Removal and Reinstallation

Removal is the process of temporarily removing solar panels or the entire system from your home. Reinstallation is the process of reinstalling solar panels after reroofing, remodeling or relocation. Timelines may vary depending on the scope of work and crew availability, so we recommend starting the processes as far in advance as possible to help reduce work delays.

There are three types of removal and/or reinstallation services:

1. Roof Work (No Remodel)
2. Home Remodel
3. Relocation

Removal and Reinstallation Overview

The removal and reinstallation process are two separate processes. You will have to initiate requests for removal and reinstallation separately.

Removal Process

1. Initiate a removal request.¹ If you need to initiate both a removal and reinstallation request, make sure to submit each request separately. The removal process must be completed before a reinstallation request can be submitted. 
2. Get started from Tesla app. Tap ‘Support’ at the bottom of your energy system home screen. Select 'Contact Us' > 'Maintenance & Repair' > 'Panel Removal & Reinstallation.’ You can also initiate the removal request on the Tesla website. We will follow up on your request within approximately seven to ten business days. You can also chat with one of our specialists directly if you have questions on either of the process. If you are changing your roof type, you must confirm that the new roof type is eligible for solar panel installation. 
3. Sign an SWA. A Service Work Agreement (SWA) is created for the removal and is available on the Tesla app for you to review and sign. In the Tesla app, tap ‘Support’ at the bottom of your energy system home screen. Select ‘System Removal’ to view the SWA. We coordinate the next steps for the removal upon the receipt of the signed SWA.
   Note: Removal and reinstallation are two separate requests with an SWA for each request.
4. If permits are required, we will initiate the process with the local authorities. This step could take up to two months on average to complete.
5. Schedule your removal visit. After the SWA is signed, your case will become ready for scheduling. In the Tesla app, tap ‘Support’ at the bottom of your energy system home screen. Select ‘System Removal’ to schedule a service visit. While we aim to provide convenient scheduling, removal timelines may vary based on crew bandwidth and availability.
6. Removal process begins. We begin the removal of your solar panels from your roof. 
   Note: You are responsible for providing a safe location to store your solar panels while they are removed from your roof. 

Reinstallation Process 

1. After your roof work is complete, submit the reinstallation request from the Tesla app to begin the reinstallation of your solar panels. Tap ‘Support’ at the bottom of your energy system home screen. Select 'Contact Us' > 'Maintenance & Repair' > 'Panel Removal & Reinstallation.’ We will follow up on your request within approximately seven to ten business days. Additionally, all residents must complete the required 30-day waiting period prior to reinstallation. 
2. Sign an SWA. A Service Work Agreement (SWA) is created for the reinstallation process as well and is available on the Tesla app for you to review and sign. In the Tesla app, tap ‘Support’ at the bottom of your energy system home screen. Select ‘System Reinstallation’ to view the SWA. We will coordinate the next steps for reinstallation upon the receipt of the signed SWA.
   Note: We do not redesign your system layout for a standard reinstallation such as reroofing.
3. If permits are required, we will initiate the process with the local authorities. This step could take up to two months on average to complete.
4. Schedule your reinstallation visit in Tesla app. Tap ‘Support’ at the bottom of your energy system home screen. Select ‘System Reinstallation’ to schedule a service visit.

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Service Work Agreement

For all types of removal and/or reinstallation processes, you are required to sign a Service Work Agreement (SWA) before any work can begin. We will send you the appropriate SWA for your requested scope of work. Costs associated with permits (if required) will be included in the SWA as per your contract.

• Standard Removal and/or Reinstallation: You have requested that we temporarily remove part or all of your solar energy system so that you can complete typical roof work. Your roof lines are not changing. See your energy contract for pricing. Contracts citing “competitive pricing” will be calculated considering the scope of work. Once you are ready to reinstall your solar system, we will generate an SWA for the reinstallation work.

• Custom Removal and/or Reinstallation: You have requested that we temporarily remove part or all of your solar energy system so that you can complete work such as changing roof lines, remodeling your home or moving and relocating the system to your new home. Our Transfer team will review the scope of work to determine if a layout revision is required before the SWA is sent to you to review and sign.

• Additional Equipment: You have requested the installation of equipment that was not part of the original solar contract, including pest abatement, snow mitigation clips, rapid shutdown equipment, cellular gateway and more.
  Note: This does not apply for requests to increase your system size or production output.

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Roof Work (No Remodel)

This is the most common type of removal and/or reinstallation, for which either part or all of your solar system must be removed before you can repair or reroof your home. With this process, your roof line remains the same and we will reinstall your system where it was originally installed. Before we can proceed, you’ll need to confirm that your roof type is eligible for solar panel installation.

Working With Third-Party Contractors

You also have the option to hire a third-party contractor to complete your removal and/or reinstallation process. Consider the following factors when working with a third-party contractor:

• You don’t need us to approve the contractor or the scope of work. You can use a qualified service provider to perform removal and/or reinstallation services, but we do recommend that you review your system’s limited warranty (Exhibit 2 under Section 4 of your contract).
• Tesla is not responsible for any workmanship issues from third-party contractors. Should your contractor damage the system during removal or reinstallation, you are responsible for any repairs needed to the system.
  • If the system is not performing or operational, Tesla can investigate with a site visit investigation at a cost.
  • In the event you need Tesla’s assistance with repairs, you will be charged accordingly by Tesla.
• Your energy contract remains active, so you are still responsible for any monthly payments during this time, as detailed in your warranty.
• If you choose to hire a contractor, Tesla cannot guarantee availability of Tesla products that may be necessary for the installation and that any existing system warranty may be voided.
• For some removal and/or reinstallation services, such as for customers with Zep hardware, a contractor may require proprietary tools to remove and reinstall the solar panels and new mounting hardware. Let us know if you hire a contractor to complete this work, and we will send you instructions through email for ordering these tools and parts.

Once your contractor has identified the required tools and/or parts for your job, use the Tesla One app to order and pay for the tools and parts. You can download the Tesla One app from the Google Play or Apple store.

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Home Remodel

For this type of removal and/or reinstallation, we will remove your solar system before you remodel your home and reinstall it once you’re done. When remodeling your home, especially if there are additions or changes to your roof line, there are additional steps and time constraints to consider. Reinstallation may require permits and design changes to your system.

Note: Even if we are able to reinstall the system according to the original design, we will still need to evaluate possible structural limitations. Additions to your home may obstruct sunlight to your solar panels (shading) and can result in needing to relocate parts of your system to improve sun exposure. Depending on the final layout of your home, your system may not be able to generate the same amount of energy that it did prior to your remodel. 

Additional Home Remodel Considerations

Consider the following when remodeling your home:

• Your remodeling plans and blueprints must be provided to our Engineering team to evaluate how your system’s design and contract may be affected. Make sure they include:
  • Dimensions
  • Roof pitch
  • Azimuth
  • Truss calculations
  • Roof type
  • Roof obstructions
  • Elevations
  • Lumber type/Roof framing plan
• A dedicated Asset Control Specialist will contact you to review your plans and discuss removal and/or reinstallation costs.
  Note: Extensive remodeling may lead to additional costs.
• Once our Engineering team has reviewed your project, we will send you a Remodel Contract for your review and signature. If you have a MyPower Loan, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Solar Lease, your account balance must be current before the reinstallation process can begin.
• If your home is being demolished, we can store your solar system in a local warehouse until your rebuild is complete.

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Relocation

For this type of removal and/or reinstallation, you are moving and request that we remove your solar system from your current home to reinstall it at your new home.

Note: Relocation is only available when you have a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)/Lease Contract, are selling the home on which the system is currently installed and would like to bring your system to your new home, located in a serviceable area. See your solar agreement for details.

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Eligible Roof Types

If you are considering changing your roof type, the new roof type must be eligible for solar panel installation. We currently install on the following roof types per state:

For Colorado Residents

Additional steps are required before removal and/or reinstallation services can begin:

• For Colorado Customers: A copy of the passed roof inspection must be provided before we can schedule the reinstallation. After reroofing is complete, your roof must sit for 30 days with no additional work done to it. Following this waiting period, we can begin reinstallation.
• For All Remaining Customers: After reroofing is complete, your roof must sit for 30 days with no additional work done to it. Following this waiting period, we can begin reinstallation.

Roof Pitch Requirements

Roof pitch affects solar energy production as related to the solar panels’ orientation to the sun. Optimal solar energy production occurs when sunlight hits the solar panels at a right angle. See the pitch degree requirements below for each eligible roof type:

Note: We do not install solar panels on the following roof and structure types:

• Clay Tile
• Metal Tile
• Metal Shingles
• Trellis
• Tar & Gravel
• Membrane
• Slate
• Wood Shake
• Carports
• Ground Mounts

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