SOLAR
How to Estimate Solar Panel Removal & Reinstall
Contractor method for estimating solar panel removal and reinstallation by panel count.
Solar removal bids fail on the mount type and the reinstall. The panel count is easy math; surface-mount and building-integrated are very different rates, and the reinstall nearly doubles the quote.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate solar panel removal?
Count the panels, confirm the mount type (surface $100, integrated $120/panel), then add reinstall (~50% more). A 20-panel surface-mount removal with reinstall runs about $5,000.
Count the panels
Count the panels to remove. Note the system size in kW and the mount type. A typical 3 kWc system has ~8 panels; larger systems have more.
- Count the panels
- Note the system size
- Confirm the mount type
- Check the roof access
Identify the mount type
Surface-mounted panels run ~$100/panel to remove; building-integrated ~$120. Integrated panels are wired into the roof and take more labor.
Price the reinstall
Reinstall adds ~50% over removal, covering handling, rewiring and testing. Use the Solar Panel Removal & Reinstall Cost Calculator.
Check the total
Your total should land within 10% of the calculator output before markup. Confirm whether roof repair or scaffolding is needed.