Taking Solar Panels Off and Back On for Roof Work in Lancaster
Roof work under a solar array needs a careful sequence. Done right, the panels go back up on a sound roof with fresh flashing at every mount.
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Reasons homeowners call us
Roof replacement
The roof under the panels has reached the end of its life and the whole system must come off.
Storm damage
Hail or wind damaged shingles around or under the array.
Leaks at mounts
A stain appears below the array, often from a mount whose flashing or seal failed.
Deck repairs
Soft decking under the panels needs to be replaced before it spreads.
Material upgrade
Some owners use the removal to move to an impact-rated or metal roof under the array.
Lancaster's numbers behind the work
Half of the homes in Lancaster were built before 1991 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). When panels were added to a roof that was already aging, the shingles often wear out before the panels do. That is the most common reason the array has to come off.
Storms are the other. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 49 hail reports within 10 miles of Lancaster from 2015 through 2024, and 8 were 1.75 inches or larger. All of those came in 2021, 2023 and 2024. After a storm like that, the roof around the panels should be checked even if the panels look fine. Our guide on what to do after a hailstorm damages your roof covers the first steps.
With 68 percent of homes owner-occupied, the decision and the scheduling usually fall to the household.
Have these ready before work starts
The original paperwork for your solar system and the installer's details.
Access to the monitoring app or a recent production reading to compare later.
A written estimate that lists removal, storage, roof work, remounting and reconnection.
Clarity on who is responsible for the electrical reconnection.
If the work follows a storm, photos and your insurer's claim details. See our roof insurance claims page. Coverage depends on your policy and insurer.
The process
Document
Photograph the panels, mounts, wiring and roof before anything is touched.
Remove the panels
Wiring is labeled and the panels and racking come off.
Agree on panel storage
Settle before the job where the panels go while the roof is open and how they are protected.
Fix the roof
Repairs or a full roof replacement in Lancaster are done, including new flashing at each mount point.
Reinstall
Mounts are set and sealed, panels go back up and the roof around the array is checked.
Final record
Photos of the finished roof and array close out the job. More on our solar panel removal and reinstallation service.
Why one crew for both jobs
When one company removes the panels, a second roofs and a third reinstalls, a leak at a mount later can leave you between three parties. Keeping the roof and the array in one plan puts the flashing, the mounts and the new roof under the same crew and the same schedule.
GemSco handles roofing, solar panel installation and solar panel removal and reinstallation. We are family owned, fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience, and estimates are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair my roof around the panels without removing them?
Small repairs at the edges of an array can sometimes be done in place. Work under the panels, such as replacing shingles, flashing or decking, usually needs at least part of the array removed. An inspection shows which option fits your roof.
Are my panels safe while they are off the roof?
They should be handled carefully, away from foot traffic and weather that can harm them. Ask how and where they will be stored during the job. Photos before removal give you a record of their condition.
Is this the time to upgrade my roof material?
It can be. With the panels off, it is a good moment to consider impact-rated shingles tested to UL 2218 Class 4 or a metal roof. Lancaster saw hail up to 2.5 inches in 2023. Confirm the mounting system suits the new material before you decide.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.