Solar · Updated 2026-04-25
Can I remove and reinstall my own solar panels for a roof replacement?
In most cases, no. Lease and PPA contracts, the National Electrical Code (NEC Article 690), and PSEG Long Island's interconnection agreement all effectively require a licensed installer.
If your panels are leased or financed through a PPA, the system owner (Sunrun, Sunnova, Tesla, etc.) typically retains exclusive rights to physically touch the array — DIY work voids both the warranty and the lease. Owned systems are technically yours, but the NEC, NY State licensing rules, and PSEG LI's net-metering interconnection require a licensed electrician for any disconnect/reconnect of grid-tied PV.
Common follow-up questions
What does my lease or PPA say about removing the panels?
Read the 'Maintenance and Removal' section. Standard Sunrun, Sunnova, and Tesla residential leases reserve all physical work to the system owner or their authorized contractor and charge a removal-and-reinstall fee (commonly $1,500–$3,500 per array). DIY removal usually voids the production guarantee and may trigger an early-termination charge.
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. New York State's licensing law requires a master electrician for the AC side of the work, and PSEG LI requires the system to be re-energized only after a signed-off interconnection inspection — practical DIY territory ends at the modules themselves.
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 30% federal tax credit if I touch it myself?
The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) is claimed in the year the system is placed in service; a later removal-and-reinstall by the homeowner doesn't reset the credit, but improper DIY work can void the equipment warranty and disqualify NYSERDA / PSEG LI program participation.
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Need help with this on Long Island?
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.