Grants For Non Profits (read more)
Free Solar Panels For Businesses (read more)
When it comes to taking down solar panels from your roof, one question keeps coming up: do you really need an electrician? The short answer is yes, in most cases you absolutely do. While it might seem like something you can handle yourself, removing solar panels involves serious electrical work that carries real risks. At Panelit Solar, we've seen too many situations where homeowners tried to cut corners only to end up with damaged equipment, voided warranties, or worse.
Solar panel removal isn't just about unbolting a few panels and calling it a day. These systems are connected to your home's electrical grid and can generate between 600 and 1,000 volts of direct current even when they're supposedly switched off. That's not something you want to mess around with unless you know exactly what you're doing.
Around 70 to 80% of solar pv panel removal jobs involve electrical work that legally must be carried out by a certified electrician trained in solar like us here at Panelit Solar. This isn't just a suggestion. Many jurisdictions have strict rules about who can handle this type of work, and for good reason. Getting it wrong can lead to electrocution, fire, or serious damage to your home's electrical system.
Taking panels down yourself might seem like a good way to save a bit of money, but the risks often outweigh any savings. Research shows that more than 20% of DIY attempts result in roof damage. That means you could end up paying more to fix your roof than you would have spent hiring a professional in the first place.
Then there's the issue of warranties. Most solar panel manufacturers and inverter companies make it clear in their terms that DIY removal can void both product and installation guarantees. If you damage something during removal and your warranty is void, you're looking at expensive replacements coming straight out of your pocket.
The electrical side of things is where most people get into trouble. The inverter disconnection alone is one of the trickiest parts of the whole job. One wrong move here can permanently damage the system or create a safety hazard. Professionals know how to handle these components without causing harm to the equipment or themselves.
Local building codes often require that any electrical work, including solar panel removal, be performed by a certified professional. This isn't just bureaucracy. These rules exist to protect homeowners and maintain safety standards in the community.
In many regions, you'll need permits before you can even start the removal process. A qualified electrician knows which permits are required and how to secure them. They'll also ensure all work complies with local regulations, which is especially important if you ever plan to sell your home. Buyers and their inspectors will want to see that everything was done properly and legally.
Some insurance providers won't cover roof repairs or allow system reinstallation unless you can prove that a licensed professional handled the removal. It's worth checking with your insurance company before you make any decisions about how to proceed.
Before any physical removal can happen, the solar system needs to be safely disconnected from the electrical grid. This is a legal requirement in most places and must be done by someone who knows what they're doing. The panels continue to generate electricity as long as sunlight hits them, which means they're always potentially live.
Professionals use specific safety protocols to manage this risk. They might cover panels with opaque tarps to stop energy production before starting work. They know how to shut down the system properly, disconnect all electrical connections, and turn off the electricity supply from the grid in the correct sequence.
Wearing the right protective gear is also essential. Gloves can protect you from scraps and cuts, while safety glasses keep debris and dust out of your eyes. A hard hat protects against falling debris, and sturdy, non slip shoes or boots are a must when working on a roof. Professionals come equipped with all of this and more.
There are several reasons why you might need to take down your solar panels. Sometimes the roof beneath them needs repairs or maintenance that you can't access with the panels in place. Other times, homeowners decide to upgrade to a newer model or a more efficient system.
Building works might reduce the available roof space, making it necessary to remove solar panels temporarily or permanently. If there's a problem with the shingles underneath, you'll need to remove the panels to fix them. In some cases, properties are being demolished, and the panels need to come down as part of that process.
Sometimes panels are removed to allow for localised repairs to the roof, or to facilitate a complete reroofing job. After removal, it's important to inspect the roof for damage to make sure everything is in good condition before any panels go back up or before you move forward with other work.
When you hire a qualified electrician or certified solar panel technician, they bring experience, tools, and expertise that make the job safer and more efficient. Professional services typically reduce project time by 30 to 40% compared to DIY attempts. They know exactly what they're doing, which means less risk of mistakes and damage.
The removal process usually starts with a thorough assessment of your system and roof. The team will plan the safest approach, taking into account the mounting system, the condition of the roof, and any specific challenges your setup presents. They'll disconnect the inverter properly, ensuring no damage occurs to this critical component.
Once everything is safely disconnected, they'll remove all the panels carefully, making sure not to damage the tiles or shingles. They'll inspect the roof for any damage and let you know what needs to be fixed. After removal, they'll handle the proper disposal of components, many of which contain materials like silicon and glass that require special handling and recycling.
Professionals also know how to manage the wiring and electrical components safely. They'll make sure everything is stored properly if you plan to reinstall the system later, or they'll dispose of materials responsibly if you're getting rid of the system altogether.
Removing solar panels costs between 200 and 1,000 pounds per panel, depending on various factors. The size and complexity of the system play a big role in pricing. A larger system with more panels and a more complicated setup will naturally cost more to remove.
Labour rates vary depending on the business and the area's cost of living. Some regions have higher costs for skilled trades, which affects the overall price. The removal process may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on system size and complexity.
Other factors can increase overall removal costs. If the roof is damaged and needs repairs, that will add to your budget. Some setups are more difficult to access, which can increase labour time and costs. Professional services guarantee that there won't be hidden fees, and the cost is typically a flat rate agreed upon before work begins.
While it might seem expensive upfront, hiring a professional often saves money in the long run. You avoid the risk of damaging your roof, voiding warranties, or making costly mistakes with the electrical work. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing the job was done safely and correctly.
Whether you're watching a professional team work or you're determined to understand the process, it's important to know what safety measures are involved. Solar panels generate electricity, which poses serious electrical hazards if not handled properly during removal.
Workers need to wear gloves to protect against scraps and cuts while removing panels. Safety glasses protect eyes from debris and dust that can fly around during the job. Helmets are essential to protect against falling debris, especially when working at height.
Sturdy, non slip shoes or boots should be worn to prevent slips and falls on the roof. A safety harness is recommended when working on the roof to minimise the risk of falls, especially in adverse weather conditions. Professionals always barricade and secure the area around the removal site to prevent accidents and injuries to others.
Before any work begins, all electrical connections must be shut off and the power supply from the grid disconnected. This is critical and must be done in the correct order to avoid creating a dangerous situation. Professionals know how to do this safely and efficiently.
After removal, there's still work to be done. Solar panels contain materials like glass, silicon, and various metals that need to be handled carefully. Many components require special handling and recycling rather than just being thrown away.
Professional removal services manage this entire process for you. They know which facilities can properly recycle solar materials and ensure everything is disposed of according to environmental regulations. This is particularly important for inverters and other electronic components that contain materials requiring specialist handling.
Some parts of your old system might be worth keeping. If you're upgrading to a new system rather than getting rid of solar power altogether, your mounting system or some wiring might be reusable. A professional can help you decide what's worth saving and what should be disposed of properly.
Both roofers and solar panel contractors can remove solar panels from a roof, but there are important differences. Some roofing companies are qualified to remove panels and often do so when they need to access the roof for repairs or replacement. However, they may not be able to reconnect the electrical components or reinstall the panels once the roof work is complete.
A solar panel technician or electrician, on the other hand, can handle the entire job from start to finish. They'll disconnect everything safely, remove the panels, do any necessary roof inspections, and can reinstall the system if needed. This makes them the better choice if you plan to keep your solar setup.
Some roofing companies work in partnership with electrical installation contractors to offer a complete service. This can be a good option because you get experts in both fields working on your project. The important thing is to make sure everyone involved is properly qualified and insured for the work they're doing.
At the end of the day, removing solar panels is a job that requires specific knowledge and skills. The electrical work involved is not something to take lightly. Around 70 to 80% of removal jobs require certified electrical work, and there's a good reason for that.
Hiring a licensed professional protects you legally, financially, and physically. Electrical inspections are often required after panel removal, and only a licensed electrician can sign off on this work for compliance. Without this sign off, you could face problems down the line when trying to sell your home or make insurance claims.
The investment in professional help is worth it for the expertise, safety, and peace of mind you get. Professionals have the necessary tools, equipment, and training to do the job right. They can complete the work much faster than a DIY attempt, and they'll make sure everything is done to code.
If you've decided that professional removal is the way to go, the next step is finding the right team for the job. Look for electricians or solar contractors who are certified and insured. Check their reviews and ask for references from previous customers.
Get quotes from several different companies so you can compare pricing and services. Make sure you understand exactly what's included in the price. Will they handle permits? Is disposal included? What about roof inspection and repairs if needed?
Discuss your timeline with the contractor. If you need the work done by a certain date, make sure they can accommodate your schedule. The removal process may take a few hours for a small system or several days for a larger, more complex installation.
Ask about what happens if they find damage during the removal process. Will they handle repairs, or will you need to bring in another contractor? Having these conversations upfront helps avoid surprises later on.
Removing solar panels is more complicated than it might appear at first glance. The electrical components, the need for permits, the risk of roof damage, and the proper disposal of materials all add up to a job that's best left to professionals.
At Panelit Solar, we understand that hiring an electrician or solar contractor adds to the cost of your project. But we also know from experience that trying to save money by doing it yourself often ends up costing more in the long run. Damaged equipment, voided warranties, and roof repairs can quickly exceed the cost of professional removal.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing the job was done safely and correctly is invaluable. Whether you're removing panels for roof repairs, upgrading your system, or getting rid of solar altogether, professional help ensures everything goes smoothly. Your home, your safety, and your investment all deserve that level of care.
