Reroofing With Solar Panels in Stockton
Panels have to come off before the roof underneath can be replaced. Planning that step is most of the job.
Solar on your roof?
Send your name and number and choose "Reroofing with solar." A local roofer may call or text you about it.
Or call (209) 420-1355
Reroofing with solar panels in Stockton means removing the panels and racking, replacing the roof, then reinstalling and testing the system. It came up often in local roofing reviews. Some homeowners also needed roof repairs under panels, which not every roofer will take on.
How the job usually runs
- The roofer inspects the roof and checks whether it can be repaired around the panels or needs replacing.
- A solar contractor or a roofer with solar experience takes the panels down and stores them.
- The roof is replaced, with new flashing at each mount point.
- The panels go back up, and the system is tested.
Permits and licenses
The reroof itself needs a building permit, like any other reroof. Removing and reinstalling panels may need an electrical permit too. Ask your roofer to confirm with your permit office (Stockton: Permit Center, (209) 937-8561). The 2025 Energy Code exceptions in the CRRC summary cover roof area under building-integrated solar. For standard rack-mounted panels, ask your roofer how the cool roof rule applies.
| Local factor | What applies in Stockton | How it affects the job or price |
|---|---|---|
| Permit office | Stockton city: Permit Center, (209) 937-8561; the online Accela portal handles fees and inspections. | Panel work may add a second permit and inspection. |
| License | Roofing is the C-39 classification; check every contractor on the job with the CSLB license check. | The roofer and the solar installer may be different companies. |
| Cool roof | Steep-slope Climate Zone 12 reroofs need 0.20 aged reflectance or SRI 16 unless an exception applies (CRRC). | Affects shingle choice for the areas around the panels. |
What drives the price
We didn't find a reputable published price range for removing and reinstalling solar panels, so we don't list one. What drives the price: the number of panels, the racking type, whether the inverter or wiring needs updating, and the roof type underneath. See the cost guide for the reroof itself.
Planning a reroof with solar?
Call (209) 420-1355Warranties to check first
Before anyone touches the panels, find your solar paperwork. Many solar warranties have rules about who can remove and reinstall panels. If you lease the system or have a power purchase agreement, call the solar company first. Ask the roofer whether their workmanship warranty covers leaks at the panel mounts.
Questions to ask
- Who will remove and reinstall the panels: your crew or a solar contractor?
- Where will the panels be stored during the job?
- Will you replace the flashing at every mount?
- Who tests the system afterward, and what if it doesn't work?
- Can you repair under the panels without taking them all off?
Repairs under panels without a full reroof
Not every roof under solar needs replacing. A few broken tiles or one leaking mount can sometimes be fixed by lifting only the nearby panels. One local review we read praised a roofer for doing repairs under the panels when others wouldn't. Ask whether a partial lift is possible before you plan a full removal.
Timing the job
If your roof is near the end of its life and you're thinking about adding solar, reroof first. Taking panels off and putting them back later adds a cost you can avoid. If you already have panels, remember the system is off while they're down. Summer is when panels make the most power, so ask the roofer how long they'll be off.
What to have ready
- The solar installer's name and your warranty documents
- Whether you own the system, lease it or have a power purchase agreement
- The number of panels and where the inverter is
- Photos of the roof and any leaks
- Any past roof permits or reroof paperwork
With these ready, the roofer can price the panel work on the first visit, and you avoid a second trip.
Related services and areas
See roof replacement and leak repair. We cover Lathrop, Tracy and Manteca.