Orphan Solar HelpTesla solar panel removal and reinstall for a new roof: how it works
Tesla’s own support page lays out how it removes and reinstalls solar panels for roof work, a remodel or a move. Here it is in plain language, with the steps, the 30-day wait, the roof types it accepts, and what to know before hiring someone else instead. We’re a directory, not Tesla.
The process, in order
Request removal
Tesla says removal and reinstall are two separate requests. Each one needs its own Service Work Agreement (SWA) and its own invoice, and removal must be completed before you can submit the reinstall request[1].
Wait for the follow-up and permits
Tesla says it follows up on each request within about seven to ten business days. If permits are needed, that step can take up to two months on average[1].
Store the panels, do the roof
You must provide a safe place to store the removed panels[1]. If you use a pest-abatement system, it has to be removed before the visit[1].
Let the new roof sit 30 days
Submit the reinstall request after the roof work is complete. Tesla says the roof must sit for 30 days with no additional work before reinstallation can begin[1]. Use the date tool below.
Which roofs are eligible?
Tesla’s page says the new roof must be a type it works on. These are the types it lists for California, with the pitch range it gives[1]:
| Roof type | Pitch Tesla lists |
|---|---|
| Composition shingle | 9.5° (2/12) to 45° (12/12) |
| Concrete flat tile | 9.5° to 45° |
| Concrete round tile | 9.5° to 45° |
| Standing seam metal | 0° to 45° |
| Rolled torch down | 0° to 9.5° |
Using your own contractor instead
Tesla says you can hire a third-party contractor for removal and reinstall. Tesla lists these points[1]:
- You don’t need Tesla’s approval of the contractor or the scope of work, but Tesla recommends you review your system’s limited warranty first.
- Tesla isn’t responsible for a third-party contractor’s workmanship. If the contractor damages the system, you’re responsible for repairs.
- Any existing system warranty may be voided, and Tesla can’t guarantee availability of Tesla parts.
- Your energy contract stays active, so you still owe monthly payments while the panels are off.
- For some jobs, such as Zep hardware, a contractor may need proprietary tools. Tesla says you can order tools and parts through the Tesla One app.
If you go this route, use a California-licensed contractor and check the license at the CSLB[2]. Our removal and reinstall page has a cost estimator, published per-panel prices with sources, and contractors that say they do this work. Those prices are general market figures, not Tesla’s.
What the page doesn’t say
- Price. Tesla’s page doesn’t give a price. It says to see your energy contract for pricing, and that costs of required permits go in the Service Work Agreement as per your contract[1].
- Solar Roof. The page says removal and reinstall is for solar panels, not Solar Roof[1].
- Older SolarCity contracts. The page doesn’t mention SolarCity. We couldn’t confirm that every legacy SolarCity contract gets the same process. Ask Tesla, or check your account in the Tesla app.
- Changes. This summary reflects Tesla’s page as we read it on Oct 31, 2026. Tesla can change it.
Share a request for removal & reinstall
Tell us what’s going on. If you agree below, we share your request with a licensed contractor who says on its own website that it does this kind of work, and who may contact you. You choose whether to hire them, and you contract and pay them directly. Free. No obligation.
OrphanSolarHelp is a directory, not a contractor. We don’t perform, quote, supervise, or guarantee any work.