What Happens to My Long Island Solar Panels When I Need Roof Repair?
If you have solar panels in Suffolk or Nassau County and need roof repair or replacement, the panels will be temporarily removed and reinstalled after the work is done. This can add cost, but working with the right roofing contractor means a seamless process with protection for your solar hardware.
Renew Roofing Solutions is partnered with Power Solutions to ensure that any solar-related roofing work meets strict safety and quality standards.
Key Takeaways
- Solar panels must be removed before any significant roof repair or a full roof replacement.
- Panel removal and installation is handled by your solar installer, not your roofer. Your roofing contractor will coordinate this.
- Your solar warranty and roofing warranty are separate. With careful planning, both will remain intact after the work is done.
What You Need to Know About Solar Panels and Roof Repair
With a growing number of solar homes on Long Island, many homeowners need roof work on homes with active solar arrays. The process is manageable when there is close coordination between the solar contractor and the licensed roofing contractor.
| Scenario | Solar Panel Removal Needed? |
| Full Roof Replacement | Yes, Full Array. |
| Major Repair Under or Around Array | Yes, Affected Sections. |
| Minor Repair Away from Array | Usually Not Required. |
- Solar panels must be removed when your home needs significant roofing repair or a complete replacement. The panels mount directly to the deck through the shingles, and accessing the deck to tear off old material requires a clear surface.
- Attempting to work around solar panels risks damage to the panels and voiding manufacturer warranties. There are also potential electrical hazards.
- Some minor repairs might not require solar panel removal. Patching an area away from the array’s footprint is an example where a licensed roofer can get the work done without engaging your solar contractor.
- Many homeowners on Long Island have older panels that are outside of warranty or where the original installer is no longer in business. Our sister company, Power Solutions, offers solar maintenance services for these orphaned solar panel systems through its Pro Solar Repair division.
Protecting Your Roof and Solar Panel Warranties
One of the biggest risks is unknowingly voiding either your roofing warranty or your solar panel warranty. Most solar panel manufacturers require that removal and reinstallation is performed by a certified solar technician. Having a “fly-by-night” roofing contractor remove your panels to save money will often void that coverage.
On the roofing side, shingle manufacturers like Owens Corning® require proper installation of underlayment and flashing as conditions of the product warranty. If panels are repositioned incorrectly during Long Island roof repair or installation, or if penetrations aren’t sealed, you could face denied warranty claims down the road.
It pays to choose an experienced roofing contractor who will protect both warranties. Our decades of experience in the roofing industry and our affiliation with Power Solutions ensure that you are covered on both sides.
Talk to a Licensed Roofer Who Understands Solar
The team at Renew Roofing Solutions will assess your roof and help you plan repairs and maintenance around your solar array. If your roof is approaching 20 years old, now is the time for a comprehensive inspection.
If you have solar panels and need roof repair, you can talk to our team at 516-212-0307 or 914-415-7702 for your free estimate. We serve all areas of Suffolk and Nassau Counties.