The decision To Replace A Roof With Solar Panels Combines Roofing And Solar Costs, Permitting, And Long-Term Savings. This Guide Outlines Typical Price Ranges, Key Factors That Drive Costs, Financing Options, Incentives Like The Federal Investment Tax Credit, And Practical Steps To Get Accurate Estimates. Readers Will Learn How To Budget For A Roof Replacement With Solar.
| Item | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Roof Replacement | $7,000 – $12,000 | Depends On Size, Pitch, And Material Quality |
| Premium Roof (Metal/Tile) | $12,000 – $30,000+ | Higher Durability But Greater Upfront Cost |
| Solar PV System (Before Incentives) | $12,000 – $30,000 | Typical 5–10 kW System At $2.00–$3.50/W |
| Combined Roof + Solar (Typical U.S. Home) | $20,000 – $50,000+ | Varies By Roof Condition, System Size, And Labor |
| Federal ITC (Tax Credit) | Up To 30% Off Solar Costs | Applies To Qualified Solar Equipment And Installation |
How Roofing And Solar Costs Interact
Roof Replacement And Solar Installation Are Interconnected Projects That Can Be Completed Separately Or Together. Replacing A Roof Before Or During Solar Installation Avoids Removing Panels Twice, Which Saves Labor And Prevents Early Panel Removal When Roof Lifespan Ends.
Solar Companies Often Require A Sound Roof With Several Years Of Life Remaining; otherwise the homeowner may face extra removal and reinstallation expenses. Combining projects can produce economies of scale for permits, scaffolding, and contractor coordination.
Typical Cost Components
A Combined Project Includes Several Line Items: roof materials and labor, solar panels and inverters, mounting hardware and electrical work, permits, inspections, and potential structural upgrades. Each Component Can Vary Widely By Region, Roof Complexity, And System Size.
- Roofing Materials: Asphalt Shingles, Metal, Tile, Or Composite Roofing Affect Price And Solar Attachment Methods.
- Solar Equipment: Panels, Inverters (String, Microinverters Or Optimizers), Racking, And Monitoring Systems.
- Labor: Roofers, Electricians, And Solar Installers—coordination can lower total labor hours.
- Permits And Inspections: Local Fees Vary; Utility Interconnection Costs May Apply.
- Roof Prep And Structural Work: Sheathing Replacement, Reinforcement, Or Flashing Improvements.
Average Price Ranges And Examples
Typical U.S. Home Costs Vary By Roof Size And Solar System Capacity. Expect A Range From $20,000 To $50,000 For A Combined Roof Replacement With Solar, Before Incentives And Financing.
| Scenario | Roof | Solar System | Estimated Total (Before ITC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Home, Asphalt Roof, 4 kW | $6,000 – $9,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 | $14,000 – $21,000 |
| Average Home, Asphalt Roof, 6 kW | $8,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Large Home, Premium Roof, 10 kW | $15,000 – $30,000+ | $20,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $65,000+ |
Material Choices And Their Impact On Cost
Roof Material Selection Greatly Affects The Total. Asphalt Shingles Are The Most Affordable Option, While Metal Or Tile Roofs Increase Labor And Attachment Complexity For Solar Racking.
Don’t Overpay for Roofing Services – Call 877-801-4315 Now to Compare Local Quotes!
- Asphalt Shingles: Lower Cost, Easier Mounting, 20–30 Year Lifespan.
- Metal Roofs: Higher Initial Cost, Longer Lifespan, Often Easier To Attach With Clamp Systems.
- Tile Or Slate Roofs: Highest Material And Labor Costs; Racking Requires Special Flashing And Sometimes Partial Roof Replacement.
Federal And State Incentives That Lower Net Cost
Federal Incentives, Most Notably The Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Can Substantially Reduce Solar Costs. The ITC Has Historically Covered Around 30% Of Qualified Solar Expenses, Which Reduces Net Out-Of-Pocket For Most Homeowners Who Have Sufficient Tax Liability.
Many States Offer Additional Incentives, Rebates, Or Performance-Based Payments. Utility Net Metering Policies Also Influence The Economic Value Of Solar Production Over Time.
When To Replace The Roof Before Installing Solar
Replacing A Roof Before Solar Installation Is Advisable If The Roof Has Less Than 10 Years Of Expected Life, Visible Damage, Or Recent Leak History. Installing Solar On A Near-End-Of-Life Roof Risks Panel Removal And Reinstallation Costs Later.
Scheduling A Simultaneous Replacement With Solar Installation Can Save On Labor And Logistics; however, homeowners should get separate bids to compare roof-only, solar-only, and combined project pricing.
Financing Options And Cost Optimization
Multiple Financing Paths Exist: Cash, Solar Loans, Home Equity Lines Of Credit (HELOC), PACE Programs, And Leasing/Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Loans With Solar-Specific Terms Often Allow Borrowers To Use ITC Savings To Lower Monthly Payments.
- Solar Loans: Typically Unsecured Or Secured Loans With Terms From 5–25 Years.
- HELOC/Refinance: Uses Home Equity To Finance Roof And Solar; Interest May Be Tax-Deductible In Some Cases.
- PACE: Property-Assessed Clean Energy Programs Repaid Through Property Tax Bills In Some Jurisdictions.
Practical Steps To Get Accurate Quotes
Homeowners Should Request Detailed Written Quotes From Both Roofing Contractors And Solar Installers. Ask For Line-Item Estimates, Warranty Details, Panel Placement Plans, And Any Coordination Fees.
- Obtain A Roof Inspection To Determine Sheathing Condition And Any Structural Needs.
- Get Multiple Solar Bids That Account For The New Roof And Attachment Methods.
- Confirm Who Handles Permits, Inspections, And Utility Interconnection To Avoid Surprises.
Warranties, Lifespan, And Long-Term Value
Warranties Play A Key Role In Value Assessment. Roofing Warranties For Materials And Workmanship Typically Cover 10–50 Years Depending On The Material, While Solar Panels Often Carry 25-Year Performance Warranties.
Don’t Overpay for Roofing Services – Call 877-801-4315 Now to Compare Local Quotes!
Combining A New Roof With New Solar Often Aligns Lifespans So Both Systems Require Less Maintenance Over Time, Improving The Return On Investment And Reducing Unexpected Costs.
Common Additional Costs To Budget For
Some Additional Line Items Can Raise The Final Cost. Budget For Items Such As Structural Reinforcement, Skylight Flashing, Chimney Work, And Potential Tree Trimming That Can Impact Both Roofing And Solar Installation.
- Electrical Panel Upgrades: May Be Needed For Modern Solar Systems.
- Roof Sheathing Replacement: Adds Material And Labor If Decking Is Compromised.
- Temporary Roof Cover Or Weather Delays: Could Increase Time And Cost.
How To Evaluate Return On Investment
ROI Depends On System Size, Local Electricity Rates, Solar Production, Incentives, And Financing Terms. Typical Payback Periods Range From 6 To 15 Years After Incentives For Many U.S. Homeowners, But This Varies Widely By Market.
Energy Modeling Tools And Installer Production Estimates Help Predict Annual Savings. Homeowners Should Use Conservative Production Estimates And Consider Future Electricity Price Trends.
Choosing Contractors And Avoiding Pitfalls
Work With Licensed, Insured Roofing And Solar Contractors Who Provide Written Warranties And Clear Scopes Of Work. Make Sure Coordination Between Roofers And Solar Installers Is Defined Upfront To Avoid Confusion About Who Is Responsible For Attachments And Flashing.
- Verify Licensing And Insurance: Check State Licenses And General Liability/Workers’ Comp Insurance.
- Request References: Ask For Local Project Examples Combining Roof Replacement And Solar.
- Confirm Warranty Transfers: Ensure Warranties Remain Valid If The Property Is Sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Solar Panels Damage A New Roof? Properly Installed Racking And Flashing Should Not Damage A New Roof; choose experienced crews and approved mounting methods.
Can Solar Panels Be Installed On Tile Or Metal Roofs? Yes. Special Mounts Or Clamps Are Used; expect higher costs for complex attachments and potential partial tile replacement.
Does The ITC Apply To Roof Replacement Costs? Generally The ITC Applies To Solar Equipment And Installation, Not Routine Roof Replacement Unless The Roof Is Integral To The Solar System. Homeowners Should Consult A Tax Advisor For Specifics.
How Long Does A Combined Project Take? Typical Timelines Range From 2–6 Weeks From Permitting To Interconnection For Most Residential Projects; complex roofs Or Structural Work Can Extend Timelines.
Next Steps For Homeowners
Homeowners Interested In A Roof Replacement With Solar Should Start With A Professional Roof Inspection, Then Request Multiple Solar Proposals That Factor In The New Roof. Comparing Quotes, Financing Options, And Warranties Helps Ensure The Best Long-Term Value.
Accurate Estimates Require On-Site Assessment Of Roof Condition, Shading, Electrical Capacity, And Local Permit Requirements, So Schedule Inspections Early In The Decision Process.
How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes
- Prioritize Workmanship
A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road. - Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States. - Use Negotiation Tactics
After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.