Installing solar panels on your roof can be a great way to reduce your energy bills and environmental impact. However, there may come a time when you need to remove your solar panel system. Whether you’re relocating, upgrading to a newer system, or repairing your roof, removing solar panels properly is important. Here is an overview of the solar panel removal process and some key considerations.
Planning and Preparation
The first step is to make sure you plan out the removal carefully. Contact your solar panel installation company and notify your utility company that you’ll be disconnecting from the grid. Make sure all electrical components are shut off and disabled to prevent any safety issues.
You’ll also want to gather the right equipment. Typical equipment needed includes basic hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, wire cutters, and volt meter. You may also need power tools like reciprocating saws or drills depending on your specific solar panel mounting system.
Be sure to wear protective equipment like glasses, gloves, and appropriate footwear as well. Check weather forecasts and avoid removing panels in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions when possible.
Disconnecting from Electrical System
With preparations made, it’s time to disconnect the solar panels from your home’s electrical system. The process will vary depending on if your panels are wired directly into your home’s electrical panel or if microinverters were used on each panel. Generally though, you’ll shut off AC breakers or disconnect switches associated with the solar system. Test wires with a volt meter before touching anything.
If wires are connected directly into your home’s main service panel, hire a qualified electrician to disconnect them appropriately and cap any unused openings in the panel. They can ensure it’s reconnected properly to local codes when finished.
Removing Panels and Racking
Next, remove any wiring connections between solar panels. Unclip or unscrew panels from the racks or frames. You may be able to remove entire sections of solar panels in one piece if they were installed on racks spanning multiple panels.
Start dismantling the racking system once panels are removed. This typically involves unscrewing or unclipping rails, supports, and attachments. Be methodical and organised with labelling or grouping related hardware so it’s easier to reinstall later if needed.
Use power tools if necessary but take care not to damage the roof. Also properly dispose or recycle components when possible. Solar panels often contain valuable materials like silicon, silver, copper and more. Check local regulations as well for any special disposal rules.
Protecting Your Roof
An important part of removing solar systems is adequately protecting your roof. When unmounting racks and removing panel attachment points, it’s common for holes, gaps, or unsecured flashing to be left behind. Make sure these areas are re-sealed properly with compatible materials to prevent leaks.
It’s also critical that solar mounting points get covered appropriately. Any attachment points secured directly to the roof such as lag bolts must be removed. Holes should then be properly patched and sealed. Use flashing kits or silicone caulking to waterproof any penetrations.
Inspect for Issues
Before considering the job complete, inspect the full roof carefully after solar panel removal. Check for cracked tiles, damaged gutters or vents, leftover debris and more. Anything amiss should get repaired to prevent bigger problems down the road.
It’s also wise to have a professional roofer inspect as extra assurance no issues were overlooked. They may spot concerns with flashing, ventilation, or structure you could miss.
Reinstallation Considerations
If removing solar panels temporarily with aims to reinstall later, keep a few things in mind. Store all electrical components and racking hardware safely to protect it from damage while in storage. It also helps tremendously to take detailed photos of the original layout and schematics for simpler reinstallation.
You’ll likely need to reapply for updated permits, grid connection approval, and potentially rebates when it comes time to reinstall too. Check in with local authorities on requirements so you won’t have any issues powering the system back on. Having good records of the original system and removal process also makes the transition easier.
Removing solar panels is often overlooked but critical for roof repairs, relocations or upgrades. By carefully disconnecting electrical components, methodically removing mounting system hardware, adequately protecting the roof, and properly planning and documenting the process, solar panel removal can be smooth. Paying close attention to safety and details ensures you won’t have headaches when it comes time to reconnect your renewable energy system.
Eng. Matthew Joseph Nandirio is the Founder of walkingsolar.
After graduating from the University of Houston in 2002, matt started working as a Solar Electrical Engineer for several multi-national solar energy companies.
He has a wide range of experiences including solar system requirement analysis, planning, maintaining, debugging and even solar device development through research.
He now shares his 20 years of expertise through his articles on the walkingsolar website.
Further, he is also the author of two books on Solar Technology, “Solar Power for Villages” and “DIY Solar System for Dummies”.
