New Roof Cost When You Have Solar Panels Installed

Replacing a roof that already has solar panels on it typically costs $8,000–$25,000 or more, compared to $5,000–$15,000 for a standard asphalt shingle reroof on the same house. The extra expense comes almost entirely from one requirement: the solar panels must be removed before roofing work begins, then remounted and reconnected when it is finished. That removal and reinstallation (called R&R in the solar industry) is almost always handled by a licensed solar technician, not the roofing crew, and it adds both labor cost and scheduling complexity to your project.

Why does roofing under solar panels cost more?

A roofer cannot tear off and replace shingles with panels sitting on top of the roof. The panels are attached to mounting hardware that is lag-bolted through the shingles and into the roof deck. Removing the panels carefully, storing them safely, and reattaching them without voiding equipment warranties or damaging the electrical connections requires a licensed solar installer in most states. That is a separate contractor, a separate invoice, and a separate scheduling window.

• Panel removal and reinstallation: Typically $1,500–$6,000 depending on system size, panel count, and your location. A small 6 kW system on a simple roof runs closer to $1,500–$2,500. A 12 kW system with microinverters on a complex roof can push $4,000–$6,000 or higher.
• Temporary storage: Panels are usually staged on the ground or in your garage during the roof work, but some contractors charge a handling or logistics fee of $200–$500.
• Reconnection and inspection: After reinstallation, the system may need a utility inspection before it can go back online, which can add a few days to the timeline and occasionally a small permit fee.
• Roof penetration resealing: Every lag bolt hole through the new shingles must be flashed and sealed properly. If this is done poorly, you get leaks. Make sure your roofing contract specifies waterproof flashing around all mounting hardware.

What does the solar R&R typically cost by system size?

System Size	Approximate Panel Count	Typical R&R Cost Range
4–6 kW	12–18 panels	$1,500–$2,500
7–10 kW	20–30 panels	$2,500–$4,000
11–15 kW	32–45 panels	$3,500–$6,000
16 kW+	48+ panels	$5,000–$8,000+

These ranges are approximate and vary significantly by region. Labor rates in California and New England tend to run 20–40% higher than national averages. Always get at least two quotes from solar installers separately from your roofing quotes.

What does the actual roof replacement cost under the panels?

The roof itself is priced like any other reroof. Asphalt architectural shingles (the most common choice) run roughly $4–$7.50 per square foot installed on a typical single-story home, including tear-off of the old shingles, new underlayment, and installation. A 2,000 sq ft roof footprint (not the square footage of your house) would come to approximately $8,000–$15,000 for shingles alone. Add the solar R&R on top of that.

If you are replacing the roof before the original shingles have failed, consider upgrading to a material your solar company is familiar with. Some panel mounting systems are designed specifically for certain shingle profiles. Ask your solar installer which shingle brands and styles work best with your existing hardware before you commit to a material.

Should you replace the roof and solar system at the same time?

If your solar panels are more than 15 years old and your roof is failing, combining both projects into one mobilization can save money on permitting, crane fees (if applicable), and contractor coordination. However, if the panels are newer (under 10 years old and under warranty), replacing them just because the roof needs work is almost never financially justified. The panels themselves are typically fine and should be reinstalled on the new roof.

The one case where replacement of panels makes sense during a reroof: if the original installer is out of business and no one local can service your specific equipment. In that scenario, some homeowners choose to upgrade to a current panel model at the same time. That is a separate financial decision that involves utility incentives, net metering rates in your state, and available tax credits, and it deserves its own analysis.

Does homeowners insurance cover any of this cost?

If the roof damage was caused by a covered peril (hail, wind, a falling tree), your homeowners insurance policy may cover both the roof replacement and the solar R&R costs. The key is documentation. Before any contractor touches anything, photograph the damage to both the roof and the panel mounting hardware. Your adjuster will need a separate line-item estimate from the solar company to approve that portion of the claim.

Policies vary widely. Some explicitly list solar equipment as covered personal property. Others treat panels as part of the dwelling structure. Read your declarations page carefully, and ask your agent directly whether your policy covers removal and reinstallation of solar panels during a covered roof claim. If it does not, a solar-specific rider is often available and costs relatively little annually.

What should you watch out for when hiring for this project?

This is a two-contractor project, and the coordination between them matters more than most homeowners realize. Here are the main issues to address before signing anything:

• Who is responsible if a panel is damaged during the reroof? Get that in writing from both contractors. The roofer should not be touching the panels, but accidents happen.
• Scheduling buffer: The solar company removes the panels, then the roofer has a window to complete the job, then the solar company returns. Weather delays can extend this by days or weeks, leaving your roof in an intermediate state. Confirm each contractor's availability before scheduling.
• Warranty on new penetrations: Your new shingles come with a manufacturer warranty that can be voided if the installation is not done by a certified installer. Confirm the roofer is certified by the shingle manufacturer you are using, especially because the mounting holes are non-standard penetrations.
• Permits: Most jurisdictions require a roofing permit and a separate electrical permit for reconnecting the solar system. Make sure both contractors are pulling their own permits. Do not let either one skip this step to save time.
• System performance check: After reinstallation, monitor your solar production for the first full sunny day. Compare it to historical output data from the same month in prior years. If production is significantly lower, something was not reconnected correctly.

How do you get an accurate total cost estimate?

The only reliable way to price this project is to get separate written quotes from a licensed roofer and a licensed solar installer, then add them together. Do not accept a bundled verbal estimate from a single contractor unless they are genuinely licensed in both trades and carry separate liability for each scope of work. Most roofing companies subcontract the solar portion, and the markup on that subcontract can be 20–30% above what you would pay by hiring the solar company directly.

To get accurate quotes, you will need to provide: the age and type of your current roof material, the total roof area (in squares, where one square equals 100 sq ft), the size and brand of your solar system, how the panels are currently mounted (rail-based vs. rail-free), and whether there is a battery storage system involved (which adds complexity to the disconnect process).

Get matched with a local contractor using the form on our home page. Contractors in our network are pre-screened and can coordinate with your solar installer or refer one if needed.

Quick cost summary

• Standard asphalt shingle reroof (no solar): $5,000–$15,000 depending on size and complexity
• Solar panel R&R (removal and reinstallation): $1,500–$6,000+ depending on system size
• Total typical range for a solar-equipped home: $8,000–$25,000+
• Premium materials (metal, tile) with solar R&R: $20,000–$45,000+