Your home’s roofing system and your solar panels are a powerful duo, working together to protect your home and generate clean energy. But what happens when your roof needs essential roof repairs or a complete roof replacement ? The process of reroofing with an existing solar system can be complex and costly, often requiring coordination between two different contractors. However, as both a leading Midwest Solar Installation company and a premier Roofing Contractor , SunSent Solar is uniquely positioned to handle the entire project seamlessly, saving you time, money, and hassle. Here is an informative guide on what's involved in reroofing with solar and the overwhelming advantage of choosing a unified expert like SunSent Solar. The Inevitable: Why You Need to Remove Your Solar Panels for Reroofing When your roofing materials —most commonly asphalt shingles —reach the end of their lifespan (typically 20-30 years), they must be replaced to prevent water damage to your home's structure. If you have solar panels for your home , they must be completely removed before the old roof can be torn off and the new one installed. Why the panels must come down: Access: Roofers need clear access to remove the old shingles, inspect the underlying roof deck , and install the new materials, including flashing and underlayment . Warranty: Improper installation of the new roof around the solar mounts can void your new roof warranty . The roof must be watertight before the solar mounting hardware is reattached. Weather Sealing: New roof penetrations must be made for the solar mounts, and the roofing contractor needs to ensure these are perfectly sealed to prevent leaks. The SunSent Solar Advantage: Roofing and Solar Under One Roof The most efficient, cost-effective, and secure way to handle a reroofing project when you have solar panels is to use a single company that is an expert in both fields. SunSent Solar is both a licensed, experienced Roofing Contractor and a seasoned Midwest Solar Installation specialist. 1. Single Point of Contact (S.P.O.C.) When you choose SunSent Solar, you eliminate the logistical nightmare of managing two different companies. We provide one dedicated project manager, one contract, and one unified crew for the entire process: Seamless Scheduling: We manage the entire timeline—from system shutdown and panel removal to roof replacement and system commissioning—with zero downtime between trades. Warranty Integrity: Your new roof warranty and your solar panel warranty are protected under the umbrella of a single company, eliminating finger-pointing if an issue arises. Simplified Permitting: We streamline the permitting process, which often involves both building (roofing) and electrical (solar) clearances. 2. Maximum Cost-Efficiency By bundling the labor for removal, roofing, and reinstallation, we significantly reduce overhead and fixed costs. This can result in thousands of dollars in savings compared to hiring two separate crews. 3. Superior Roof Protection Because our team understands how solar mounting hardware interacts with the roofing system , we are meticulous about flashing and waterproofing. We use the latest techniques to ensure every penetration is perfectly sealed, guaranteeing your new roof’s integrity and preventing costly water damage . The Process: How SunSent Solar Handles Your R&R Project System Assessment: We inspect the age and condition of your current roof and solar system to confirm if the panels can be successfully reinstalled. Safe Disconnection: Our certified solar electricians safely shut down, disconnect, and de-energize the solar system from your home and the utility grid. Panel Removal: Our crew carefully detaches the solar panels and racking, safely storing them onsite. Roof Replacement: Our expert roofers tear off the old roof, inspect the roof deck , make necessary repairs, and install your new, high-quality roofing materials (e.g., durable asphalt shingles or metal roofing). Reinstallation & Commissioning: We install new solar mounts, reattach your panels, rewire the system, and perform final inspections to bring your solar energy system back online at peak performance, ensuring your quick return to energy independence . FAQ: Reroofing with Existing Solar Panels Q: Do I really have to remove my solar panels to replace my roof? A: Yes. To install a new roof properly, the old shingles must be completely removed down to the roof deck , and the new roofing materials must be installed and fully sealed before the panels go back on. Attempting to install around the panels voids the new roof warranty and is a high-risk for roof leaks . Q: What is the average cost to remove and reinstall solar panels? A: On average, the cost for Remove and Reinstall Solar (R&R) ranges from $200 to $500 per panel , or typically $3,000 to $8,000 for an average residential system. This cost does not include the price of the new roof itself. By using a combined provider like SunSent Solar, you can minimize labor costs and save money. Q: Should I get a new roof before installing solar panels? A: Absolutely. If your roof has less than 5–10 years of useful life left, we strongly recommend replacing the roof first. This prevents the need for a costly R&R project just a few years after your solar panel cost investment. Q: Will I lose power while my solar panels are removed? A: Yes, your solar system will be shut down and disconnected during the reroofing process. Your home will rely on the utility grid during this time. We work quickly to minimize this disruption and get your energy independence restored as fast as possible. Q: How does SunSent Solar make this easier? A: As a Roofing Contractor and Midwest Solar Installation expert, SunSent Solar provides a single company, a single point of contact, and a unified crew for the entire job. This eliminates coordination delays, simplifies permitting, and guarantees a seamless process with full warranty protection for both your roofing system and your solar panels . Facing a roof replacement? Don't stress about your solar investment. Contact SunSent Solar today to get a single, unified quote for your R&R project!

News of the federal solar tax credit ending may have caused many homeowners to pause and ask a fundamental question: Does going solar still make financial sense? According to renowned environmental activist and author Bill McKibben —who has been at the forefront of the climate conversation since the 1980s—the answer is a resounding yes . In fact, he argues that we are at a once-in-a-generation turning point where solar is more vital and practical than ever before. In a recent interview following the release of his book, Here Comes the Sun, McKibben shared insights into why solar has become the "Costco of energy" and what homeowners need to know right now. Solar is Not Just "Nice"—It's the Cheapest Power on Earth The fundamental argument for solar is no longer about idealism; it's about economics. McKibben points out a simple, profound truth: the cheapest way to make power is to point a sheet of glass at the sun. Free Fuel Forever: Once your solar panels are installed, the energy delivered by the sun every morning is free. This simple fact is why the technology is scaling so fast globally. The "Whole Foods vs. Costco" Analogy: McKibben clarifies that solar is no longer a "Whole Foods" product—nice but pricey for a select few. It is now the "Costco of energy"—cheap, available in bulk, and ready to go. This makes it an incredibly practical choice for the budget-conscious, everyday homeowner . Why the Midwest Solar Investment Still Makes Sense Even with the phase-out of the full federal incentive, the core economic case for residential solar continues to strengthen, especially in the Midwest : 1. Skyrocketing Utility Prices McKibben warns that the price of conventional electricity is increasing rapidly due to high demand and constricted supply from traditional sources. As utility rates rise, the savings offered by generating your own fixed-cost solar energy become exponentially more valuable. Your solar system locks in your power costs, insulating you from market volatility. 2. The Liberation Argument: Resilience & Control Beyond cost, solar offers a profound form of "liberation." McKibben notes that for many Americans, regardless of politics, the appeal of solar is simply having a home that is a castle with an independent power supply . Grid Reliability: The value of solar battery storage is now undeniable. Solar-plus-storage systems allow you to sustain your home for days during power outages, ice storms, or grid failures. This is the ultimate energy independence and security for your family. No Noise, No Fuel: Unlike loud, carbon-monoxide-producing generators, a battery system (like those integrated with SunSent Solar installations) operates silently and runs on the sun's free energy. 3. The Permitting Bottleneck: The True Cost Culprit McKibben highlights the real reason U.S. solar can cost three times more than in Europe or Australia: administrative hurdles and permitting bottlenecks . While it's frustrating, the solution is not to wait, but to work with reputable companies and advocate for change. As groups work to simplify local and state permitting rules (like promoting automated systems), the solar panel cost will plummet, making the financial case even stronger in the coming years. SunSent Solar: Your Midwest Partner for Energy Independence The message is clear: delaying your solar investment means missing out on immediate, substantial savings while exposing yourself to rising utility prices. At SunSent Solar , we believe in delivering the most reliable and cost-effective Midwest solar installation . We are experts at: Maximizing Local Savings: We leverage every local and state incentive available to reduce your upfront solar panel cost . Integrating Storage: We specialize in modern solar battery storage solutions that enhance your security, grid reliability, and independence. High-Quality Installation: We adhere to the highest standards, ensuring your system performs optimally for decades, making your return on investment robust. Don't wait for ideal conditions that may never arrive. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is today. FAQ: Solar Investment in a Changing Market Q: Does solar still save me money without the full federal tax credit? A: Yes. The primary driver of savings is avoiding high and rising utility electricity rates. While the tax credit lowered the upfront solar panel cost , the long-term financial case remains solid, especially when factoring in the increased cost of buying power from the grid. Q: Why is solar more expensive in the U.S. than in Europe? A: According to experts like Bill McKibben, the difference is primarily due to "soft costs," such as our country's complex, decentralized permitting, inspection, and administrative hurdles (permitting bottleneck), not the equipment itself. Efforts are underway to streamline these processes. Q: Is a solar battery necessary for my system? A: A battery is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. It allows your home to achieve true energy independence by storing excess energy and providing crucial backup power during outages. The price of solar battery storage is dropping quickly, making the investment increasingly worthwhile for grid resilience. Q: If I wait for prices to drop, will I save more money? A: Waiting is risky. While administrative costs may eventually decrease, you will be paying high utility rates and missing out on the four to five years of free power you could be generating right now. Most financial models show that installing now is still the best decision. Ready to take control of your energy independence ? Contact SunSent Solar today for a complimentary assessment of your home and a customized quote.