🏠 Planning Roof Replacement With Solar Panels? Here’s What You MUST Know

If your roof is aging or damaged, and you also want solar power, you’re likely asking one big question: “How much does a solar panel roof replacement cost?”

This is a smart question — because replacing a roof that already has solar panels is more complex (and more expensive) than a standard roof replacement. You may need to remove, store, and reinstall your solar panels, pay for additional labor, and secure special permits.

But here’s the good news:

👉 With proper planning, you can save thousands, avoid unnecessary labor charges, and even qualify for 30% federal tax credits depending on the work performed.

This detailed guide breaks down the full cost, including:

• Price per sq ft

• Solar removal & reinstall

• Roofing materials

• Labor & equipment

• Permit & inspection fees

• How to time everything to reduce the total cost

Let’s dive into the real numbers.

💰 Solar Panel Roof Replacement Cost (Full Breakdown)

The total cost of replacing a roof with solar panels already installed typically ranges from:

$15,000 – $35,000+ for the roof + $2,000 – $8,000 for solar removal/reinstallation

Your exact price depends on:

• Roof size

• Roofing material

• Solar system size

• Local labor rates

• Permit requirements

• Mounting system type

Below is a complete breakdown.

🧱 1. Roofing Replacement Cost (Price per Sq Ft)

Roof replacement pricing varies across the U.S., but here is the national average:

Roof Replacement Cost (Without Solar):

⭐ Important:

With solar panels involved, prices increase due to extra labor and coordination.

Expect an additional $1.00 – $3.00 per sq ft for roofing contractors who specialize in solar-safe installation.

🔋 2. Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation (R&R) Cost

This is where most homeowners are surprised.

Removing solar panels, storing them, and reinstalling them after roof replacement costs:

$1,500 – $6,000 for most homes

Large systems: $6,000 – $8,000+

Solar R&R Cost Breakdown:

• Removal: $75 – $150 per panel

• Storage: $50 – $150 per panel (if needed)

• Reinstallation: $80 – $200 per panel

• Electrical reconnection: $500 – $1,200

• Re-inspection: $100 – $250

Factors that increase cost:

• Older mounting systems

• Steep or multi-story roofs

• Heavy tile roofing

• Large or complex solar arrays (20+ panels)

Pro Tip:
Always hire your original solar installer if possible — they already know your mounting system and wiring layout.

🧾 3. Permit Fees for Solar + Roof Replacement

Most U.S. cities require:

• Roofing permit

• Solar electrical permit

• Solar structural permit (in some states)

• Final inspection

Average U.S. Permit Costs:

• Roofing permit: $150 – $500

• Solar permit: $100 – $800

• Final inspection fees: $50 – $175

States with higher permit costs:

• California

• Massachusetts

• Colorado

• Washington

• Oregon

States with lower or waived fees:

• Arizona

• Texas

• Florida

🧰 4. Labor Cost Factors for Solar Roof Replacement

Labor cost varies substantially by roof type.

📌 Asphalt shingles (lowest labor cost)

• Easy panel removal

• Quick reroofing

• Fast reinstallation
  Total labor: moderate

📌 Metal roofs (medium labor cost)

• Standing seam = easiest solar reinstallation

• Corrugated = requires more drilling
  Total labor: moderate-high

📌 Tile roofs (highest labor cost)

• Tiles must be removed individually

• Fragile materials

• Specialized mounts required
  Total labor: high**

Labor Price Range:

• Standard roof: $3,000 – $7,000

• Roof with solar: $5,000 – $12,000

🧱 5. Total Cost Summary Table (Real U.S. Averages)

☀️ Does Roof Replacement Affect Solar Warranties?

Yes — and this is where homeowners often make expensive mistakes.

If the roofing contractor damages solar hardware…

➡️ Your solar warranty may become void.

If solar installers damage your roof…

➡️ Your roofing warranty may become void.

The solution:

Hire roofers and solar installers who coordinate together or a single company that performs both services.

🏠 Should You Replace Your Roof BEFORE Going Solar?

In most cases, YES — especially if your roof is:

• 12–15+ years old

• Showing signs of wear

• Losing shingles

• Near the end of the warranty

If your roof is older, replacing it first can save you $2,000 – $5,000 later by avoiding solar removal & reinstallation.

⭐ How to SAVE THOUSANDS on Solar Panel Roof Replacement Cost

💰 1. Replace Roof FIRST, Install Solar After

This avoids the $2k–$8k R&R cost completely.

💰 2. Bundle Roofing + Solar Financing

Many lenders let you finance both together with:

• Lower interest

• Single monthly payment

• Possible tax credit on roof portions that improve energy efficiency

💰 3. Use Standing Seam Metal Roofing

This roof type:

• Lasts 40–70 years

• Requires zero roof penetrations

• Is the easiest roof to install solar on

• Eliminates most leak risks

💰 4. Apply for Incentives

You may qualify for:

• 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

• State rebates

• Utility credits

• Energy Star cool roof incentives

Some roofing structural improvements needed for solar may qualify for credits.

💰 5. Avoid Tile Roofs if Budget Is Tight

Tile = highest R&R cost
Asphalt or metal = lowest cost

🧩 How Roof Type Impacts Total Replacement Cost With Solar Panels

🟦 Asphalt Shingle Roof

• Cheapest

• Most common

• Easy solar R&R
  Total cost: low-medium

🟥 Metal Roof

• Best long-term durability

• Ideal for solar

• Standing seam = no penetrations
  Total cost: medium

🟫 Tile Roof

• Most expensive

• Requires specialized solar mounts

• High breakage risk
  Total cost: high

🟩 Flat Roof

• Uses ballast systems

• Fewer penetrations
  Total cost: medium**

🔋 Does Installing Solar Panels Extend Roof Lifespan?

Yes — solar panels can actually extend roof lifespan by 5–10 years because they protect the roof from:

• UV rays

• Heat exposure

• Hail

• Wind

• Rain

This reduces long-term maintenance costs as well.

⚙️ Installation Tips to Reduce Solar Roof Replacement Cost

☑️ Use the same installer for removal & reinstallation

This reduces labor cost and avoids warranty conflicts.

☑️ Request flashing inspection

Prevent leaks after reinstallation.

☑️ Ask for rafter marking

Makes future roofing easier & faster.

☑️ Choose long-lasting roofing materials

Metal or 50-year shingles prevent future removals.

❓ FAQs: Solar Panel Roof Replacement Cost

1. How much does it cost to replace a roof with solar panels installed?

Most U.S. homeowners pay $15,000 – $35,000 for the roof + $1,500 – $6,000 for solar panel removal and reinstallation.

2. How much does solar panel removal cost?

Around $75–$150 per panel for removal and $80–$200 for reinstallation.

3. Do I need permits to replace my roof with solar installed?

Yes — roofing and solar electrical permits are required in most U.S. states.

4. Can I use tax credits for roof replacement?

In some cases, structural upgrades required for solar may qualify. Ask your installer or tax professional.

5. Should I replace my roof before installing solar?

Yes, if your roof is 15+ years old or nearing the end of its lifespan.

6. Which roofing type is best for solar?

Standing seam metal roofing provides the easiest installation and longest lifespan.

7. How long does roof replacement take with solar panels?

Typically 2–4 days for roofing and 1–2 days for solar reinstallation.

🌞 Final Takeaway: How to Plan Affordable Roof Replacement With Solar Panels

When evaluating solar panel roof replacement cost, the smartest approach is:

⭐ Replace roof BEFORE installing solar

⭐ Use solar-friendly materials like asphalt or metal

⭐ Coordinate roofing and solar teams

⭐ Leverage federal and state incentives

⭐ Choose warranties that protect both systems

This ensures decades of clean energy, low electricity bills, and minimal roofing issues.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Roofing and solar pricing vary based on roof type, labor, system size, state regulations, and installation conditions. Always consult a licensed roofing contractor and certified solar installer before making decisions.

 Explore more:

• Solar Shingles vs Asphalt Shingles
• Solar Panels on Flat Roofs vs Sloped Roofs
• Best Roof Types for High-Efficiency Solar