Who needs this
Three reasons an array comes down.
In every case the roof is the job and the array is the obstacle.
A re-roof under an existing array
The most common one. The roof has reached the end of its life while the panels are barely halfway through theirs.
A leak or repair beneath panels
Water finding its way in under or near the array means modules have to move before anyone can chase the source properly.
Storm or structural work
Decking damage, a failed section, or framing that needs attention. Panels get removed carefully, not levered off in a hurry.
Sun Worx installation
What is included
Off, stored, back on, verified.
The difference between a careful removal and a rushed one shows up in what still works afterward.
Labelled before anything moves
Every module, conductor and connector is tagged and photographed in place so the array goes back exactly as engineered.
Tested coming down
We record production per module before removal, which gives us a baseline to prove against when the array is back up.
Careful removal
Modules, rail and mounts come off by hand, in order, without stressing frames, conductors or connectors.
Stored on site or off
Panels are stacked, protected and kept dry for as long as the roofing work needs. They are not left leaning against a fence.
Re-flashed penetrations
Every mount goes back into new flashing on the new surface. Old holes are closed properly as part of the roofing work.
Verified before we leave
Reconnected, powered up, and checked module by module against the baseline. If a panel underperforms we find it now, not in July.
How it works
Six steps, one array, no surprises.
Coordinated with the roofing schedule so the roof is never open longer than it has to be.
- 01
System check and documentation
Production data, layout photos, equipment list and connector types recorded before a single bolt is touched.
- 02
Shutdown and isolation
The system is powered down and isolated properly, with disconnects verified rather than assumed.
- 03
Removal
Modules first, then rail, then mounts, labelled as they come off and staged where the roofing crew is not working.
- 04
Storage while the roof is done
Panels stay protected and dry on site, or leave with us if the yard cannot accommodate them safely.
- 05
Reinstall on new flashing
Mounts set into fresh flashing, rail squared, modules back in their original positions and torqued to spec.
- 06
Recommission and compare
System back online, then production checked against the pre-removal baseline and the findings handed to you in writing.
Warranty and handling
What we stand behind on a reinstall.
All electrical and roofing work is performed by appropriately licensed professionals.
Money and rules
Why this is a sequencing decision.
Removal and reinstall is roofing-driven work, so the energy programs do not apply to it. The practical point is timing: a roof replaced before an array goes up never needs this service at all, which is why we raise roof condition during solar design. If your roof has under a decade left and panels are already up there, doing the roof now and resetting the array once is the last time either trade has to touch it for years.
If the array is old enough that reinstalling it makes little sense, we will say that too, and show you the comparison rather than quietly quoting the bigger job.
Questions
Removal and reinstall questions.
How long is my system off?
Usually as long as the roofing takes, which is a few days on most houses. We schedule removal and reinstall around the roofing crew so there is no idle week in the middle.
Will my panels still be under warranty afterwards?
Manufacturer coverage stays with the equipment. What matters is that handling is documented and careful, which is why we photograph and label everything.
Do you work on systems you did not install?
Yes. Most of this work is on arrays other companies built. We record what is there and put it back the way it was engineered.
What if a panel fails during the process?
The pre-removal baseline tells us whether it was already failing. Either way you get the data and a straight recommendation.
Can the roof be done without removing the panels?
Only for work well clear of the array. Anything under or immediately around the modules needs them off to do the flashing properly.
Related pages.
Re-roofing with panels up there?
Tell us the roof material, the array size and who installed it. We will quote the removal and the reset together.
Based in Sacramento, serving Northern California. Call or text 510-773-1922 or email sunworxca@gmail.com.