Can You Remove Solar Panels and Reinstall Them?

In most instances, a solar energy system is a cost-saving option that endures for more than 30 years. But you have to be mindful of certain maintenance expenses. One of these possible expenses is the removal and reinstallation of your panels. Make sure that when you’re getting new panels for your home that you get them done by experts like the ones from our solar panel installation team on the Gold Coast.

With 25 to 30 years of solar panel warranty and a service life of well over 30 years, you may have to remove the panels to repair some part of your roof or build a completely new roof.

The Removal And Reinstallation Of Solar Panels

The procedure is straightforward. Our team come to your property once you’ve chosen a qualified expert to properly de-energise your system. Then the operation is done to remove the panels, storage/assembly hardware and any cable on the roof. 

This will be removed to a place that will save and make reinstalling your panels as simple as feasible. Ask the workers to remove the panels to plug any lag bolt or screwed roof puncture with any cement. This helps to avoid entry of moisture before your roofers come. It is important this step is done by a leading electrician on the Gold Coast due to the potentially lethal voltages travelling through the wiring.

Once the roof repair has been completed, solar technicians will return to replace racking, wiring and panels as quickly as possible. After the system is back in a safe operating state, your system will be re-energised.

How Long Does The Removal And Reinstallation Of Solar Panels Take?

The more time this process takes to finish, the more energy production and power savings you miss. Therefore it is essential to accelerate this process as fast as feasible. To ensure that downtime is minimised, all the arrangements are in place with your solar installation and the roofing business.

Overall, most home systems (5-20kW) placed on asphalt shingles need one day to remove the panels and the racks. It will then take 2-3 days to replace panels and racking once your roof has been restored.

Commercial projects are going to take longer. A system of 50 to 100 kW may take 3-5 days to remove the panel and racks. After the roof is restored, the panels will be reinstalled for another 8-10 days. This also depends on the roof type and the site circumstances. For example, a standing seam roof vs a flat roof takes a varying amount of time.

Can You Replace Solar Panels Using The Same Equipment?

Some components may not be reusable. However, the major components like panels and racks will be reusable.

We suggest that you contact the firm that has installed your project first. You will be most acquainted with the design of your system. The second alternative is to choose another highly competent firm in your region.

A competent and trained individual can remove and reinstall the solar panel by Do-it-Yourself (DIY). Still, we strongly suggest that this not be done because of the many dangers. 

First and foremost, unhooking and reconnecting solar equipment poses a safety risk for anybody not trained. Equipment may also be destroyed if not correctly handled. This may remove guarantees from the maker of equipment and your installation, which could eventually be expensive.

Things To Consider Before Solar Panels Are Removed From Your Roof

You need a location to store them once the panels are removed from your roof. In other instances, the panels are all right outdoors, but only if they are shielded from wind and rain. 

When solar panels are detached, they run the danger of moisture entering the electrical connections on the rear of the panel. Moisture within the connections causes a road panel failure.

We suggest that your panels be stored inside your garage, garden shed, or company warehouse. However, you want to make sure they are safe so that unauthorised access or theft is avoided.

Some components of your system may be harmed as well. It is essential to choose the appropriate firm to remove your panels, yet errors still occur. This may add unforeseen expenses.

Make sure that you know your solar system and are ready to provide a roof product that has a guarantee that is not affected by the installation of solar panels.

Takeaway

The system should be installed on well-conditioned and early-life rooftops to reduce the chance of the solar panels being removed and replaced. Do not put solar panels on a roof with a shorter life than the solar system payback time.

It’s essential to keep the procedure as smooth and fast as you can. The longer your system becomes de-energised, the more savings you miss. Ensure that the company you choose have a program to carry the project until it is finished.