Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years. A typical asphalt shingle roof in the San Fernando Valley lasts 20 to 25 years. If your Encino home has a roof that is already 10 or 15 years old when you install solar panels, you will almost certainly need a roof replacement while those panels are still producing power. That means removing the panels, storing them safely, replacing the roof, and reinstalling the panels, a process that adds $3,000 to $8,000 or more to the total project cost. For homeowners thinking about solar energy, understanding the relationship between your roof’s remaining lifespan and the solar installation timeline is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. A best roofing company in Burbank, CA that serves the entire Valley can evaluate your roof’s condition and help you determine whether replacement should come before, during, or well after your solar installation.
Replace the Roof First If It Is More Than 10 Years Old
The general rule is straightforward: if your roof has less than 15 years of usable life remaining, replace it before installing solar panels. This avoids the costly and disruptive process of removing and reinstalling panels mid-life.
A professional roof inspection is the most reliable way to determine how much life your existing roof has left. An experienced inspector will evaluate the condition of your shingles or tiles, the integrity of the underlayment and decking, the quality of flashing at all penetrations, and the overall ventilation and drainage performance of the system. Our guide on signs you need a roof replacement covers the specific warning indicators that suggest your roof is approaching the end of its functional lifespan.
For an Encino home with a roof that is 10 to 15 years old and showing early signs of wear, replacing the roof before going solar is almost always the smarter financial decision. A new roof installed today with a 30-year material warranty will outlast your solar panels, meaning you will never have to remove them for a mid-life roof replacement. The upfront investment in a new roof pays for itself many times over by eliminating the $3,000 to $8,000 panel removal and reinstallation cost you would otherwise face.
If your roof is less than 10 years old and in good condition, you can typically proceed with solar installation without replacing the roof first. However, you should still have the roof inspected to confirm there are no underlying issues that could become problems once panels are mounted. Our roofing materials guide can help you understand the expected lifespan of your specific roof type in Southern California’s climate.
What Happens When You Need a Roof Replacement Under Existing Panels
If you already have solar panels on an aging Encino roof, the replacement process is more complex but entirely manageable with the right planning.
The process involves coordinating between your roofing contractor and your solar provider. First, the solar company removes the panels, racking, and all mounting hardware. Then the roofing contractor performs the full replacement, paying careful attention to the areas where panel mounts will be reinstalled to ensure proper flashing and waterproofing around every penetration point. Finally, the solar company reinstalls the panels and reconnects the system.
The total additional cost for panel removal and reinstallation typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the size of the solar array, the type of mounting system, and whether any components need replacement during the process. Older racking systems may not be compatible with modern installation standards and could require partial or full replacement, which adds to the cost.
Timing is critical during this process. You want to minimize the number of days your panels are offline, and you need both contractors to coordinate their schedules so there is no gap between roof completion and panel reinstallation. A trusted roofing company in Los Angeles, CA with experience working alongside solar installers will manage this coordination seamlessly. Our article on roofing warranties also explains how panel mounting affects your roof warranty and what to look for in the fine print.
Roof Replacement Inc Helps Encino Homeowners Plan Ahead
Roof Replacement Inc has over 50 years of combined experience serving Encino and the entire San Fernando Valley, and we regularly work with homeowners who are coordinating roof replacements alongside solar panel installations. We can assess your current roof’s condition, provide an honest recommendation on timing, and coordinate with your solar provider to ensure a smooth transition.
We hold Contractor License #1063655, carry full insurance coverage, and have earned a 5 out of 5 star rating from 194 Google reviews. Our services include new roof installations, roof repair in Van Nuys, roof repair in Burbank, roof repair in Los Angeles, cool roof systems, and complete tear-off and replacement. We also offer financing options with low monthly payments to make the combined investment more manageable.
See our completed projects, visit our FAQ page, or call (213) 364-3979 to schedule a free roof inspection and estimate.
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Roof Replacement Inc. offers professional, high-quality work, guaranteed (call for details); ensuring all clients projects meet all code and design requirements. We are dedicated to exceptional customer service and will strive to ensure you with the highest quality roofing services. Roof Replacement Inc. offers lifetime warranty (call for details) on all of our workmanship to ensure the quality of our work. With over four decades of experience and success within the roofing and construction industry, Roof Replacement Inc. has grown and developed in all areas of roofing construction, including roof inspections. As a leading residential and commercial roofing company in LA, we have hundreds of references from previous clients, so rest assured, that your roofing job will be done right the first time. Replacing an old roof can help add curb appeal and will increase the perceived value of your home. First impressions are vital when selling your home, especially when your roof takes up more than half of the exterior of your residence or business. Not only is the return of investment on a new roof attractive for potential buyers, but can be as beneficial as remodeling the kitchen or bathrooms within your residence.
