Should You Replace Your Roof Before Going Solar? A Central NJ Homeowner's Guide
Here's something most solar companies won't tell you up front: your panels will likely outlast your roof. Solar panels typically last 25 to 35 years. An asphalt shingle roof? Often about the same, or less, especially after a few New Jersey winters.
So if your roof is already halfway through its life, putting panels on it now can mean paying to take them off and put them back later. Here's how to know where your roof stands.
How old can a roof be for solar panels?
There's no single cutoff, but here's the rule of thumb most roofers and installers use:
Under 10 years: Your roof is generally ready for solar after a quick inspection.
10 to 15 years: Get a professional inspection before installing.
15 to 20 years: It's often worth replacing first, depending on condition.
20+ years: Almost always replace first.
Age is only part of the story. A well-kept 15-year-old roof can be in better shape than a neglected 8-year-old one.
What are the signs I need a new roof before solar?
Walk outside and look up. Then check your attic. Red flags include:
Curling, cracked, or missing shingles
Granules collecting in your gutters
Sagging or uneven roof lines
Water stains on ceilings or in the attic
Soft spots or damaged decking
Past storm damage that was patched, not fixed
New Jersey's freeze-thaw cycles, nor'easters, and summer storms are hard on roofs. Damage often hides until it becomes a leak.
What happens if I need a new roof after installing solar?
It's doable, but it costs you. The panels have to be removed, stored safely, and reinstalled after the new roof goes on. This is called a remove and reinstall (R&R).
With R&R, you're paying for:
Labor to take down and reinstall the system
Time without solar production (and the savings that go with it)
Coordinating two separate contractors, if your solar company doesn't do roofing
That last one is where many homeowners get stuck. The roofer blames the solar company, and the solar company blames the roofer.
Is it cheaper to do the roof and solar at the same time?
In most cases, yes. Doing both together means:
One crew, one timeline. No scheduling ping-pong between contractors.
No future R&R. Your new roof and panels age together.
Cleaner installation. Mounts and flashing go in on fresh decking and underlayment.
One point of contact if anything ever needs attention.
Why choose a company that does both roofing and solar?
Advisor Solar is a roofing and solar company. That means we look at your roof with both in mind, not just "can we bolt panels to this."
If your roof is ready, we'll tell you. If it isn't, we'll show you why and handle both projects under one roof. Pun intended. And if you already have solar and need a new roof, our team handles the full remove and reinstall.
Not sure if your roof is solar-ready? Book a free roof and solar assessment. We'll inspect your roof, review your electric bill, and give you a straight answer.
FAQ
Should I replace my roof before installing solar? If your roof is over about 15 years old or shows signs of wear, it's usually smarter to replace it first. Under 10 years, it's often ready after an inspection.
How long do solar panels last compared to a roof? Solar panels typically last 25–35 years, similar to or longer than many asphalt shingle roofs.
Can solar panels be removed to replace a roof? Yes. It's called a remove and reinstall (R&R). Advisor Solar handles R&R for Central NJ homeowners.
Do solar panels damage your roof? When installed properly with correct flashing and sealing, solar panels shouldn't damage your roof. They can even shield the shingles underneath from weather.