Setting the Standard in AZ Roofing Since 1993
Arizona is one of the leading solar markets in the United States. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Arizona is one of the sunniest states with significant solar growth across both Phoenix and Tucson. This means a large and growing number of Arizona homeowners will eventually face a specific question: what happens to my solar system when my roof needs replacement? The short answer, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy, is that during a roof replacement, the solar panels and their mounting system will need to be removed to complete the work. The longer answer is that this process, while more complex than a standard replacement, is well-established in Arizona and manageable when the right contractors are involved. Lyons Roofing has been coordinating solar-involved roof replacements throughout Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding communities since 1993. Licensed under AZ ROC# 348074, fully bonded and insured, BBB Ethics Award winner and A+ rated, and a member of the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association. Call 602-638-3135 (Phoenix) or 520-900-1442 (Tucson) to schedule your free assessment.
The timing of a roof replacement relative to a solar system is one of the most consequential decisions Arizona homeowners with solar make. Replacing the roof before solar installation avoids panel removal costs entirely. Replacing after solar installation requires panel removal and reinstallation, which adds cost and coordination but is completely achievable. And delaying a necessary roof replacement because solar panels are present is the worst financial outcome: the roof continues to deteriorate beneath the panels, the eventual removal cost is unavoidable, and the damage that accumulated during the delay adds a third layer of cost to the eventual project.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar, homeowners should consider the age of their roof and how long until it will need replacement before making a solar installation decision. Roofs that will need replacement within five to ten years should ideally be addressed first. For homeowners who already have solar and whose roof is now approaching the end of service life, the process of replacement with solar present is straightforward when managed correctly.
The first step is a professional roof inspection that evaluates both the accessible roof sections and, as much as possible, the condition of roofing components adjacent to and beneath the solar racking system. The roof sections beneath the panels are often the least-inspected areas of any solar-bearing Arizona roof. Lyons Roofing’s residential roof inspection process documents the full accessible roof condition and identifies whether the panel-covered sections require full panel removal for thorough evaluation before any scope decision is made.
Panel removal requires a licensed solar contractor, not the roofing contractor. Lyons Roofing coordinates with your existing solar company or can connect you with licensed solar service providers in the Phoenix and Tucson areas who specialize in roof-access solar work. The solar contractor schedules panel and racking removal ahead of the roofing start date, typically requiring one to two days for most residential systems. The racking is labeled and stored carefully so it can be reinstalled to its original configuration.
With panels removed, Lyons Roofing performs the full residential roof replacement according to the specified system. Before roofing is applied over the racking penetration zones, your solar contractor identifies the structural attachment points and the new penetrations are designed to the racking system’s specifications. All penetrations are flashed and sealed with materials compatible with both the new roofing system and the solar racking base plates. This is a critical step where roofing and solar coordination directly affects the long-term waterproofing performance at every racking mount.
After the roofing replacement is complete and inspected, the solar contractor reinstalls the racking system and panels. The system is reconnected, tested, and the utility interconnection is restored. The total disconnection period from panel removal to system restoration is typically three to seven days depending on contractor scheduling and system complexity.
In most Arizona municipalities, a roof replacement permit requires a final inspection by the local building department. Lyons Roofing schedules and coordinates this final inspection. For solar systems in some jurisdictions, an electrical inspection may also be required before the system is reconnected to the grid. We coordinate the sequence of these inspections with both the permit office and your solar contractor.
One of the most consistent findings Lyons Roofing encounters on Arizona homes with solar panels is that the roof sections beneath the panels have deteriorated without the homeowner’s knowledge, precisely because they were not visible from the ground and were not accessible for routine inspection after the panels were installed. In some cases, the areas beneath the panels are actually in worse condition than the exposed areas, despite receiving less direct UV exposure, because the panels trapped moisture in the attic zone beneath them, created condensation at the racking penetration points, or concealed flashing failures that would have been caught during a standard inspection.
Professional roof inspection that includes evaluation of the panel-covered zones, either by temporarily lifting edge panels with solar contractor coordination or by using thermal imaging or drone imaging, is an important step before assuming the covered sections are in sound condition.
The financially optimal sequencing for Arizona homeowners is almost always to address any known roofing issues before solar installation. A roof in the last five to ten years of its functional service life that then has a solar system installed will require panel removal and reinstallation when it fails, paying twice for the access work. A roof replaced first, and then a solar system installed on a new roof, avoids the removal cost entirely and gives the solar system a stable, long-life platform.
For homeowners who already have solar and whose roof is now showing its age, the replacement process with panels present is the correct path regardless of the coordination complexity. Delaying replacement while the roof continues to deteriorate beneath the panels is the most expensive choice. Early-stage roof deterioration identified through annual inspection is always less expensive to address than the moisture damage that accumulates in decking, insulation, and framing if roof failure is delayed.
Do solar panels need to be removed before a roof replacement in Arizona?
Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, during a roof replacement, the solar panels and their mounting system will need to be removed to complete the roofing work. The panels, racking, and all penetration seals must be removed before the old roofing is torn off, and reinstalled after the new roofing system is in place. This is coordinated between the roofing contractor and your solar installer or a licensed solar service provider.
Who removes the solar panels for a roof replacement, the roofer or the solar company?
Solar panel removal and reinstallation requires a licensed solar contractor in most cases. Lyons Roofing coordinates directly with your existing solar company or can recommend licensed solar service providers in the Phoenix and Tucson areas who perform roof-access solar work. The typical process is: solar company removes panels and racking, Lyons Roofing performs the roof replacement, then the solar company reinstalls the panels and racking into new penetration points properly sealed for the new roof system.
How much does it add to the roof replacement cost to have solar panels removed and reinstalled?
Lyons Roofing does not publish pricing because solar panel removal and reinstallation costs depend on the number of panels, the racking system type, whether the inverter or other components need service at the same time, and the solar contractor’s rates. The general principle is that this adds a meaningful cost to the total project, but the alternative, leaving panels on an aging roof that will need replacement within a few years, typically results in paying for the removal twice while the roof beneath the panels continues to deteriorate. Addressing the roof before the panels are a significant impediment to access is almost always the financially correct timing.
How does the solar system warranty interact with my roof replacement in Arizona?
Most solar equipment manufacturers warrant the panels separately from the mounting and installation. The racking, wiring, and penetration seals are typically under the original installer’s workmanship warranty. Removing and reinstalling the system as part of a roof replacement may have warranty implications depending on who performs the reinstallation. Work performed by a licensed solar contractor typically maintains manufacturer warranty validity. We recommend reviewing your solar system warranty terms and confirming with your original installer or solar service provider before scheduling.
What happens to my net metering agreement during a roof replacement in Arizona?
During the period when your solar system is disconnected for roof replacement, you will draw power from the utility grid and will not receive net metering credits for any solar generation. The disconnection period for a typical single-family Arizona home’s solar system during a roof replacement is typically one to several days depending on system complexity and contractor coordination. Notify your utility provider of the planned disconnection; the Arizona Corporation Commission oversees utility net metering programs in Arizona.
Will my new roof affect the performance of my solar panels?
A new roofing system installed correctly will not reduce solar panel performance. The penetration points where the racking mounts to the roof will be properly sealed with roofing-compatible materials appropriate to the new system. Your solar professional reinstalls the racking to the same load-bearing structural points. The angle and position of the panels will be identical to their pre-replacement configuration. In some cases, a new roof with better ventilation design improves attic conditions enough to slightly improve panel efficiency by reducing ambient rooftop temperature.
How long does a roof replacement take when solar panels need to be removed in Arizona?
A roof replacement with solar panel removal and reinstallation typically takes longer than a standard replacement project, primarily because it requires scheduling coordination between two separate contractors: the roofing contractor and the solar service provider. The roofing work itself on a single-family Arizona home typically takes one to three days once in progress. Total project duration from panel removal to panel reinstallation, including any scheduling gaps between contractors, typically ranges from three to seven days depending on contractor availability.
Should I replace my roof before or after installing new solar panels?
Arizona homeowners should always evaluate their roof condition before solar installation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar, you should consider the age of your roof and how long until it will need replacement before installing solar. If your roof will need replacement within 5 to 10 years, replacing it before solar installation avoids the cost of panel removal and reinstallation. If your roof is relatively new and in sound condition, proceeding with solar first is appropriate.
Does my solar company need to be involved in the roofing contractor selection?
Your solar company does not select your roofer, but they should be informed of the planned roof replacement and consulted on the reinstallation timing. Providing your roofing contractor with the make and model of your solar racking system helps with penetration planning for the new roof. Any roofer you choose for a solar-panel-involved replacement should be experienced with coordinating these projects and familiar with the proper penetration and sealing methods for solar racking on the specific roof type on your home.
Can I replace just part of my roof when solar panels cover some sections?
Yes. If damage or end-of-service life is limited to specific roof sections, partial replacement is possible. However, sections of the roof beneath solar panels can only be evaluated through panel removal, which requires solar contractor involvement. A thorough inspection should include assessing the roofing beneath the panels before any scope decision is made, to confirm whether the panel-covered sections are in sound condition or whether the partial replacement scope should be expanded to include those areas as well.
What are the signs an Arizona roof with solar panels needs replacement?
The same indicators that apply to any Arizona roof: ceiling stains appearing after rain events, visible damage at any flashing transition points, increasing cooling costs suggesting heat entering through the roof structure, and the roof’s age relative to Arizona’s compressed material lifespan timeline. Roof sections beneath solar panels are particularly important to inspect professionally because they receive less UV but are also inaccessible for visual check from the ground. Some Arizona homeowners discover their most significant roof deterioration is directly beneath the panels where surface inspection was never performed after installation.
How does Lyons Roofing handle the solar coordination for a roof replacement?
Lyons Roofing works with your existing solar company or coordinates with licensed solar service providers to schedule panel removal before roofing begins and panel reinstallation after the new roofing system is complete. We provide specific timing windows to the solar contractor, confirm that all penetration points will be properly sealed for the new roofing system, and schedule the final inspection with the City or County permit office after both the roofing and solar reinstallation are complete.
Is Arizona a good market for solar panel and roof replacement coordination?
Arizona is one of the leading solar markets in the United States. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Arizona is one of the sunniest states with significant solar growth and adoption. This means the coordination between roofing and solar contractors is a well-established process in Phoenix and Tucson with a large base of experienced solar service providers who regularly work alongside roofing contractors on replacement projects. This is not a novel or unusual situation in Arizona.
What type of new roofing system works best with solar panels in Arizona?
Concrete tile and TPO or spray foam flat roofing systems are all compatible with standard solar racking systems. Lyons Roofing will specify the appropriate penetration and sealing method for whichever system is installed. The racking mounts to structural members through the roofing system regardless of material type, with appropriate flashing and sealant compatible with both the new roofing material and the racking base. The most important factor is that the penetrations are properly designed for both the roof and the racking system.
How do I schedule a solar roof replacement with Lyons Roofing?
Call 602-638-3135 (Phoenix) or 520-900-1442 (Tucson) or complete the contact form on our website to schedule a free inspection and assessment. Lyons Roofing is licensed under AZ ROC# 348074, fully bonded and insured, available 24/7. Bring any available documentation about your solar system including the installer’s contact information, the system size, and any warranty documentation. This information helps us plan the coordination sequence and ensures no warranty implications are overlooked before the project begins.
Call 602-638-3135 (Phoenix) or 520-900-1442 (Tucson) or request a free inspection online if: your Arizona home has solar panels and your roof is more than 18 years old; you have noticed ceiling stains, increased cooling costs, or any moisture indicators; you are planning a solar installation and want the roof evaluated first; or you have an active roof leak anywhere on a solar-bearing Arizona home. Lyons Roofing serves Phoenix, Tucson, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, and all surrounding communities. Licensed under AZ ROC# 348074, fully bonded and insured, available 24/7.
Free Assessment, Solar Roof Replacement in Arizona
Licensed AZ ROC# 348074 | Bonded and Insured | 30+ Years | Call 602-638-3135 (Phoenix) or 520-900-1442 (Tucson)
