A homeowner trying to coordinate a solar installation with a roof replacement got a reality check after they asked for advice online.
Other solar enthusiasts warned that if you do a job in the wrong order, you could pay for the same labor twice.
Here's what to know
That dilemma came up in Reddit's r/diySolar community, where the original poster wrote: "My roof will most likely need to be replaced in the next 3-5 years. Should I wait to install solar panels?"
The OP also wondered whether roofing companies typically remove panels as part of a job or subcontract the work.
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In a comment, they said they had 20-year-old asphalt shingles and were considering a metal roof.
Commenters advised dealing with the aging roof before adding solar since that is usually easier on a budget when a replacement is approaching.
"Wait until after the roof is replaced. Labor is a big chunk of the costs, and you don't want to pay to install the system twice," one wrote.
Another noted: "You need to replace roof before panels are installed. A roofer will not touch the panels."
The top comment read: "Wait to install. Removing and reinstalling panels is a solar installer's job, and you'll pay for it. Roofers won't touch them. They'll make it your job."
More background
Solar can trim utility costs for many years, but the calculation changes if the roof needs to be replaced. If an array has to be removed only a few years after it is installed, the added labor bill can chip away at the savings homeowners were counting on.
Laying out the costs of both paths before signing a contract can make the decision clear. But without expert input, it can still be challenging to know which route to follow.
Getting quotes can provide a sense of what your savings will look like. If you're comparing whether to install before a roofing or after one, it can help to explore EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on a solar purchase and installation.
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You can also use EnergySage's solar map, which shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state along with details on solar panel incentives available in each state.
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