Roof Replacement With Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation in Fort Walton Beach, FL

A&M Construction
Jul 6
4 min read

If your Fort Walton Beach home has solar panels and a roof that's nearing the end of its life, you've probably run into the same worry many homeowners do: how do you replace the roof underneath the panels without damaging a system you paid good money for? The good news is that this is a routine, well-established process — as long as the right licensed professionals handle it.

Here's the short answer. Roof replacement with solar panel removal in Fort Walton Beach, FL means a certified team carefully detaches and stores your solar panels, replaces the roof, then reinstalls and reconnects the panels — ideally all under one licensed contractor so nobody points fingers if something goes wrong. Here's how it works and what to look for.

Roof replacement in progress on a Fort Walton Beach home with solar considerations

Why your roof and your panels are on different clocks

Solar panels are built to last 25 years or more. A typical asphalt shingle roof in our coastal climate often doesn't make it that far — the sun, heat, humidity, and storm exposure of Northwest Florida wear roofs out faster than the national average. That mismatch is the whole problem: at some point the roof under the panels needs replacing while the panels themselves still have plenty of life left.

Trying to "work around" the panels or delay the roof replacement usually backfires. A failing roof under a solar array can lead to leaks, decking damage, and a far more expensive repair later. As the U.S. Department of Energy points out, the best time to add or service solar is when you're replacing the roof — the two jobs naturally go together.

How solar panel removal and reinstallation works

A proper solar roofing and reroof project follows a clear sequence:

Inspection and plan. We assess the roof, the panel mounting system, and the wiring, then map out the removal and reinstallation.
Certified removal. The panels and racking are carefully detached, labeled, and stored safely on site or nearby to protect them from damage and weather.
Roof replacement. With the roof clear, we complete the new roof installation — fresh underlayment, flashing, and shingles or your chosen system, done right.
Reinstallation and reconnection. The panels and racking go back on, are resealed at every penetration, and the system is reconnected and checked so it produces power as it did before.

The penetrations where panels mount to the roof are exactly where leaks tend to start, so resealing them correctly during reinstallation is one of the most important parts of the job.

Why one certified team matters so much

This is the part homeowners most often get wrong. If your roofer removes the panels and a separate solar company reinstalls them, and a leak or a wiring issue shows up later, each company can blame the other — and you're stuck in the middle.

A&M Construction is both a Florida Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC1326077) and a Florida Certified Solar Contractor (CVC57246), so the same accountable team handles the panels and the roof from start to finish. You can confirm any contractor's credentials yourself through the Florida DBPR license lookup — and you should, because solar work specifically requires the right license.

Completed roof replacement with solar reinstalled on a Fort Walton Beach home

What it means for your warranty and your power

Done correctly, a reroof with panel removal protects two investments at once: your new roof and your solar system. Reusing your existing panels keeps costs down compared to a brand-new array, and reconnecting them properly means your energy production picks right back up. If your panels are very old or underperforming, replacing the roof is also a natural moment to discuss whether an upgrade makes sense — but that's your call, not a forced upsell.

Frequently asked questions

Can you replace my roof without removing the solar panels?

In almost all cases, no — the panels and racking have to come off to properly replace the roof deck, underlayment, and covering beneath them. Working around panels leaves gaps in the new roof and risks leaks. Proper removal and reinstallation is the right way.

Will removing and reinstalling my solar panels damage them?

Not when it's done by a certified team. Panels are carefully detached, labeled, and stored, then remounted and resealed. The risk comes from inexperienced handling — which is why the right license and experience matter.

Do I need a special license for solar panel removal in Florida?

Yes. Solar work in Florida requires a licensed solar contractor. A&M Construction holds both a Certified Roofing (CCC1326077) and Certified Solar (CVC57246) license, so one accountable team handles the whole job. Always verify a contractor's license through the Florida DBPR.

Is it cheaper to reuse my existing panels or buy new ones?

Reusing your existing panels during a reroof is almost always more affordable, since you're paying for removal and reinstallation rather than a whole new system. We'll only suggest new panels if yours are failing or significantly underperforming.

Should I replace my roof now if my panels are still fine?

If your roof is aging, leaking, or storm-damaged, yes — addressing it now protects both the roof and the panels. A failing roof under a solar array only gets more expensive to fix the longer it waits. A roof inspection will tell you where you stand.

Replace your roof and keep your solar working

If you've got solar panels and a roof that's seen better days, you don't have to choose between protecting your home and protecting your system. Our certified team handles both — removal, replacement, and reinstallation — under one roof, literally.