Replacing a roof is a significant investment, but it can also be the perfect opportunity to switch to solar energy. Many homeowners don't realize that installing solar panels when replacing a roof can offer both practical and financial benefits. Waiting too long to install solar could also mean unnecessary extra costs down the road. Some solar installers won’t even mount panels on an aging roof, which means upgrading your roof first might be a necessity for solar anyway.
If you’re trying to decide whether to embrace solar energy when replacing your roof, here are some reasons to consider it.
1. You might need to replace your roof for solar
Solar installers often have policies that require roofs to be in good condition to ensure the panels can be installed safely. Placing solar panels on old or damaged roofs can pose risks because they may not be able to hold the additional weight.
Most installers will assess whether or not your roof needs replacing if you decide to consider solar panels. Others may simply refuse to proceed with the installation, and some may install solar panels but won't offer any warranty. That’s a clear sign that your roof won't stand the test of time. Installing solar on an aging roof could prove more costly if your roof were to develop a leak or other problems that require replacement.
By combining a roof replacement with a solar installation, you avoid the hassle and cost of replacing the roof later on, which could result in additional labor and potentially void your solar panel warranty.
2. Cost savings by bundling projects
Replacing your roof and installing solar panels separately can be expensive, as both projects require labor, specific materials and expertise. According to Smart Roofers NY , the national average cost of replacing a roof is around $19,500. Paradise Energy Solutions suggests the average residential solar panel system costs between $2 and $3 per watt to install, so you can expect to pay upwards of $25,000 for solar, depending on a variety of factors.
Doing a roof replacement and solar installation simultaneously means you only pay for labor and materials once, reducing overall expenses. Some solar companies partner with roofing contractors to bundle deals and encourage homeowners to take advantage of both services. To replace your roof and install solar, you could pay about $30,000 in total, according to EnergySage .
Can you install solar panels on a metal roof?
Solar panels are a long-term investment for driving down household energy costs and with the high cost of installation, you won't want to attach them to a roof that needs replacement soon. Thanks to their comparatively long lives, metal roofs are ideal candidates for solar panels.
3. Leverage tax credits and incentives during roof replacement
Both roof replacement and solar installation come with tax benefits that can help you save money. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows homeowners to claim up to 30% of the total cost of a solar installation as a tax credit.
Additionally, some states and local governments offer incentives for renewable energy. Some offer utility or state rebates and low-income incentives. California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) , for example, encourages households to use solar batteries in return for rebates, and New York’s solar incentives offer a credit equal to 25% of your qualified solar energy system equipment expenditures, up to $5,000.
4. Long-term energy savings
Solar panels provide long-term energy savings by harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity for your home. With rising energy costs, switching to solar can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. EnergySage’s solar calculator provides a quick estimate of your potential solar panel savings taking into consideration your location, property type and average monthly electricity bill.
Most solar panels have a product warranty of 10 years to 15 years, but some offer warranties of 25 years or longer. With an average system size of 7.2kW in California, you might save up to $104,498 over 25 years .
Installing solar panels on a new roof maximizes your energy efficiency, especially since your roof will be optimized for the panels. Over time, you’ll see a return on your investment in reduced energy costs and potentially excess energy that you can sell back to the grid. However, if you use more electricity than your solar panels can produce, you’ll need to pay the difference on your electricity bill.
5. Increase the value of your home
A roof replacement, especially with the added benefit of solar panels, can boost the value of your home. A home’s value increases by $20 for every $1 of savings from having a solar energy system, according to the Appraisal Journal . Between 1999 and 2013, a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory looked at 22,000 home sales across eight states, resulting in an increased home value of $4 per watt ($15,000 for a typical solar system) for homes with solar systems.
With many homebuyers now prioritizing energy-efficient homes, solar can make yours more attractive. With energy prices fluctuating, having solar panels is an appealing feature that can lead to a higher sale price and a quicker sale.
6. Environmental benefits
Aside from the obvious financial benefits of solar panels and roof replacement, it’s also an environmentally responsible choice to install solar roof panels. Solar power helps reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and producing fewer emissions.
Though the process of developing solar energy can pose potential environmental risks, U.S. environmental laws regulate the use and disposal of hazardous materials. The benefits of using solar energy generally outweigh the risks of manufacturing solar energy technologies.
By investing in solar panels during a roof replacement, you’re contributing to a cleaner environment, supporting the renewable energy industry, and doing your part to fight climate change. This can also be a selling point if you’re looking to market your home as an eco-friendly property.
7. Fewer future roof maintenance costs
With solar roof panels installed on a new roof, you'll have peace of mind knowing that both the roof and the panels are in great condition, and you can ensure product warranties are in place for further protection. Newer roofing materials and modern solar panels are built to last, meaning you’ll have fewer concerns about maintenance or repairs. Solar panels generally last 25+ years, so you should be set for the long term.
8. When to install solar panels on an existing
While it's a great idea to consider solar when replacing your roof, timing matters. Solar panels typically have a lifespan of 25 years to 30 years and asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of around 20 years to 30 years, so ideally, you would install solar panels during the roof replacement phase. This allows you to ensure that the structure can handle the weight of the panels and that the roof is secure. You'll also maximize the time that the roof and panels last before one of them needs maintenance or repair.
However, if your roof is relatively new (under 10 years old) or your roof is in good condition, you could install solar panels without replacing your roof. The best way to determine if you should install solar on your current roof or wait until you replace it is to arrange for a qualified roofing contractor to assess the condition and lifespan of the roof, which may come with associated inspection costs .
If you're going solar, it pays to bundle it with roof replacement
Replacing your roof and installing solar panels simultaneously is a smart, cost-effective choice that benefits your wallet and the environment. With potential energy and maintenance savings, increased home value, tax credits and reduced environmental impact, timing your solar installation to align with roof replacement can be an excellent move.
