Wondering if you can replace your roof when you’ve got solar on top? Short answer: yes—but you’ll need a plan. Panels are usually removed and reinstalled by a licensed, accredited solar professional, while the roofing team completes the replacement. With good sequencing, you’ll protect your warranty, minimise downtime, and get a watertight result that’s ready for decades.
Can you replace a roof with solar panels still installed?
Practically speaking, no. To remove old sheets/tiles and install new flashings and fixings correctly, the array must come off first, then go back on after the new roof is finished. Leaving panels in place risks damage and prevents the roofer from sealing penetrations properly.
The best order of works (so you don’t pay twice)
- Site check & quotes – Manchester Roofing assesses your roof, access, and replacement options (metal is their specialty). You also book a CEC-accredited solar installer to remove and later refit the system.
- Temporary removal & safe isolation – A qualified electrician/solar installer de-energises and removes the array, rails and roof plugs as needed. Don’t DIY—electricity and working at height are high-risk.
- Roof replacement – Your new roof is installed, with correct flashings and penetrations prepared for the mounting system. Manchester Roofing brings 30+ years of experience across Brisbane and SEQ.
- Re-installation & commissioning – The solar professional reinstalls the rails/panels, tests, and re-commissions the system to current standards.
Tip: If your PV system is older (e.g., inverter nearing end of life), this is the moment to consider upgrades—it can be more cost-effective than removing and refitting dated gear. The federal Energy website also outlines lifespan expectations and removal/replacement basics.
Metal roof specifics (what changes with Colorbond-style roofs)
- Mounting & penetrations: Modern metal roofs pair well with rail-based or clamp systems. Correctly detailed penetrations and compatible hardware are essential for a watertight finish. That’s why panels come off first—so the roofer can finish flashings uninterrupted.
- Heat & layout: Metal roofs can run warmer than tiles; your solar installer may adjust standoff height for airflow and performance. (Good ventilation also helps the roof last longer.)
- Asbestos note: On older homes, roof replacement can involve asbestos removal—specialist, licensed work Manchester Roofing can arrange alongside the broader project.
Costs to factor in
- PV removal & refit: Charged by your solar contractor (price varies by array size, access and hardware). It’s unavoidable if the roof is being replaced—and cheaper than damaging the system or voiding roof warranties.
- Roof replacement: Scope depends on materials, insulation, drainage/gutters, and any structural rectification. Manchester Roofing handles metal roof replacement end-to-end.
- Upgrades/allowances: Budget for new roof flashings around mounts, possible inverter or isolator works (your electrician will advise), and compliance checks against current standards.
Approvals, safety and standards (Queensland)
- Use qualified people: Queensland guidance is clear—never attempt electrical work yourself; use a licensed electrician and an accredited solar installer for anything that involves removal, re-installation or close-quarters inspection.
- Plan the reconnection: Your installer will test and recommission the system after the roof is complete. If you’re exploring rebates or upgrades later, the Queensland and federal sites offer up-to-date info and checklists for home solar.
When does it make sense to replace the roof before adding solar?
If you haven’t installed PV yet but your roof is ageing or leaking, do the roof first. It avoids paying for PV removal later and ensures your new array is anchored to a sound, warrantable substrate. Many Australian installers recommend this sequence to maximise value and minimise disruption.
How Manchester Roofing coordinates projects with solar
Manchester Roofing focuses on metal roof replacements, repairs and commercial/residential roofing across Brisbane and SEQ. For homes with existing PV, the team typically:
- Schedules works around your electrician’s removal/refit window.
- Completes all roof sheeting, flashings and penetrations to suit your chosen mounting system.
- Hands back a clean, watertight roof ready for immediate solar re-installation.
With three decades plus in the game, they deliver on time and on budget—backed by local expertise and a full range of roofing services.
Bottom line: You absolutely can replace your roof when you have solar—just plan the sequence. Arrange accredited PV removal, let Manchester Roofing complete the replacement, then reinstall and recommission the array to current standards. That way, you protect both your roof and your energy investment for the long term.
Ready to talk through your roof and solar plan? Book a roof assessment with Manchester Roofing, and we’ll map the cleanest, safest path from old roof to new—solar included.
