Should you replace your roof before installing solar in Los Angeles?
Solar panels sit on a roof for decades. If the roof under them won't last that long, it may need to come off before they do, which costs money twice. Here's how to decide.
By Sadie Yancey, Roofing Guides Editor · Updated September 2026
If your roof has less life left than the solar system you're planning, replacing it first usually costs less than removing and reinstalling panels later. Have the roof inspected before signing a solar contract, and if it's due, schedule the re-roof first and coordinate the mounts with your solar installer.
The basic math
Solar systems are designed to run for decades. If the roof under them needs replacing partway through, the panels have to be removed, stored and reinstalled, and that work is paid for on top of the new roof.
Replacing a roof that's near the end of its life before the panels go on avoids paying for that twice.
How to judge your roof's life
Look at the roof's age, its material and its condition. Shingles that are curling, losing granules or patched in places, and tile roofs with aging underlayment, are signs the roof may not outlast the panels. Our guide to signs a roof needs replacing covers the details.
An inspection gives a clearer answer than age alone.
Tile roofs and solar
Tile itself lasts a long time, but the underlayment beneath it usually doesn't. If the underlayment is near the end of its life, replacing it before solar goes on is far easier than doing it around the mounts later.
Mounts on tile also need proper flashing; see our work under and around solar panels.
The cost of removing panels later
Removing and reinstalling panels for a re-roof adds labor on the solar side, and the roofing side adds flashing for each mount, with published figures for flashing and accessory work of $150-$1,000 depending on penetrations.
That's money you won't spend if the roof is replaced first.
Going solar soon?
Call and we'll tell you honestly whether your roof should be replaced first.
Timing the two jobs
If the roof needs replacing, schedule it first, then have the solar installer mount on the new roof. Tell the roofer about the planned array so the layout, vents and any skylights are placed with it in mind.
Coordinating both trades avoids penetrations in the wrong places.
Permits and cool roofs
The re-roof needs its own permit, and many re-roofs in Los Angeles must meet the cool-roof rule. Panels don't change that, so plan the roofing product with both in mind. Our permit guide covers which office issues it.
The solar permit is separate and handled by the installer.
If your roof is fine
A roof with plenty of life left doesn't need replacing just because solar is coming. Have it inspected, fix any small problems, make sure the mounts are flashed correctly, and keep the inspection photos for your records.
That way you start with a known-good roof.
Roofing and solar questions
Quick answers to the questions this topic raises most.
Other ways to reach usIf it has less life left than the solar system, usually yes.
An inspection gives the best answer; age and visible wear are clues.
Yes, with proper mounts and flashing. Check the underlayment first.
Solar removal labor plus new flashing at each mount, on top of the new roof.
No. The re-roof still has to meet it where it applies.
We work with your solar installer on layout and timing.
More guides for Los Angeles roofs
Signs Your Los Angeles Roof Needs Replacing
How to tell a roof that needs repair from one that is done.
Roof replacement costs in LA
Published 2026 ranges by roof type, and the line items that move a quote.
Re-roof permits in LA, explained
Which office issues your permit, what it costs and what gets checked.
