Replacing a Roof With Solar Panels: What Arizona Homeowners Need to Know

If your roof is due for replacement and you have solar, the two projects have to happen together. Trying to reroof around a live array is unsafe, damages the array, and voids both the roof and solar warranties.

The correct sequence

• Day 1: Solar contractor detaches array (panels off, racking off, holes capped)
• Days 2–4: Roofer tears off, decks, and installs new roof
• Day 5+: Solar contractor resets — new flashings, racking to rafters, panels reinstalled, system energized

Most Prescott-area reroofs with solar take 5–8 calendar days end to end. The best scheduling has the solar reset happening within 2–3 days of the roof completion so the array isn't dark longer than it needs to be.

Why the roofer shouldn't do the solar work

A roofing crew handling live 600-volt DC is a code violation and a warranty voider. Solar manufacturers require certified electricians for the disconnect and reconnection, and racking manufacturers require documented reinstall protocols. If a roofer tells you they'll 'just handle it,' get a second opinion.

Insurance-driven roof replacement

If your roof is being replaced under an insurance claim (hail, wind, monsoon damage), the detach and reset almost always gets covered — but only if your adjuster is told about it upfront. We provide the itemized scope so the claim has the number in writing.

New roof warranty implications

Most 30-year shingle warranties require documented flashing installation around every roof penetration. Our reset uses new manufacturer-approved flashings and generates an inspection photo log we hand to your roofer for the warranty file.

What it costs together

A 2,400 sq ft Prescott home with 26 panels and an architectural shingle reroof typically runs $18,000–$26,000 combined. Coordinating both bids at once saves 10–20% versus running them separately with a month between.