar panels off your rooftop will also help to check your entire solar PV systems thoroughly and avoid any future major damage to your systems.
3. Home repairs in and around the rooftops:
Home repairs around the rooftops can result in fallout. These fallouts can become the major source of damage to your solar PV systems. For example, when you are working with electrical wires, the attic, and your HVAC systems, it can result in fallouts. In these scenarios, it is better to remove your solar PV modules to avoid any future damage.
Can I remove and reinstall solar panels on my own?
You might think that you are capable enough to perform this task. But there are certain reasons you should consider professional service:
1. Nullification of contract and warranties:
If you try to remove and reinstall solar panels on your own, the chances of your solar panels’ contract getting null and void are pretty high. Your solar installer might not help you make a claim for any future damages to solar panels. So, it is better to leave the work on the experienced installers.
2. Not have enough or necessary equipment:
Solar PV modules are complex systems with a lot of wiring, charge controller, inverters, and electrical connections. To remove or reinstall solar panels, in most cases, the homeowners do not have specialized equipment to do the job. Eventually, they end up doing more damage to solar panel systems than repairing them.
3. Permit requirement:
Solar panels removal and reinstallation is not a random bulb in your household that you can change easily. The handling of solar panel systems is a complex process that requires a special permit. This permit is necessary because your rooftop solar panels are connected to the electric grid. Therefore, a professional licensed installer will be able to help you get the permit. A professional solar company, like Solar SME, can help you successfully in removing and reinstalling solar panels.
What is the process for removal and reinstalling of solar panels?
The process of solar panels removal from the rooftops is quite simple. The process usually starts with a home site visit. Through the visit, the installer can give you an estimated timeline and the total cost for the solar panel work, as well as the time needed for the roofing work. For the removal part, an experienced technician is needed to carefully unmount the solar panels from your rooftop.
After the removal of solar panels, the repair stage kicks into motion. It can take about one to three days depending upon the nature and extent of repairs required of your rooftop. Finally, the reinstallation of solar panels takes place, after all the hassle, which is then followed by the review of the system. The review of the system is done to make sure that all the electrical connections are plugged right and that the system is running as smoothly as it was before the removal process.
What factors to consider while removing and reinstalling solar panels?
Removing and reinstalling solar panels is not difficult, but it is quite a complex process. Before starting this process, it is better to make sure that you are checking all the boxes. These are some of the factors that you might want to dive into before starting the removal and reinstallation process of solar panels.
1. Warranty:
You need to look for your workmanship warranty before hiring a crew. It is better to hire the same company which was responsible for your solar panel installation. Otherwise, if you contact a different company or hire an inexperienced crew, it will result in the termination of your warranty. Also, make sure to read the warranty policies carefully before the removal of your solar panels from the rooftop.
2. Cost:
The cost for the removal of solar panels depends upon the company you hire for this purpose. But several other factors can also impact the cost of removal and reinstallation of solar panels which includes:
i. Roof conditions:
If you are dealing with minor repairs, then it is going to cost less. But if you want to reinstall the whole roof again or want to replace the roofing material to maximize the energy efficiency of your rooftops, it is going to cost you a lot more than a few extra bucks.
ii. Solar panel condition:
If your solar panel system is not producing energy as it was before then your installer might recommend that you replace your current solar panel system. This eventually means an extra cost to your total budget. In case, if the solar panels need shipment to some storage facility to make room for the roof repairs, the homeowners need to pay for that extra shipping cost too.
iii. Solar accessories conditions:
If some other solar accessories like inverters, mounts, and racking systems are too old then their replacement becomes a necessary task. In the same way, some hardware cannot be replaced without damaging them. Therefore, their replacement cost might add up to increase your total cost.
iv. Weather patterns:
It is less costly to replace or repair your rooftops when the weather is clear. But if you want your roof repairs urgently then you have to pay extra for that service. For example, if your roof is leaking extensively during the rainy season and you want to get it fix as soon as possible, you might have to pay extra for that harsh weather condition as well.
v. Location of your home:
In the same way, if the design of your home is unusual then to guarantee the safety of workers and the equipment, you will have to pay some extra cash to avoid any catastrophe to happen. Extra labor and equipment are needed to safely remove and reinstall solar panels from slanting rooftops than a flat rooftop. Hence hiking up the price of the whole process.
3. Expertise:
It is important to check for the expertise of the company that you will be hiring for the job. These companies will help you gain access to permits and will not damage the warranty of your solar panels. However, if the handlers are inexperienced, they can cause damage to your solar panels while their removal process from your rooftop.
How long the removal and reinstallation of the solar panel systems can take?
Mostly the removal and reinstallation of solar panels require two days maximum, with removal taking one day and reinstallation acquiring one day. The rest depends upon the repair timing of your rooftop or if you are relocating solar panels to some other location then the time of relocation will also add up to the total time process of reinstallation. But if you are not dealing with the major repairs then it takes about a total of three days’ tops for the removal and reinstallation of solar panels. It is better to consult the total timing process with your hired installer to make sure the timely installation of your solar panels back on your rooftop.
What are some problems with hiring an inexperienced installer?
It is not bad to be too cautious when dealing with solar PV systems. Thus, while removing solar panels it is always better to ask for a licensed installer from the best rated company. In case if you let an inexperienced worker handle your solar PV modules, it might lead to the following problems:
It can lead to the termination of your warranty with your solar panel company. Solar panel hardware is expensive. In case the inexperienced installer breaks the components then the customer will be responsible for the damage, and he/she has to pay for it on their own.
The installer might not have enough skills to do the job and might not be able to plug the system back in as it was before.
The inexperienced installer can create electrical hazards since they do not possess the basic expertise. This can eventually lead to costly repairs and in the worst scenario the risk of fire.
In conclusion, removing and reinstalling solar panels can be a challenging task. But with proper preparation and careful execution, it can be done safely and efficiently. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it is always best to consult a certified solar installer to ensure everything is done correctly.
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