Cost of solar panel removal and reinstallation Brisbane

How much does solar panel removal and reinstallation cost in Brisbane?

When you need to get work done on your roof, the first question is always about the cost of moving your solar panels. From my research and discussions with Brisbane installers, the price for a standard, temporary removal and reinstallation is quite consistent.

You should budget between $60 to $85 + GST per panel. This job must be done by a licensed and accredited solar electrician to ensure it’s handled safely and correctly.

For a typical 6.6kW system, which usually has between 16 and 20 panels, the total cost generally falls between $1,200 and $1,900. This price covers the complete service of safely disconnecting and removing the system, and then reinstalling it after your roof work is finished.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might expect to pay based on system size:

System Size (Number of Panels)	Estimated Cost Range (ex. GST)
4kW System (approx. 10-12 panels)	$600 – $1,020
6.6kW System (approx. 16-18 panels)	$960 – $1,530
10kW System (approx. 24-26 panels)	$1,440 – $2,210

These prices are a reliable guide for standard jobs on a single-storey house. If you have a double-storey home, a particularly steep roof, or a more complex system with microinverters, the cost will likely be higher due to the extra time and safety equipment required.

Solar panel removal and reinstallation cost breakdown Brisbane

Understanding what’s included in the quote is key to avoiding surprises. The price you pay is almost entirely for the skilled labour and safety compliance required for the job. Your existing panels and inverter are typically stored safely on your property while the roof work happens.

Here’s what the process and the cost covers:

• Site Inspection and Safety Setup: An initial assessment of your system and roof access.

• System Decommissioning: A licensed electrician will safely shut down and electrically isolate your solar system from the grid and your home. This is a critical step that prevents dangerous electrical hazards.

• Panel and Racking Removal: The physical work of unbolting the panels and dismantling the mounting framework (racking) that holds them in place.

• Component Storage: Securely storing the panels, racking, and wiring at your property. Panels are surprisingly delicate and must be handled with care to avoid micro-cracks.

• Reinstallation: Once your roof is ready, the team returns to reinstall the racking, panels, and all wiring according to Australian Standards.

• System Reconnection and Testing: The electrician reconnects the system to your inverter and switchboard, then performs tests to ensure everything is working correctly and safely before “re-energising” it.

Gigi’s Pro Tip: Before you agree to the work, contact the company that performed your original installation. Using them for the removal and reinstallation is often the safest way to protect your system’s workmanship warranty. If they’re unavailable, ensure the new installer is SAA-accredited and provides their own workmanship guarantee.

Can you get a package deal for roof repairs and solar panel removal?

This is a great question, as organising two major trades can seem daunting. While you might find some roofing companies that offer to manage the solar removal process, all-in-one “package deals” are not very common in Brisbane.

The reason is simple: solar electrical work and roofing are two completely different, licensed trades. Solar panel work must be done by a licensed electrician with SAA (formerly CEC) accreditation to ensure it’s safe, compliant, and doesn’t void your warranties.

The best and safest approach is to hire two separate, qualified experts: a roofer and a solar installer. Your role is to be the project manager, coordinating their schedules. Here’s how: 1. Get Quotes Separately: Obtain quotes from both roofing companies and accredited solar installers. 2. Liaise Between Them: Once you’ve chosen your trades, connect them. The solar installer needs to know when the roofers are starting, and the roofers need to know when the panels will be off. 3. Schedule Tightly: Arrange for the solar team to remove the panels the day before the roofers begin. Once the roof work is complete, have the solar team booked to come back as soon as possible to minimise the time your system is offline.

While it’s an extra step, managing the process this way ensures that specialists handle each part of the job, protecting your home and your solar investment.

Cost to move solar panels to a new house Brisbane

Moving your solar system to a new property is a much more complex and expensive undertaking than a temporary removal for roof repairs. While it is technically possible, I generally advise homeowners to weigh the costs carefully.

The process involves all the steps of a standard removal, but adds significant extra costs and logistical challenges:

• Transportation: The panels and equipment need to be safely transported to the new home.

• New Design and Engineering: The existing racking and layout were designed for your old roof. The new roof will almost certainly have a different pitch, orientation, and rafter layout, requiring a new mounting plan.

• Compatibility: The system must be assessed for compliance at the new property, and may require new components to meet local network (Energex) requirements.

• Full Installation Costs: The reinstallation process is essentially a new installation from a labour perspective.

Because of these factors, the cost can be substantial, and it may be more cost-effective to sell the existing system with your old house and install a brand new, more efficient system at your new home. A new 6.6kW system in Brisbane costs between $5,000 and $8,500 after the federal rebate, which may not be much more than the cost of moving an older system.

Additional costs for solar panel removal and reinstallation Brisbane

While the per-panel rate covers the core job, a few other expenses can pop up. It’s important to be aware of these potential extras.

• Scaffolding Hire: For double-storey homes or steep roofs, safety regulations mandate the use of scaffolding. In Brisbane, scaffolding hire can cost between $300 and $500 per week for a basic residential setup. More complex jobs can see this cost rise.

• Roofing Repairs: The process of removing and reinstalling panels involves foot traffic on your roof. There’s always a small risk of cracking tiles. Discuss this with your installer beforehand. Many will replace any tiles they break, but it’s wise to have some spares on hand just in case.

• Switchboard Upgrade: If your home is older, your switchboard may not be up to current standards. A licensed electrician must ensure your switchboard can safely handle the solar system upon reconnection. If it can’t, an upgrade may be required, which could cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

• Replacement of Minor Components: Sometimes, smaller parts like roof flashings, brackets, or wiring conduits can be damaged or weathered and may need to be replaced during the reinstallation. While not a major expense, it’s a potential small addition to the final bill.

Case Study: A Family in Chermside West The Tran family needed to have their 15-year-old tile roof restored. They had a 5kW system with 20 panels. They received a quote from an SAA-accredited solar electrician for $1,700 + GST ($85 per panel) to remove and reinstall the system. During the removal, the electrician noted that the DC isolators were an older, recalled model. They were able to replace these with safer, compliant isolators during the reinstallation for a small additional cost. The whole process was coordinated with their roofers and took five days, leaving them with a secure roof and a safer, fully inspected solar system.

Hidden costs of removing and reinstalling solar panels

Beyond the direct quote, there are a couple of “hidden” or indirect costs to factor into your decision.

The most significant is the loss of solar generation. While your system is disconnected, you will be paying grid electricity prices for all your power consumption. If the process takes a week, this could add a noticeable amount to your next electricity bill. It’s a great reason to coordinate your roofer and solar installer tightly to minimise downtime.

The other potential issue is your warranty. Removing your panels can risk voiding your installer’s original workmanship warranty. Furthermore, if any panels are damaged during the process by a non-certified installer, the manufacturer’s warranty on that panel could also be compromised. This is why using a reputable, insured, and SAA-accredited professional is non-negotiable.

Does insurance cover solar panel removal and reinstallation?

This is a common question, especially after storm season in Brisbane. Coverage depends entirely on your insurance policy and the reason for the removal.

• For Roof Repairs Due to Damage: If your roof was damaged in an insured event (like a hail storm), the cost to remove and reinstall your solar panels is often covered as part of the overall roof repair claim. You will need to confirm this with your insurer.

• For General Maintenance or Roof Replacement: If you are removing the panels for routine maintenance, a voluntary roof upgrade, or because the roof has simply reached the end of its life, it is highly unlikely that insurance will cover the cost.

Gigi’s Pro Tip: Check your home and contents insurance policy to see if your solar panels are explicitly listed. Some policies require you to add them as a specified item. If they aren’t listed, you may not be covered for any damage, let alone the cost of removal and reinstallation.

Final thoughts

Having to remove and reinstall solar panels can feel like an unexpected hassle, but it’s a very common and straightforward process when handled by the right professionals. For a typical Brisbane home, budgeting around $1,500 for the job is a solid starting point.

Think of it as an opportunity to have your system professionally inspected and ensure it’s in top condition for years to come. By planning ahead and choosing a reputable SAA-accredited installer, you can protect your roof, your home, and your solar investment.

If you’re ready to get quotes from trusted local experts for your solar panel removal and reinstallation, I can help.