By Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels: Complete Guide on Who Can Handle Your System Safely and Legally
Removing and reinstalling solar panels is not a simple construction task. It involves electrical expertise, roof safety, knowledge of solar equipment, and a full understanding of permitting rules and manufacturer requirements. Homeowners often wonder what kind of company is qualified to handle this job. This guide explains everything you need to know about which companies can legally and safely remove and reinstall solar panels. If you would like to request a quote for your roof project, you can do so here Request Quote.
Why Removing and Reinstalling Solar Panels Requires Expertise
Removing solar panels is more than detaching equipment. A solar system includes electrical wiring, mounting hardware, grounding paths, and connections to the home electrical system. Many systems include micro inverters or power optimizers under each panel. Incorrect removal can damage rooftops, break equipment, or expose live wiring. For general safety guidance from the United States Department of Energy, visit Energy.gov Solar Basics.
Proper removal requires labeling all wiring, protecting each panel, and preparing the roof surface. Knowledge of roof structure, flashing, and water barrier systems is also necessary. The wrong method can cause future leaks or system failure. Panels must be disconnected carefully to avoid electrical hazards because solar panels generate electricity whenever sunlight hits them.
Types of Companies That Can Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels
Several types of contractors are legally allowed to handle this work. Each category has strengths and limitations that homeowners should understand before choosing a contractor.
Licensed Solar Contractors
Licensed solar contractors specialize in installation, maintenance, and removal work. They understand electrical systems, inverters, racking designs, roof structures, and code requirements. These companies typically hold solar or electrical licenses approved by state agencies. Licensing guidelines can be viewed at the official IREC directory IREC Licensing Standards. Licensed solar contractors often offer full service, including removal, storage, roof coordination, and reinstall.
Roofing Companies With Solar Experience
Some roofing companies train their crews to work with solar equipment or partner with licensed solar technicians. These companies can coordinate the roof project and the solar detach and reset, which helps simplify scheduling. However, roofers without electrical licensing cannot disconnect wiring legally, so homeowners must verify qualifications.
Electrical Contractors With Solar Training
Licensed electricians are qualified to disconnect and reconnect solar wiring if they have solar training. They follow strict electrical safety standards and understand grounding, rapid shutdown requirements, and code compliance. They may not have roofing knowledge, so in many cases an electrician works together with a roofer.
Solar Operations and Maintenance Companies
O and M companies focus entirely on service, repairs, troubleshooting, and system maintenance. They work on many brands, including systems installed decades ago. They can diagnose wiring issues, identify failed micro inverters, and handle complex roof reintegration. They are often the best choice when the original installer is unavailable.
General Contractors With Licensed Subcontractors
Some general contractors coordinate both the roofing team and the licensed solar technicians who perform the actual electrical work. Homeowners benefit from having one point of contact, but it is important to verify that the subcontractor handling the solar system holds the proper license.
Companies That Should Not Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels
Roofers Without Solar Knowledge
Roofers without specific solar experience should not attempt to disconnect solar equipment. Solar systems include live wiring, bonding hardware, grounding paths, and weatherproofing components that require training. Improper removal can cause damage that appears months or years later.
Handyman Services or General Laborers
Handyman services are not licensed or trained to touch electrical equipment. Improper handling can lead to equipment damage, fire hazards, or safety risks. Electrical work related to solar is regulated by law and often requires a permit.
DIY or Homeowners Attempting Removal
Solar systems produce electricity whenever they are exposed to light. Even unplugged panels can generate voltage that can cause harm. DIY removal can void equipment warranties, insurance coverage, and electrical approvals.
Manufacturer Requirements and Training Standards
Many solar manufacturers offer official training or guidelines for removal and reinstall safety. These include resources from:
Following manufacturer guidelines helps protect warranties and ensures proper system operation after the reinstall.
Licensing Requirements for Legal Solar Removal Work
In most states, a contractor must hold one of the following license types to legally remove and reinstall solar panels:
- Electrical contractor license
- Solar contractor license
- Photovoltaic specialty license
- Roofing license with electrical certification
Different states have different requirements. A qualified solar contractor will explain which license applies and how the work must be permitted.
How to Choose the Right Company
Choosing the right company protects your roof, your equipment, and your long term system performance. If you want a quote from a qualified technician, you can request it here Request Quote.
Proper Licensing
Always verify the company license number. A licensed contractor will give this information immediately.
Experience With Your System Type
Choose a company familiar with your inverter brand and mounting design. Each system has different requirements.
Clear Communication
A professional company will explain the full process, including disconnect, storage, roof preparation, and reinstall steps.
Transparent Pricing
Removal and reinstall costs depend on panel count, roof type, equipment age, and distance. A clear price explanation is a positive sign.
Warranty Protection
Only qualified companies can preserve manufacturer warranties. Many brands require licensed professionals to handle system wiring and mounting components.
The Complete Detach and Reset Process
Step One
Inspection and Planning
The contractor inspects the roof and system to identify mounting points, wiring, and equipment condition.
Step Two
System Shut Down
The system is shut down safely, including inverter and disconnect procedures.
Step Three
Panel Removal and Labeling
Panels are removed, wiring is labeled, and equipment is stored safely.
Step Four
Roof Replacement
The roofers complete roof replacement and prepare the surface for reinstall.
Step Five
Mounting Hardware Installation
Rails or direct attachments are installed with flashing and waterproofing.
Step Six
Panel Reinstallation
Panels are attached, wiring reconnected, and grounding restored.
Step Seven
Testing and Commissioning
The system is turned on and tested for proper voltage and production.
Step Eight
Monitoring Verification
Technicians verify monitoring data to confirm proper performance.
Why Hiring the Right Company Matters
Solar systems are valuable investments, and proper removal and reinstall work protects both safety and performance. Hiring the right company ensures that the system is disconnected safely, reinstalled correctly, and tested after the project. This protects the roof, the equipment, and the long term warranty coverage.
If you would like to schedule a removal and reinstall quote with a licensed technician, you can click here Request Quote.
