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If panels need to be removed for reroofing, homeowners may face separate labor costs, potential warranty issues, and the challenge of coordinating multiple contractors.
Photo Credit: iStock
A nearly $10,000 dispute described by a New York homeowner in a Reddit thread is a good reminder for solar shoppers that the inspection before panels go up may not be the same as a full roofing assessment.
The complaint began when the solar company asked for almost $10,000 to remove and reinstall the panels. 
It started about a year and a half ago, when the original poster had panels installed on their roof. Before the panels went up, the solar company inspected the roof and attic and didn’t find anything of real concern. 
However, a kitchen leak recently sent the OP into the attic. There, they said the active leak seemed tied to a vent, but they also discovered rotten, moldy plywood. When they had a roofer come to inspect it, they were told the issue likely started before the panels went up. 
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
When they took this news to the solar company, the OP did not get the response they had hoped to hear, writing: “They want me to pay them close to 10K to take them out and reinstall them.”
While roofing issues may complicate the decision, going solar remains one of the best ways to save money on home energy bills. Homeowners still weighing their options can explore EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes. 
A solar installer may inspect whether a roof can physically support panels, but that does not necessarily mean the company is assessing the overall condition of the roofing system and attic. In this case, the company allegedly told the homeowner that “they are not professional roofers.”
If panels need to be removed for reroofing, homeowners may face separate labor costs, potential warranty issues, and the challenge of coordinating multiple contractors only after a leak or other damage has already surfaced.
FROM OUR PARTNER
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Rooftop systems can reduce utility costs and pollution, but those financial benefits can be harder to realize if a roof needs major repairs. A roof that looks fine from the ground can still have hidden moisture issues, ventilation problems, or damaged decking.
Before signing a solar contract, homeowners can ask for an independent roofing inspection, request written details about any panel removal and reinstallation fees, and clarify what happens to equipment warranties if another contractor works on the system. If a roof is already aging, replacing it first may be less expensive than removing panels later.
A service like EnergySage can also help you go solar with free tools that let you curate competitive bids from local installers without them getting your contact information unless you continue to work with one.
Those free services can be especially helpful when installation costs vary widely. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, plus solar panel incentives for each state. Together, these resources can help readers get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save on energy costs, and go off-grid. Batteries can also keep critical devices running when the grid goes down. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
These articles look at how homeowners vet solar companies, compare costs, review contracts, and navigate fees and incentives.
• After predatory calls, a homeowner asked Reddit how to find a legit solar installer.
• In Pennsylvania, a resident reviewing a pole-barn pitch questioned who owns the panels before signing.
• EnergySage’s COO broke down what drives solar costs as homeowners compare installation bids.
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

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