Damage, Liability & Warranties
An array is worth more than the roof it sits on, and during an R&R it spends several days off the building being handled by people. Ask about this before it happens, not after.
Ask every bidder these questions
- What insurance covers my modules while they are off the roof, and for what amount?
- Where and how are they stored?
- Who performs the electrical disconnection and reconnection, under what licence?
- What happens if a module is damaged, or does not produce on reinstall?
- Are new mounts and flashings included on reinstall, or are the originals being reused?
- Is the system verified producing before you leave, and will I see that?
Your existing warranties
There are usually three, and they behave differently. The module manufacturer's product and performance warranties generally follow the panel. The inverter warranty follows the inverter. The installer's workmanship warranty is the one at risk, because it covers their labour and their penetrations — and a third party handling the array can end it.
Ask your original installer in writing what a third-party R&R does to your workmanship coverage. Get the answer before you award the work, because after the fact it is not negotiable.
How we handle modules
- Labelled by position so the array returns to its designed layout and string configuration
- Stacked on edge with protection between modules, off the ground and under cover
- Never walked on, stacked flat, or left face-up where falling debris can reach them
- Photographed before removal and after reinstall
- System verified producing before the job is called complete
What we will not claim
We cannot promise that your installer's workmanship warranty survives someone else touching the array — that is their document and their decision. We can tell you to get their answer in writing first, which is worth more than any reassurance from us.
Common questions
Does removing solar panels void the warranty?
The module and inverter manufacturer warranties generally follow the equipment. The installer's workmanship warranty is the one commonly affected, because it covers their labour and penetrations. Ask your installer in writing before the work, not afterwards.
What happens if a panel is damaged during removal?
Ask that question of every bidder and get the answer in writing, along with their insurance coverage and limits. Modules are expensive and matching an older model years later is not always possible.