Replacing Your Roof With Solar Panels: What Happens to the Panels?

If your property already has solar panels and your roof needs replaced, you might be wondering what happens to the panels while the roofing work is carried out. The good news is that having solar panels doesn’t prevent you from getting a new roof. Existing panels can be removed to allow the roofing work to take place and then reinstated once the new roof has been completed. At Easy Way Roofing, we’ve carried out new roof installations on properties with existing solar panels, so we’re familiar with the additional planning involved.

Can You Replace a Roof With Solar Panels?

Yes. A roof can still be replaced if solar panels are already installed. However, the panels will normally need to be removed from the areas being re-roofed before the existing roof covering can be stripped. This allows the roofers to properly access and replace the slates or tiles, battens, membrane and any other parts of the roof that require renewal. Once the new roof has been completed, the solar panels can then be reinstated.

What Happens to Solar Panels When You Get a New Roof?

The exact process will depend on the solar installation and the work required, but generally it involves:

1. The existing solar panels being safely disconnected and removed.
2. The old roof covering being stripped.
3. Any necessary roofing work being carried out and the new roof installed.
4. The solar panels being reinstated once the roof is complete.
5. The system being reconnected and checked as required.

This needs to be considered when planning the roofing project so that the different stages of the work can be coordinated properly.

Do Solar Panels Have to Be Removed for a New Roof?

In most cases, yes. If solar panels cover part of the roof being replaced, leaving them in position would prevent proper access to the roof covering beneath them. Removing the panels allows the roof itself to be fully inspected and replaced rather than attempting to work around the existing solar installation.

Can Solar Panels Be Put Back on the New Roof?

Yes. Once the new roof has been completed, existing solar panels can normally be reinstated, subject to the condition and requirements of the existing system. The reinstatement should be planned carefully so that the new roof covering isn’t unnecessarily damaged in the process. This is another reason it’s useful to discuss the panels with your roofer before the roofing work begins rather than treating them as an afterthought.



What if the Roof Is Leaking Under the Solar Panels?

Finding the source of a roof leak isn’t always straightforward, particularly where part of the roof is obscured by solar panels. A leak also doesn’t automatically mean the entire roof needs replaced. Depending on the age and condition of the roof and the cause of the problem, a repair may sometimes be possible. We recommend having the roof inspected first so the cause and extent of the problem can be established.

Find out more about our Roof Repair Services →

Should You Replace an Older Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?

If you’re considering having solar panels installed but your existing roof is already approaching the point where it may need significant work, it’s sensible to have the roof assessed first. Installing solar panels and then discovering shortly afterwards that the roof needs replaced could mean paying to have the panels removed and reinstated much sooner than expected.

A roof survey beforehand can help identify obvious problems and give you a better understanding of the roof’s current condition.

New Roofs With Existing Solar Panels Across Central Scotland

If your roof needs replaced and you already have solar panels installed, don’t assume that means the job can’t be done. Easy Way Roofing provides new slate and tile roofs across Central Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Falkirk, Alloa and surrounding areas.

We have experience working on roof replacements involving existing solar panels and can assess the roof, explain what work is required and discuss how the solar installation will need to be accommodated as part of the project.

View our New Roofs & Roof Replacement service →

Contact Easy Way Roofing for a free roof survey and estimate.