Solar panel removal Q.

[SCBO1]

I get a call from a homeowner that needs a new roof. He's got solar panels on his roof and needs to take them off but now wants them in the yard.

A couple years ago, had a fire job that the insurance company paid out 20k on for removal and re-set.

How are you handling this:
Used panels being used on a new yard rack set-up

• Being the BO I can allow used equipment
• I'll require an engineer plan set with site location

Anything else I should be aware of?

 

[wwhitney]

Surely code language on "used" or "reconditioned" equipment does not apply to equipment acquired new and being rearranged for further use on the same site? I would think any restrictions on used/reconditioned equipment would be based on the uncertainty associated with equipment acquired second hand with unknown history.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[SCBO1]

Lets get more into this:

You own a house with a roof solar array and you need a new shingled roof.
a. The panels have to come off, Q. Is there a permit for that?
b. If the AHJ requires a permit for re-roofing, you need that permit.
c. Is there a permit for re-installing the roof solar array?
d. Would there be a permit to install the used array in a yard set-up?

Any average cost out there for removing and re-setting?
Isn't this happening in your area?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Lets get more into this:

You own a house with a roof solar array and you need a new shingled roof.
a. The panels have to come off, Q. Is there a permit for that?

Electrical permit required

b. If the AHJ requires a permit for re-roofing, you need that permit.

Building permit required for re-roofing

c. Is there a permit for re-installing the roof solar array?

Covered under the same electrical permit as the temporary removal

d. Would there be a permit to install the used array in a yard set-up?

That would be a new installation. Electrical permit required. Possibly also a building permit, for the rack structure and foundations to support the solar array.

Any average cost out there for removing and re-setting?

I have no idea.

Isn't this happening in your area?

Infrequently at the moment, but frequency will increase as the roofs under solar panels reach their end of service life.

 

[SCBO1]

Yankee,
We're on the same page, just didn't like the tone of a residence crying about having to get permits cuz of his bid on his re-roof project.

 

[ICE]

My experience with reinstalling solar is as follows:
1. A permit is required. The original plans can be submitted and pictures prior to disassembly is requested. Bear in mind that a lot changes with solar frequently. Each particular racking manufacturer has installation instructions to be followed. That necessitates access to installation instructions. Depending on the age of the racking, there may not be integrated grounding and lay-in lugs are required on each panel and all of the various pieces of the racking. The individual support feet might be exempt from bonding.

Most inspectors have not seen the "old way" and probably don't look closely at the physical aspects of a solar array. For one they can't get close and all of the panels obscure the racking.

Here is a link (Link here) to a page at L.A. County B/S that has a list of current racking companies with the installation instructions. I used to be the person that vetted the installation instructions before the racking was allowed to be installed in L.A. County. I have been away from that for two years and I can't vouch for the accuracy. One difficulty to overcome is that none, or almost none, of the racking companies have any marking on the product. No Logo, no name, no part number, no UL ....nothing. A few have a mark on the hold down hardware.

2. Moving to a ground mount is a start from scratch situation. Racking companies are required to publish a list of panels that have been evaluated with their racking. Odds are slim that your panels qualify however, the reason for the evaluation has to do with the geometry of the profile to be assured that is will be secured and the integrated grounding, The profile will not change so it might work and perhaps not. The integrated grounding might be handled with lay-in lugs and individual bonding. That can happen if the local AHJ approves that.
If there is a stand alone inverter, it might be outdated to the point that it would not be allowed for a new system.

Know that I have touched on some of what is involved and I am not an expert on the subject. Many roofers will simply remove and reinstall for a price without involving the AHJ. Some solar companies offer the service as well. It comes down to what the AHJ determines to be prudent.

 

[SCBO1]

ICE, very good information, I'll try to talk this guy off the ledge.

My research found out that this fella is not the one that had the solar installed. Sounds like it was a shock to his system when he found out the removal and reinstall cost.

My guess is making it a yard system may be in the same cost as the reinstall cost?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

My research found out that this fella is not the one that had the solar installed. Sounds like it was a shock to his system when he found out the removal and reinstall cost.

This is why I hang up on all the calls offering to install solar panels on my house. These companies tell prospective customers that if they need to replace the roof, "just call us and we'll remove the panels and reinstall them." They leave out any mention of how much they're going to charge for providing that service.

IMHO, anyone contemplating a rooftop solar system should first have their roof replaced, with ice and water shield on the entire surface of the roof (or at least under the entire portion where solar panels will go), not just at eaves and valleys.

 

[MtnArch]

This is why I hang up on all the calls offering to install solar panels on my house. These companies tell prospective customers that if they need to replace the roof, "just call us and we'll remove the panels and reinstall them." They leave out any mention of how much they're going to charge for providing that service.

That also assumes they will still be in business in a year two when you want it removed and replaced.

 

[ICE]

That also assumes they will still be in business in a year two when you want it removed and replaced.

The number that fail is not insignificant. They change the name and phone number and do it all over again.

 

[SCBO1]

Well I got to talk to the resident, said they will remove and re-install the roof array panels for 5k, sounds a lot cheaper than moving to the yard & resubmitting engineering for a permit. One thing here that's changed, the POCO added a production/revenue meter to the installs which the resident did not have on the original install.