The Re-Roof Conundrum
Since solar installations began there have been conflicting opinions on how corporate clients should approach the useful roof life for their building. Commercial roofs are typically warrantied for 20 years, and solar arrays are meant to remain in place for 25+ years. This creates a difficult decision for companies who are looking at installing solar. Do you re-roof prior to installation to keep warranty periods closely aligned or do you move ahead with the solar installation and deal with future roof issues as they arise? It is generally recommended by solar developers that if your roof has 10+ years of usable life left it is most cost effective to move ahead with a solar installation, and they are not wrong, but did you budget for a decommission and re-installation in year ten of your solar array’s life? Typically, no.
Decom Solar has worked with several clients who have faced this exact scenario and it is expected that this will continue to be a problem to solve in the industry. There are several factors to consider when the time for a re-roof arrives.
Communicating with permitting agencies is of top priority when assessing a re-roof and reinstallation of solar equipment. Often, the local authorities may require you to bring your existing solar array up to current code, which can result in significant costs for engineering, equipment, and installation.
Coordination with your roofing partner is the next key step in keeping re-installation costs down. Different roof applications require different installation methods and understanding how the construction of the new roof is being performed can bring creative re-installation solutions to the forefront, mitigating significant labor costs.
Local incentive programs can also impact company’s decisions on a best path forward. If incentive structures are still very strong, it is worth considering installing a new solar array all together, which may drive significant financial returns for your business.
No matter the scenario, it is highly recommended that companies get ahead of these challenges so they can understand the associated costs and budget accordingly. Avoiding a scenario where your roof is failing, and you need to scramble to solve the problem, is of the utmost importance.
Decom Solar can help system owners work through the challenges of decommissioning and recommissioning a solar installation. We pride ourselves on understanding all aspects of solar installations and we have successfully worked with developers, permitting agencies, and roofing partners to develop cost-effective solutions for our clients.
Whether you are just starting to look at solar or already have solar installed, Decom Solar can help plan for your future re-roofing needs. Learn more about Decom Solar services.