A roof replacement with solar panels already on the house takes two trades working in order: the solar company shuts down and removes the array, the roofer replaces the roof and flashes new mount points properly, then the solar company reinstalls and recommissions the system. The key is scheduling both sides before anyone touches the roof.
Who does what
This is a handoff job, and knowing where each trade's responsibility begins and ends prevents most problems.
The solar company
- Safely shuts down the system and disconnects the panels.
- Removes panels, racking and rails, and stores them.
- Reinstalls the array, reconnects wiring and confirms it is producing.
- Handles any utility or permit paperwork for the electrical side.
The roofer
- Tears off and replaces the roof, including decking repairs where needed.
- Waterproofs every attachment point so the mounts do not become leaks.
- Coordinates timing so the roof is ready when the solar crew returns.
Roofers should not unplug or move panels themselves. That is electrical work for the solar installer. If you are starting to plan, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 or reach us through our contact page and we will inspect the roof first so you know what you are coordinating.
Step-by-step: roof replacement with solar panels
- Roof inspection. Confirm the roof actually needs replacing and check the decking and attic.
- Contact the solar company. Ask about removal and reinstall scheduling, and whether it affects any solar warranty.
- Agree on dates. Set removal, reroof and reinstall dates, and share contact numbers between the two companies.
- Removal. The solar crew takes the array down.
- Reroof. The roofing crew replaces the roof and flashes the mount locations.
- Reinstall and test. The solar crew reinstalls and confirms the system is working.
- Final check. Walk the roof or look at photos to confirm every mount is flashed and nothing was damaged.
Where the panels are stored
Ask the solar company where the panels and racking will sit during the reroof. Stacked in a garage or on pallets away from the work area is ideal. Panels leaned against the house under the eaves are at risk from falling debris during tear-off.
Flashing the mounts: where leaks start
Every solar mount is a hole through the roof. On a new roof, those points need to be integrated into the shingle system, not caulked and forgotten.
Mounts that go through the shingles
Mounts should sit on flashing that slides under the course above, so water runs over it rather than into it. Sealant helps, but it should not be the only defense.
Reusing old attachment holes
Old mounting holes in the decking must be sealed or the damaged decking replaced. New attachment points often need to land on rafters, so the layout is confirmed before shingling.
Our article on rooftop equipment mounts and your warranty explains why proper flashing matters for coverage too.
When to reroof and when to wait
If your roof is aging and you are thinking about adding solar, it is usually smart to replace the roof first so you do not pay for removal and reinstall later. If panels are already on, the question is how much life the roof has left. A roof inspection answers that, and our guide to solar panels and your roof in Texas covers planning before an install.
When hail is the reason
If a North Texas hailstorm damaged the roof, ask your adjuster whether panel removal and reinstall is included in your claim. It is often listed as a separate item. The panels themselves may also need an inspection by the solar company, since hail can crack glass or damage frames. Our insurance claims help can walk you through documenting the roof damage so nothing is left out of the scope.
Questions to settle before any work starts
- Will the solar company reuse the same racking, or does anything need updating to fit the new roof?
- Does your city or county require permits for the removal and reinstall, and who pulls them?
- Who is responsible if a panel is damaged in storage or during reinstall?
- Will the solar company check conduit runs and wiring that cross the roof?
- Do the roof and solar warranties both remain in force after the work?
Getting these answers in writing from both companies keeps the handoff smooth and gives you a paper trail if anything goes wrong later. It also avoids the finger-pointing that sometimes follows when a leak shows up near a mount and neither side is sure who touched it last.
How Cannon Roofing handles the roofing side
Cannon Roofing does the roofing part of the job. Our roof replacement crews are factory trained, every employee carries the Technician Seal of Safety, and we have been serving Decatur and Wise County since 1994. Tell us who your solar installer is at the inspection so the reroof dates can be lined up with theirs. We stand behind our roofing work with written warranties.
Frequently asked questions
Can the roof be replaced without removing the panels?
Not properly. The shingles and flashing under the array have to be replaced, which means the panels come off first.
Will removing panels void my solar warranty?
It can if the wrong people remove them. Have the original installer or a qualified solar company do the removal and reinstall.
How long will the system be offline?
It depends on the reroof schedule and the solar company's availability. Coordinating dates up front keeps the gap short.
Ready to plan a reroof under your solar array? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, day or night. We will inspect the roof, give you a free estimate and talk through timing so you can line up dates with your solar company. You can also reach us on the Cannon Roofing contact page.