Solar panels provide an efficient and renewable source of clean energy while reducing your home’s electric bills. However, there will come a time when you need to remove your panels for roof maintenance, existing roof replacement, or transport them to a new home. You can expect to spend between $2,820 to $5,920, or a national average of $4,370, for solar panel removal and reinstallation.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator By Number of Panels
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost By Location
- Cost of Solar Shingles Vs. Solar Panels
- FAQ
Average Costs of Solar Panel Removal
| National Average Cost | $4,370 |
| Typical Price Range | $2,820 – $5,920 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $1,500 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $18,000 |
The cost of removing most solar panels falls between $2,820 to $5,920, but many factors can impact your total costs. Disconnecting and removing a traditional, 15-panel array without reinstallation, transport, or storage can cost as little as $1,500, while a complete removal with roof replacement and reinstallation can set you back as much as $18,000, depending on roofing materials.
Solar Panel Removal Cost Estimator By Number of Panels
Roofing companies often estimate how many solar panels your home needs by considering the number of watts needed to cover your energy demands. Every home’s solar array is unique, and the average U.S. home has 20 to 25 solar panels in its array. Each solar panel is approximately 65 inches by 39 inches and weighs 40 pounds.
The average cost to disconnect, remove, and reinstall a single solar panel is $250 to $350 per panel. Let’s look at the average costs to remove and reinstall common solar array sizes.
| Number of Panels | Average Cost*includes removal and reinstallation |
| 1 panel | $250 – $350 |
| 10 panels | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| 15 panels | $3,750 – $5,250 |
| 20 panels | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| 25 panels | $6,250 – $8,750 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Solar energy systems offer homeowners long-term benefits, including clean energy, reduced electricity costs, and increased self-reliance. Consider these additional factors affecting your overall solar panel removal costs, including your location, labor costs, solar repairs, mounting hardware, and more.
Solar Panel Repairs
Solar panel repairs can surprise you. Cracked glass and loose wires are the cheapest and most common repairs. Often, solar panels still operate at reduced efficiency with cracked glass, so you are probably unaware there is a problem until your contractor removes your solar panels for other reasons.
Taking into consideration the severity of your repair needs, expect to spend between $285 to $1,500 on solar panel repairs. Depending on the age of your system, your contractor may encourage you to replace or upgrade your panels. Most solar panel arrays have a lifespan of 25 years.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Experts encourage annual solar panel cleaning to maximize output efficiency. It is best to have your solar panels cleaned during your reinstallation. Typically, solar panel cleaning costs $15 to $35 per panel.
Your home’s cleaning needs vary depending on your location. If you live in a temperate climate with more rainfall, you will need your solar panels cleaned less frequently than if you lived in a drier, dustier area. Dirty solar panels lose up to 30% of their output efficiency.
Transportation Costs
If your solar array is new and you are moving to a new home, you may want to install your solar panels on your new roof. Transportation costs an average of $50 per panel, or $1,000 to $1,250 for a 20- to 25-panel array, but varies based on distance and fuel prices.
Labor Cost to Remove Solar Panels
Solar panel removal requires a skilled contractor to unhook panels from one another, detach mounting hardware, and lower panels to the ground. You should be prepared to spend around 60% of your total project costs on labor, with the average cost of solar panel removal falling between $45 to $70 per hour.
Additionally, solar panel removal requires an electrician to disconnect power supplies, load panels, and meters. Typically, electricians cost between $45 to $135 per hour.
Overall, labor rates depend on your location, the experience of the roofing contractor and electrician, the complexity of your roof, and other work necessary to complete your job.
| Specialty | Labor Cost |
| Solar installer per hr. | $45 – $70 |
| Electrician per hr. | $45 to $135 |
Related Services
Most often, homeowners remove solar panels for roof replacement or repair. Consider these other related services when modifying your roofing system.
Roof Repairs
Roof repairs vary drastically depending on numerous factors. These roof repair costs typically range from $348 to $1,186, or a national average of $767. The biggest factor affecting your roof costs is your roof’s material. Asphalt shingles and membrane roofing are much cheaper to repair than expensive slate or copper roofs.
Here’s a look at some of the most common roofing materials and their average repair costs.
Roof Replacement
If you didn’t replace your roofing materials when installing your new solar panel array, you may need to replace your roofing shingles before the lifespan of your solar array is up. Re-roofing ranges from $5,706 to $11,185, for a national average of $8,446, depending on new materials, roof size, and the cost of removing your existing materials.
Here’s a look at the average cost of replacing some of the most popular roofing materials.
| Roofing Material | Average Replacement Costs Per Square Foot*includes labor and material |
| Asphalt shingles | $2 – $5 |
| Clay or concrete tiles | $10 – $23 |
| Metal | $6 – $13 |
| Slate | $12 – $28 |
| Wood shingles or shakes | $7 – $10 |
Cost of Solar Panel Removal By Location
Solar panel removal and reinstallation costs vary widely depending on location, cost of living, and the complexity of your roof. There is no way to know exactly what your removal or solar panel installation will cost without receiving free quotes from professional solar companies in your area.
Cost of Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels
Solar shingles and solar panels use solar cells to harness the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity. Traditional solar panels are simply larger versions of solar shingles that attach via mounts to your roof decking.
Solar shingles or tiles are a complete roof replacement, like a Tesla Solar Roof, or they can integrate with existing asphalt shingles and other low-profile roofing materials. Both photovoltaic arrays work with energy storage systems to increase your home’s self-sufficiency.
Check out some of the key differences:
| Solar Shingles | Solar Panels | |
| Installation Cost *materials and labor included | $55,800 | $18,000 |
| Lifespan *for peak performance | 25 – 30 years | 25 – 30 years |
| Size | 12 inches x 86 inches x 1 inch | 39 inches x 65 inches x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 13 pounds per square foot | 40 pounds each |
| Installation Time | Minimum 1 week | Less than 1 day |
| Efficiency | 10% – 22% | 15% – 22% |
| Output | 13 to 63 watts per shingle | 250 to 400 watts per panel |
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Solar power upgrades, including solar storage systems and solar roofing materials, are eligible for a government tax credit. The program runs from 2022 to 2035.
Solar panel systems installed between 2022 to 2032 are eligible for a 30% credit. Systems installed in 2033 are only eligible for a 26% credit, and those installed in 2034 will receive a 22% credit. There is no maximum amount a homeowner can claim.
Expenses include:
- Solar shingles, tiles, or panels
- Energy storage devices with a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours or greater
- Contractor labor costs, including permitting fees and inspection costs
- Balancing equipment, including wiring, mounting equipment, and inverters
- Sales tax on expenses
Many states also have policies governing renewable energy, offering their own incentives and rebates. The federal tax credit expires in 2035 unless it receives a congressional extension.
| Year | 2022 – 2032 | 2033 | 2034 |
| Tax Credit | 30% | 26% | 22% |
FAQ About Solar Panel Removal
No. This is one DIY project you shouldn’t tackle. Home solar systems are a complicated technology, requiring electrical and building permits to modify or install, and improper removal or reinstallation can void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Most solar panels maintain maximum output and efficiency for 25 years. Longevity depends on the brand of solar panel, and providers offer their own warranties.
Be sure to check with your panel manufacturer to understand your warranty.
Roofers attach solar panels to your home using mounting racks secured to your roof’s decking. Damage is unlikely to occur when a licensed professional remove your solar panels, taking care to patch the holes in your roof’s decking.
No, solar panels installed by a licensed roofing professional do not affect your roof’s warranty. Most companies guarantee their workmanship, and the work done by your solar installer is covered under an additional warranty.
Find a Solar Panel Professional Near You
There are many reasons you may need to remove and reinstall solar panels, including relocation, repairs, or replacement. Brand new roofing materials increase energy efficiency and decrease your overall energy costs. You can expect to spend between $2,820 to $5,920, or a national average of $4,370, for solar panel removal.
If you need solar panel removal for roofing repairs or relocation, RoofGnome connects you to the best solar panel pros in your area.
Main Photo by: Pxhere
