Solar · Updated 2026-08-08
Can I remove and reinstall my own solar panels for a roof replacement?
In many cases, no. Work on a grid-connected solar system must comply with applicable electrical codes, local permitting and licensing requirements, and PSEG Long Island interconnection requirements.
In many cases, DIY solar removal and reinstallation is not appropriate. Work on a grid-connected solar system must comply with applicable electrical codes, local permitting and licensing requirements, and PSEG Long Island interconnection requirements. If the system is leased, under a PPA, or otherwise owned or controlled by a third party, the customer's agreement may also restrict who can perform the work or require authorization from the system owner or provider.
Common follow-up questions
What does my lease or PPA say about removing the panels?
Read the 'Maintenance and Removal' section. Many solar leases and PPAs restrict who may remove, modify, or reinstall the system and may require advance authorization or additional fees. Requirements vary by provider and by the customer's specific agreement, so the applicable agreement should be reviewed before work begins.
Have a leased, PPA, or third-party-owned solar system?
If another company owns or controls your solar system, that doesn't necessarily mean you're required to use that company for your roof project or your solar removal and reinstallation. NovaLee can work with you and the system owner or provider to obtain or coordinate the authorization required for NovaLee to perform the removal and reinstallation. Authorization requirements matter mainly when the agreement gives a third party ownership or control rights — some financed systems are actually homeowner-owned — and they vary by solar provider and agreement, so the necessary permissions should be confirmed before work begins.
What does the NEC say about DIY work on a grid-tied PV system?
NEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and Article 705 (Interconnected Power Production Sources) govern grid-tied PV. Work on a grid-connected solar system must comply with applicable electrical codes and local licensing requirements, and PSEG LI requires the system to be re-energized only after a signed-off interconnection inspection. Because of this, DIY solar removal and reinstallation is often not appropriate.
Do I need a new building or electrical permit for a removal-and-reinstall?
Most Long Island towns require the original solar permit to be amended (or a fresh electrical permit pulled) any time the array is physically disturbed and re-energized. Some towns (Huntington, Brookhaven, Islip) treat a removal-and-reinstall as a new electrical permit; the building department local to your address makes the call.
What about the federal tax credit if I touch it myself?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) was claimed in the year the system was placed in service, so a later removal-and-reinstall doesn't reset any credit already taken. Note the credit's current status, though: For a typical homeowner, the federal §25D Residential Clean Energy Credit is no longer available for qualifying residential clean-energy property, including solar panels and battery storage, after December 31, 2025, under current federal law. Regardless, improper DIY work may affect equipment warranty coverage or PSEG LI program participation, so applicable manufacturer and program requirements should be confirmed before any work. Incentive and tax information last verified: August 8, 2026. Programs, tax laws and eligibility requirements may change.
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NovaLee Solutions is a licensed roofing, solar, and electrical contractor serving Suffolk County and all of Long Island. Our crew is GAF-certified, Tesla-Powerwall-certified, and Suffolk County master-electrician licensed.