How much does it cost to remove solar panels?
How much does it cost to remove solar panels?
$200 – $500 average cost per panel
Average cost to remove solar panels
The average cost to remove solar panels is $200 to $500 per panel, or $4,000 to $10,000 for a 20-panel system. The cost for removal alone falls at the low end of this price range, while the cost to remove and reinstall solar panels falls at the high end.
| Number of panels | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $200 – $500* |
| 5 | $1,000 – $2,500* |
| 10 | $2,000 – $5,000* |
| 15 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| 20 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| 25 | $5,000 – $12,500 |
| 30 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
*Some solar companies charge a $3,000 minimum job fee for solar panel removal.
Some contractors charge a base price for solar panel removal—typically about $500—plus the cost per panel.
People sometimes refer to removing and replacing an existing solar panel system as a "detach and reset".
On average, a detach and reset costs about 1/3 of the original project cost.
Solar panel removal cost factors
Several factors influence the cost of removing solar panels from your roof. Are you removing them to relocate to a new home, repair the roof, replace the roof, or upgrade to a better system? Each situation comes with a unique set of requirements and costs.
The table below details the average cost per panel for common tasks associated with the different situations involving solar panel removal:
| Task | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Uninstall & disconnect panels | $50 – $100 per panel |
| Remove mounting hardware | $30 – $50 per panel |
| New mounting hardware | $40 – $60 per panel |
| Reinstallation of mounting, panels, & reactivation | $50 – $100 per panel |
| Permits (if needed) | $40 – $60 per panel |
| Solar panel repair | $20 – $450+ |
| Solar panel system replacement | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| Roof repair | $150 – $1,000 (minor repairs) $1,000 – $6,000+ (moderate to major repairs) |
| Roof replacement | $5,700 – $16,000+ |
| Shipping panels to new location | $50 – $400 |
Understanding all the contributing factors can help you better estimate the potential expenses:
Roof type, pitch, & height: The steepness of the roof, the material it's made of, and whether it's on a single-story or multi-story home affects the complexity of the removal process and whether the job involves extra costs for additional equipment or safety measures.
Reinstallation requirements: If you plan to reinstall the panels, additional care during removal and temporary storage may be necessary, potentially raising the price.
Mounting system: Different mounting may require specialized tools or techniques for removal. Then, reinstalling the system typically requires new mounting hardware, which adds to the total cost.
Permit regulations: Some localities require permits for solar panel removal, which can increase expenses and limit the available contractors with the appropriate license to apply for the permit.
Lease vs. own: If you leased the solar panel system, the solar developer you worked with for the installation removes the panels. However, removing the system before the end of the contract term may result in a penalty.
Insurance & warranties: Your solar system warranty may cover the temporary removal of the solar panels when you replace the roof. If you're repairing or replacing a roof due to unexpected damage, check with your homeowners insurance provider as well for potential coverage.
Electrical work: Disconnecting the panels from your home's electrical system may require a licensed electrician, adding to the total cost. If you're relocating the panels, they may need disconnection from the public grid as well. Most electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour.
Obstructions: Large tree branch removal costs $150 to $850 per branch if contractors cannot reach the panels on the roof due to overgrowth.
Remember to factor in the cost of using the public electricity grid if needed after removing the solar panels.
Panels
Older solar panel systems might be more challenging to remove due to weathering or outdated technology. This increases the labor and time required to complete the job. Additionally, solar panel repair costs can add $20 to $450+ if the panels already have issues or are damaged during the removal.
If you upgrade to a better system instead of reinstalling the old one, a new residential solar panel system costs $3.00 to $4.50 per watt or $18,000 to $45,000 total before tax credits or incentives. If you're not reinstalling the panels, you may need to pay for proper disposal or recycling.
Roof
Since solar panels outlast some roof materials, you'll likely need to remove and reinstall the panels at some point during their lifespan to access the roof structure for repair or replacement.
Roof repair costs $150 to $1,000 to fix minor problems, or up to $6,000+ to repair more extensive damage.
Complete roof replacement costs $3 to $6 per square foot or about $5,700 to $16,000 total for an average home.
If your local roofing contractor includes solar panel removal and reinstallation in their estimate, confirm their credentials to make sure they are trained and qualified to remove and reinstall solar systems.
When to remove solar panels
While roof repairs and replacements are among the most common situations for solar panel removal, there are several other scenarios where removing solar panels becomes necessary or beneficial:
Upgrading your system: As technology advances, you might decide to upgrade to more efficient panels, requiring the removal of your existing system.
Moving to a new home: If you're relocating and want to take your solar panels with you, you'll need to have them professionally removed and reinstalled at your new property.
Selling your home: Even if you don't want to relocate the panels to your new residence, some potential buyers may prefer a home without solar panels, necessitating their removal before the sale.
End of system lifespan: While solar panels can last 25 to 30 years, you may need to remove and replace them once they reach the end of their useful life.
Panel damage: Severe weather events or accidents may damage your solar panels beyond repair, requiring their removal and replacement.
Changes in local regulations: In rare cases, changes in local laws or homeowners association rules might require the removal of solar panels.
Solar panel removal FAQs
Who can remove solar panels from a roof?
Licensed and insured solar installers and contractors with experience in solar panel systems can remove solar panels from a roof. These experts have the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge to safely remove panels without damaging your roof or the solar equipment.
Attempting to remove solar panels DIY can be dangerous and may void warranties or insurance policies. Professional removal ensures the job is done correctly and safely, minimizing the risk of injury or property damage.
Does removing solar panels damage the roof?
When done properly by experienced professionals, removing solar panels should not cause significant damage to your roof. However, there's always a risk of minor damage, such as nail holes or scuff marks.
To minimize potential damage, hire experienced, reputable professionals, schedule the removal during dry weather and inspect the roof thoroughly after panel removal to identify and address any issues right away. Consider combining panel removal with roof maintenance or repairs to address any existing problems.
How long does it take to remove solar panels?
The time required to remove solar panels depends on the number of panels, the complexity of the system, the accessibility of your roof, and unexpected interruptions like severe weather. On average, you can expect the following timeframes:
Small system (1-10 panels): 1 to 3 hours
Medium system (11-20 panels): 3 to 5 hours
Large system (21-30 panels): 5 to 8 hours
These estimates include the time needed to disconnect the system from your home's electrical supply. Packing and transporting the panels takes longer if you're planning to store or reinstall them elsewhere. Add 1 to 2 days for reinstallation if applicable.
Getting estimates from solar companies
If the company you worked with for the solar panel installation doesn't handle panel removal, ask them directly for recommendations. Then, as you research your options for solar panel removal service near you, be sure to:
Search for members of solar-focused professional organizations like American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Look for solar professionals with consistently positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three quotes and ask for a full cost breakdown so you know exactly what the estimate includes and can make accurate side-by-side comparisons.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has a solid track record of solar panel removal service in your area.
Beware of extremely low estimates as they may be a sign of low-quality work or lack of experience, and removing solar panels incorrectly risks major roof damage.
Questions to ask solar contractor
Ask these questions to help you choose the most qualified company for your solar panel removal project:
How long have you been removing and reinstalling solar panels?
What specific training, certifications, or licensing do you have?
Do you have experience with solar panels like mine?
Does your company do roof work as well?
Do you charge per watt or per panel?
Does the price include all materials, labor, and permitting? What about inspection and cleaning?
Do you have references or testimonials from past customers?
What additional costs might come up during the removal?
Do you reuse the mounting hardware from the existing system?
How long will the removal take?
Do you inspect the roof for any issues after removing the panels?
How do you handle damage to the panels during the removal or reinstallation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.