The High Cost of “Free” Removal and Reinstallation (R&R)
It sounds like a convenient deal: You need a new roof, and your roofing contractor offers to “take care” of your solar panels and take over the warranty. While it might save a few bucks upfront, this is a dangerous shortcut that often leads to dead systems, voided warranties, and thousands of dollars in repair bills.
At All Energy Solar, we want you to have the facts before you let a non-specialist touch your high-voltage equipment. There is a reason over 1,700 customers have left us glowing reviews: we are licensed experts who do the job right the first time.
Here is the truth about why solar R&R should only be handled by certified solar professionals:
1. You Are Risking Your Manufacturer’s Warranty
Most solar equipment manufacturers (like Enphase, SolarEdge, or Hanwha Q CELLS) have strict requirements. If your system is handled by anyone other than a certified solar technician, your manufacturer’s warranty is likely voided the moment they touch it. * The Roofer’s Promise: “We’ll take over the warranty.”
- The Reality: A roofing company cannot “take over” a multi-million dollar manufacturer’s product guarantee. If a panel or inverter fails two years from now, the manufacturer will see it was handled by uncertified labor and deny your claim.
2. Roofers are Professionals, but they aren’t Electricians
Solar is not “roofing equipment”—it is a sophisticated, high-voltage power plant.
- Wiring Complexity: Reinstalling a system involves complex cable management and grounding. We frequently see systems reinstalled by roofers where wires are left touching the shingles (a fire hazard) or plugged in incorrectly, blowing out the inverters.
- The “Paperweight” Risk: If a roofer installs a single component incorrectly, your entire system could become an inoperable “paperweight” on your roof.
3. The “We Do It All” Trap
Our service teams are regularly called out to “fix” systems that roofers reinstalled. The most common issues include:
- Leaky Penetrations: Roofers often use incorrect flashing for solar mounts.
- Micro-cracks: Improper handling of panels during the “removal” phase can cause internal cell damage that isn’t visible but destroys power production.
- System Mapping: Roofers rarely keep track of which optimizer or microinverter goes where, making future monitoring and troubleshooting nearly impossible.
The Bottom Line
A roof protects your home, but your solar system powers it. Don’t let a roofer gamble with your energy investment. By choosing a certified solar installer for your R&R, you ensure that your production remains high, your house stays safe, and your 25-year warranties stay fully intact.
Don’t leave your solar health to chance. Contact the certified experts at All Energy Solar today to schedule your professional Removal and Reinstallation.
