Path-Q Solar
How should roof repair costs be included when comparing solar projects?
Answer
Include necessary roof repair or replacement costs in the project comparison when the work is required before or because of the solar installation. Separate that amount from optional improvements and show whether the roof work would otherwise have been incurred.
Key points
- Use a roof assessment to determine remaining service life and required repairs.
- Compare installing solar now with repairing or replacing the roof first and then installing solar.
- Account for removal and reinstallation costs if the roof may need work during the system's life.
- Use the same treatment of roof costs across proposals so the comparisons are consistent.
What it depends on
- Roof condition and expected remaining life
- Repair or replacement scope and cost
- Solar mounting requirements and warranty conditions
- Likelihood and cost of future panel removal and reinstallation
Risks and trade-offs
- Installing on a roof near the end of its useful life can create future removal costs and downtime.
- Replacing a roof solely for solar may not be financially justified without considering the roof's independent need for work.
- A low initial solar quote may omit roof-related work that is necessary for a durable installation.
Information you may need
- Independent roof inspection
- Roof repair or replacement estimates
- Solar installation and removal assumptions
- Expected ownership period
Your next step
What to do next
Obtain a roof assessment and compare the total lifecycle cost of solar now, roof work first, and any expected removal or reinstallation scenario.
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