If your roof has less life left than the solar panels will need, it’s best to replace it first. Solar panels usually last 25 to 30 years, so if your roof has fewer than 10 to 20 good years left, you should consider replacing it. Experts don’t always agree on the exact number. For an Encino solar installation, a roof inspection before you sign shows whether to replace, repair, or install as-is, since removing and reinstalling panels later adds real cost. Removing and reinstalling panels later can be expensive. Ultimately, the decision depends on your roof’s age, material, and condition, not just a single number.
The Short Answer: Match Your Roof’s Remaining Life to the Panels
Ideally, your roof should have at least 20 years left, or at least as long as the solar panels are expected to last. Here’s a simple way to decide: if your roof will probably need to be replaced while the panels are still working, replace it first or be ready for the extra cost of removing the panels later.
The age of your roof isn’t the only thing that matters. The material and condition are even more important than when it was installed.
Roof Age Guide: When to Replace, Inspect or Install
Start with this table for guidance, but let the results of your roof inspection make the final decision.
| Roof | Suggested Action | Why |
| Asphalt, 0-5 years | Usually install as is | Long remaining life |
| Asphalt, 5-10 years | Inspect first | Condition varies |
| Asphalt, 10-20 years | Many replace first; otherwise budget for removal later | May not outlast the panels |
| Asphalt, 20+ years | Usually replace first | Near end of life |
| Tile or metal | Inspect the surface and underlayment | Condition matters more than age |
Signs Your Roof Should Be Replaced Before Solar
Watch for these warning signs before you commit:
- Curling, cracked, or missing shingles and heavy granule loss
- Cracked or slipped tiles and failing underlayment
- Leaks or water stains in the attic or ceiling
- Sagging areas or soft decking
- Damaged or rusted flashing
- Past patch repairs on the roof planes you want to use
Even if your roof isn’t leaking now, it could still develop problems while the solar panels are in place.
Removal Costs, Benefits and Middle-Ground Options
Estimates show that removing and reinstalling solar panels can cost about $200 to $500 per panel, or several thousand dollars for the whole system. Your solar system also won’t produce power while the panels are off. Replacing the roof first helps you avoid these costs and offers these benefits:
- No removal and reinstall cost later
- Fresh underlayment under the array
- Roof and panel warranties that start together
- Possible savings from scheduling both jobs together
If your roof is somewhere in between, you have options. You can wait and install solar when you replace the roof, or you can install solar now and include the future removal cost in your contract. Other choices are using a new section of roof, installing a ground-mounted system, or doing a spot repair if your roofer says the rest of the roof is still in good shape.
Tax Credits, Free Roofs and Solar Shingles
The federal residential clean energy credit for purchased systems ended after 2025, so you don’t have to rush into solar because of a tax deadline if your roof isn’t ready. Watch out for free roof offers; often, the roof cost is just included in the system price or loan. Solar shingles are much more expensive and produce less energy per square foot than regular panels. Always ask for itemized prices for both the roof and the solar system in your contract.
Replacing a Roof Before Solar in Encino: Local Steps and Questions
If you live in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, or the Encino Hills, you’ll need LADBS permits for both your roof and solar, so scheduling matters. For an Encino solar installation on a new roof, keep these steps in mind:
- A new roof needs its own LADBS permit, and homes in very high fire hazard zones may need a fire-rated roof covering.
- If your roof has tiles, make sure you hire a crew with experience in removing and resetting them. Sometimes, the underlayment needs to be replaced even if the tiles themselves look fine.
- Coordinate your roof and solar permits so that the inspections don’t overlap or cause delays.
- Check with your roofer to see if the new roof’s warranty covers solar attachments.
- Make sure you know your home’s current LADWP interconnection terms.
Solar Unlimited is a veteran-owned, family-run company that’s been in business since 1980. They offer panel removal and reinstallation, which is helpful if your roof needs work after your solar panels are installed.
Conclusion
It’s usually best to replace your roof before installing solar panels, rather than waiting until halfway through their lifespan. A roof inspection and itemized pricing will help you decide what’s right for your home. Solar Unlimited offers free, no-obligation site assessments, so you can find out the condition of your roof before signing any contract.
Frequently Asked Question
How old is too old for a roof before solar?
Some experts say you should replace an asphalt roof if it’s over 10 years old before adding solar, while others say 20 years or more. But the condition and material of your roof matter more than its age. For example, a well-maintained tile roof might be fine, but a storm-damaged asphalt roof might not be. An inspection will give you a clear answer for your home.
Can I replace my roof after installing solar?
Yes, you can replace your roof after installing solar, but you’ll need to remove and reinstall the panels first. This adds extra cost, often several thousand dollars for a full system, and your solar system won’t produce power while the panels are off. If you think you’ll need a new roof in the next few years, it’s usually better to replace it before installing solar.
Do solar panels void my roof warranty?
Solar panels don’t always void your roof warranty, but the holes made for mounting them sometimes do. Some warranties also stop covering the area under the solar panels. The terms can vary, so ask both your roofer and solar installer to confirm in writing what’s covered before any brackets are installed.
Can I get a free roof with solar panels?
Some companies offer a free roof with solar panels, but the cost is usually included in the system price or financing. So, you’re still paying for it, just not as obviously. Ask your installer for itemized pricing that separates the roof and solar system, and compare those numbers with quotes from a roofer.
Can the same company replace my roof and install solar?
Some companies can replace your roof and install solar, while others work with partner roofers. Both options can work well if everyone’s responsibilities are clear. Ask who will handle each part of the project, who to contact if there’s a leak, and how the roof and solar warranties work together. Make sure you get these answers in writing so nothing gets missed between the two contractors.
