Do You Need a Permit to Remove and Reinstall Solar Panels?

When a homeowner needs to replace a roof or temporarily take down a solar system, the big question is whether a permit is required. Some counties treat solar panel removal and reinstall as routine maintenance; others consider it a structural/electrical modification that needs building department approval. Because rules are set locally, the safest approach is to verify with your county and plan accordingly.

What Is Solar Panel Removal and Reinstall?

This service is common when you replace or repair the roof, change roofing material, resolve a structural issue, or move systems. The steps include:

• Safe shutdown & isolation from the utility
• Detaching modules, racking, and roof penetrations
• Storing equipment during roofing work
• Reinstalling, testing production, and restoring monitoring

Do All Counties Require a Permit?

No. Requirements vary by jurisdiction:

• No-permit counties: treat detach & reset as maintenance.
• Permit-required counties: treat it like an original installation and request documents.

The only reliable answer is to check your county building department’s guidance. Your contractor can confirm this for you, but many homeowners also like to call or check the county website themselves.

If a Permit Is Required, What Documents Will They Ask For?

Most permitting offices will ask for engineering plans to verify safety and code compliance. These plan sets typically include:

• Site plan & module layout (roof outline, array location, orientation, quantity)
• Roof/structural notes (pitch, stories, mounting hardware, spacing, attachment points)
• Electrical one-line diagrams (inverters/optimizers, disconnects, grounding, point of interconnection)
• Labeling & code references (e.g., NEC articles and required warning labels)
• Equipment specifications (panel model, inverter model, mounting system)

Original Plans vs. New Plans

Good news: In most cases you can use the original engineering plans that were created for your first installation. Counties typically accept them for a remove & reinstall when the system is returning to its original layout and configuration.

• Use the original plans if you have them. This usually avoids new engineering work.
• New plans are only needed if you cannot locate the originals or if you plan to make changes that materially alter the design (e.g., different layout, additional modules, new mounting system, moving equipment, service upgrades).

Extra costs apply only when a new, stamped plan set must be produced by an engineer. That’s separate from the labor cost of removal and reinstall.

How to Find Your Original Plans

• Your installer (or the current system owner’s installer) may have a digital copy.
• Your records—look for a PDF titled “engineering plans,” “permit set,” or “as-built.”
• County records—many jurisdictions store plan sets with the original permit file.

Why Permits and Plans Matter

• Safety: Solar touches structure and electricity; verification prevents hazards.
• Code compliance: Keeps the system aligned with current codes and standards.
• Warranty continuity: Many manufacturers require licensed, code-compliant work.
• Home resale: Buyers and inspectors often ask for permit documentation.

Homeowner Checklist

1. Call your county to confirm if a permit is required for detach & reset.
2. Locate your original engineering plans and keep a copy ready.
3. Budget for new plans only if missing (or if you plan design changes).
4. Hire a licensed contractor to perform and document the work.
5. Plan timelines—permits can add days to a few weeks depending on workload.

Costs to Expect

• Detach & reset labor: base project cost.
• Permit fee (if required): typically modest.
• Engineering cost: only if new stamped plans are needed due to missing documents or design changes.

What Stays the Same on Reinstall?

When returning to the original configuration, professionals will:

• Reinstall to the same module count, layout, and attachment pattern unless otherwise specified.
• Maintain the same electrical design (inverter model/type, interconnection point) unless upgrades are requested.
• Replace aged or damaged components (flashing, hardware) as needed for code and warranty.

When New Engineering Might Be Required

• Changing roof material (e.g., shingle → tile/metal) that alters attachment methods
• Adding or removing modules or strings
• Relocating inverters, combiners, or changing interconnection
• Service panel upgrades or structural modifications

FAQs

What happens if I skip the permit where it’s required?

Potential fines, delays, challenges at resale, or issues with insurance/warranty. Always follow your county’s rules.

Can I do the removal and reinstall myself?

No. Electrical and structural work must be performed by licensed professionals to maintain safety, code compliance, and warranty coverage.

How long does permitting take?

Anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on jurisdiction volume and whether engineering documents are complete.

Is the permit the expensive part?

The permit fee is usually modest. New engineering, if required due to missing plans or design changes, is the larger extra cost.

We Handle County Differences for You

Whether your county requires a permit or not, our team manages the details confirming local rules, retrieving original plans when available, preparing new engineering only when needed, and reinstalling to manufacturer standards.

Request a quote here for your solar panel removal and reinstall.

Permitting rules vary widely across the U.S. The SolarAPP+ program by the U.S. Department of Energy is working with local jurisdictions to simplify and standardize solar permitting, but requirements still depend on your county.