Roof Replacement With Solar Panels - How Does This Process Work?
Replacing a roof is already a major home improvement project - but when your property includes a solar energy system, the process requires additional planning, coordination, and expertise. If you’re a homeowner considering roof replacement with solar panels in Evergreen, Colorado, understanding how the process works can save you time, money, and stress.
Evergreen’s mountain climate - heavy snow loads, hailstorms, high UV exposure, and rapid temperature swings - makes roofing durability especially important. At the same time, many Evergreen homeowners have invested in solar to take advantage of Colorado’s abundant sunshine and sustainability incentives. When these two systems intersect, careful coordination is key.
Below is a comprehensive guide to how roof replacement with solar panels works and what Evergreen homeowners need to know.
Why Roof Replacement with Solar Panels Requires Special Planning
Solar panels are mounted directly onto your roof using racking systems that penetrate or attach to the roof deck. While they’re designed to be durable and weather-resistant, they must be temporarily removed before replacing your roof.
Attempting to replace shingles or underlayment with panels still installed is not safe and will void most roofing warranties. That’s why roof replacement with solar panels always involves three core steps:
Solar panel removal (detachment)
Roof replacement
Solar panel reinstallation (reset)
In Evergreen, Colorado, where snow accumulation and ice dams are common, ensuring your new roof is properly sealed and flashed before reinstallation is especially important.
Step 1: Solar Panel Removal (Detach & Store)
The first step in roof replacement with solar panels is safely detaching the system.
This process typically involves:
Shutting down the solar system
Disconnecting wiring
Removing panels from mounting racks
Removing racking and roof attachments
Labeling components for reinstallation
Carefully storing equipment to prevent damage
It’s important to note that removal needs to be performed by a qualified solar technician. Troost Roofing can coordinate removal and replacement, or we can work with a contractor of your choosing.
Step 2: Roof Inspection and Structural Evaluation
Before installing a new roof, your contractor should inspect the decking and structural components beneath the old shingles. This step is especially important in Evergreen due to:
Heavy winter snow loads
Ice dam formation
Moisture intrusion
Hail impact damage
If decking repairs are needed, they’ll be completed before new roofing materials are installed. This ensures your roof replacement with solar panels provides a strong foundation for reinstallation.
Additionally, homeowners may choose to upgrade roofing materials at this stage - such as switching to impact-resistant shingles designed for Colorado hailstorms.
Step 3: Installing the New Roof
Once the old roofing materials are removed and the deck is prepared, your new roofing system is installed.
A proper roofing system in Evergreen, Colorado typically includes:
Grace Ice and Water Shield underlayment
Drip edge flashing
Starter shingles
Architectural or impact-resistant shingles
Ridge ventilation system
If your solar panels were originally installed on an older roof, this upgrade significantly improves long-term durability and energy efficiency.
Professional contractors understand that proper flashing and waterproofing are critical before solar panels are reattached. Any weak points around penetrations can lead to leaks, which will necessitate repairs if not properly flashed in the first place.
Step 4: Reinstalling the Solar Panels
After the roof replacement is complete and inspections are passed, the solar system is reinstalled.
This step includes:
Reattaching mounting brackets (with proper flashing)
Installing racking systems
Reinstalling panels
Reconnecting electrical wiring
Testing system performance
Final system inspection
In many cases, installers may recommend upgrading mounting hardware to ensure compatibility with your new roof. Modern flashing systems are more leak-resistant than older models.
When completed properly, your roof replacement with solar panels will look seamless - often better than before.
Cost Considerations in Evergreen, Colorado
The cost of roof replacement with solar panels typically includes:
Solar removal and reinstallation fees
Roofing labor and materials
Possible decking repairs
Permit and inspection fees
In Colorado, solar detach and reset services often range from $1,500 to $5000 depending on system size and the solar installer. Roofing costs vary based on material type and roof complexity.
While this may feel like an added expense, replacing your roof before it fails protects both your home and your solar investment.
Should You Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar?
If your roof is more than 15–20 years old and you’re considering solar installation in Evergreen, it’s often smarter to replace the roof first. This avoids paying for detach and reset services later.
When you work with Troost Roofing, our team will evaluate the following before recommending a roof service and issuing an estimate:
Remaining roof lifespan
Shingle condition
Structural integrity
Ventilation efficiency
Coordinating roof replacement and solar installation at the same time can reduce overall labor costs and streamline permitting.
Insurance and Hail Damage in Evergreen
Evergreen homeowners are no strangers to hailstorms. If your roof was damaged in a storm, your homeowner’s insurance may cover both roofing replacement and solar panel detach/reset costs. Typically, insurance covers roof damage if that damage is the result of a sudden act of nature.
If hail damage, a falling tree, or a storm caused the damage to your roof, the way to get insurance to cover it is by:
You start by filing a claim.
Schedule a time for an insurance adjustor to come inspect the roof.
Hire Troost Roofing to replace your roof.
Troost will go over the insurance paperwork with a fine-tooth comb.
If the adjustor missed anything, Troost will put together a counter-proposal for you to submit to insurance.
Once the counter-proposal is accepted, insurance will send you a check for part of the claim.
Troost will then do the work to replace the roof.
Once the work is done, Troost will send you an invoice.
You submit that invoice to your insurance company.
Your insurance company will send you a check for the rest of the claim.
Benefits of Properly Coordinated Roof Replacement with Solar Panels
When done correctly, roof replacement with solar panels offers several advantages:
Improved energy efficiency
Enhanced home value
Stronger storm resistance
Updated warranties
Long-term protection for your solar investment
For homeowners in Evergreen, Colorado, where environmental sustainability and mountain durability both matter, maintaining both systems is crucial.
Get in Touch with Troost Roofing for More Information!
Roof replacement with solar panels may seem complicated, but with the right planning and experienced professionals, the process is straightforward and manageable.
In Evergreen, Colorado, where extreme weather can shorten roofing lifespans, staying proactive protects your home and your renewable energy system. Whether you’re responding to hail damage, upgrading aging shingles, or planning ahead for solar installation, proper coordination ensures your investment lasts for decades.
If you’re considering roof replacement with solar panels in Evergreen, give Troost Roofing a call! Our team provides high-quality roofing and will work seamlessly with the solar installers to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
