Panels outlast a worn-out roof only if the roof underneath keeps up.
Why the order matters
Panels sit over the roof for years. When the covering underneath fails, the panels have to come off before a reroof can happen. A separate solar permit is needed to remove and reinstall rooftop solar (Los Angeles County Public Works, 2025).
A roof near the end of its life should be replaced before panels are installed. If panels are already there, the reroof is planned with the solar company so the array is lifted once.
Mounts and flashing
Every panel mount is a hole through the roof. Each one needs flashing woven into the new layers and sealed to the maker's detail. On tile, mount points need careful tile work. On shingle or membrane, the flashing goes under the covering above and over the covering below.
We agree the mount layout with the solar company ahead, so the roof is not cut a second time.
What a solar ready reroof includes
- Roof condition check against the panel plan
- Sequence agreed with the solar company
- Deck repaired and new underlayment installed
- Flashing at each mount, sealed to the detail
- Covering chosen for the climate zone values
- A clean surface left for panels to return
When to plan the reroof around solar
- Panels are on the way and the roof has little life left
- Existing panels sit on a covering that is wearing out
- Leaks have shown up under the array
- A solar bid arrived and asks about the roof
Cool roof values and solar
The City of Los Angeles cool roof rule applies once more than half the roof is replaced, and it steps aside where solar is installed (LADWP, 2022). It also skips work on 50 percent of the roof or less. The state rule carries its own exceptions (California Energy Commission, 2022).
The covering under or around panels is still chosen with heat in mind. We check the product listing for the values that apply to your slope.
Who does what
The solar company handles panel removal, reinstalling, and the utility side. We handle the roof. The two schedules meet in the middle: panels come off, the reroof runs, and panels go back on the new surface.
We put the dates in writing so neither schedule waits on the other.
Solar and roofing questions
How are panel mounts flashed on a new roof?
Each mount is a hole in the roof, so it gets flashing woven into the new layers and sealed to the maker's detail. We agree the mount layout with the solar company first, so the roof is cut once.
Do the roof sections under panels need cool roof values?
The City of Los Angeles rule is not required where solar is installed, or for work on 50 percent of the roof or less (LADWP, 2022). The state rule has its own exceptions, which we check for your address.
Who deals with the solar company and the utility?
Panel removal, reinstalling and the utility side belong to the solar company. We set the roofing dates around theirs and confirm them in writing.
Is it worth reroofing before a solar install?
When the covering is close to done, yes. Lifting panels later needs a separate solar permit (Los Angeles County Public Works, 2025), and the array comes down a second time.
What does solar ready mean when panels come later?
To us it means a sound deck, a new covering with a clear layout for panels, and flashing details that suit mounts. The roof is built so the installer starts without surprises.