The integration of solar panels on residential roofs has become increasingly prevalent across Australia. However, homeowners may encounter the need at some point for a roof restoration which necessitates the temporary removal of these solar panel installations. This process is not without its complexities, both in terms of the potential risks involved and the financial implications.
A thorough evaluation of the pros and cons is imperative for homeowners to consider before proceeding with the removal and subsequent reinstallation of solar panels.
On the positive side, the removal allows for unhindered access to the roof, ensuring a comprehensive and high-quality restoration job. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to service or upgrade the solar panel system itself. Nevertheless, the drawbacks include the risk of damage to the solar panels during the process, possible voiding of warranties, and a temporary cessation of solar energy production which could lead to increased electricity costs.
Cost considerations play a crucial role in making an informed decision. The financial aspect encompasses not only the removal and reinstallation fees but also the potential savings from uninterrupted roof maintenance and the long-term benefits of a well-maintained solar system. Homeowners must weigh these factors carefully against their personal circumstances and the condition of their roof to determine the best course of action.
Table of Contents
Reasons for Solar Panel Removal
Temporary solar panel removal from roofs can be beneficial even necessary in some cases for conducting roof repair or roof restorations. Typically on an older concrete tiled roof temporary solar panel allows for the inspection of broken tiles to all parts of a roof and application and sealing of the tiles when applying the roof coating. Ensuring all areas of the roof have been fully restored allows for a comprehensive warranty to be issued with ne exclusions due to parts of the roof being inaccessible.
A roof restoration undertake in Brisbane with temporary solar panel removal.
Basics of Solar Panel Installation
Solar panel systems are typically composed of photovoltaic (PV) panels, mounting hardware, and electrical connections. The installation involves securely fixing the panels to the roof structure using brackets ensuring optimal orientation and tilt for maximum sunlight exposure. These components are interconnected through electrical wiring to inverter systems that convert the solar energy into usable electricity. For a temporary solar panel system removal. All wiring remains in place. The inverter needs to be turned off and Isolated but not removed at all. The panels are simply un-plugged and bright to the ground. Usually stacked upright near the house until the roof restoration has been completed and its time for panel reinstallation. The solar panels rails are often left in place on the roof as they do not hinder the access of roof workers to the roof surface.
Solar panels being removed from a roof top for a roof restoration job.
Note panels only are removed and mounting rails and cables to remain.
Evaluating the Pros of Removal
When considering temporary solar panel removal, it’s critical to assess the benefits in terms of improved roof access and the potential for system enhancements.
Improved Roof Accessibility
Temporary removal of solar panels greatly increases accessibility for roof restoration. Roofers can inspect and repair every inch of the surface without obstruction, ensuring a comprehensive restoration. The biggest benefit on a tiled roof undergoing roof restoration is that workers and home owners can be sure that no broken or chipped tiles remain on the roof under the solar panels.
Opportunity for System Upgrades
Removal also presents an opportune time for system upgrades. Considering the decision has already been made to invest a little more on the roof restoration and have the solar panels temporarily removed the next question to ask is what gives the best value from here? Paying good money to have the original system installed or upgrading the system completely. With the rapid technological upgrades of solar systems over the last ten years and significant cost reduction of solar components during the same period, a solar array of today may make up to 5 times the total power if its earlier counterpart and may be one third the cost.
Future proofing
When the value considerations have been made and the determination is to keep with the current solar system temporary removal still gives greater opportunity for modification to the solar array. By ensuring every part of a roof is fully re-coated during the roof restoration, a solar array can be moved in anyway or even removed without leaving large obvious unpainted sections of roof exposed.
Cons to Consider
When contemplating the temporary removal of solar panels for roof restoration, it is crucial to recognise the drawbacks. This section examines the main challenges homeowners may face.
Potential for Solar Downtime
During roof restoration, solar panels are non-operational, leading to a dependency on grid electricity. This shift can result in temporarily higher utility costs for the duration of the restoration project. Homeowners should prepare for an absence of solar energy production, which could last several days to weeks depending on the duration of the roof repairs.
Cost of Solar panel temporary removal
The cost of temporary solar panel removal and re-installation by licenced solar electricians in the Brisbane and Gold Coast area is around $85 per panel +GST. So a typical 20 panel solar array should cost around $1700+GST all up. Pricing across the rest of Australia are similar to this. It should also be noted that this covers a single story home and a standard solar set up. Soar arrays on double story homes or complex systems with micro inverters will often cost more for the same number of panels.
Post-Restoration Reinstallation
A professional roof restoration company will probably recommend leaving the roof coating to dry and cure for several days before having solar electricians back on the roof for the re-installation. This just ensures the coating is fully hard and not easily spoilt by the foot steps of busy men carrying solar panels. With good timing and planning by the roof restoration business you should expect your panels to go back on 3-5 days after the restoration is full complete.
FAQs
In Australia any qualified and licenced electrician is able to legally remove, install or carry out modification to a solar system. There is no specific solar tradesperson qualification.
As per the above, a single storey house with a standard solar install is usually around $85+GST per solar panel to have removed and refitted.
It can only be done by a licenced and qualified electrician.
Summary:
The best people to advise you of whether temporary solar panel removal may be of benefit to your roof and home during a roof restoration is the roof restoration company themselves. While the solar electricians may be experts at installing solar systems to a roof they are not expert on the roof itself. For more information or to find out if this may be needed for your roof restoration contact us at Oz-Roof today !!
