Most Texans know that severe weather can happen anytime of the year and that the majority of storms occur from March through August with peak occurrences/severity during the month of May. However, there are many people relocating to the area who have not experienced our “Texas sized hail” and they aren’t sure what to do if they receive damage, especially if they’ve a solar array that needs to be removed so that roof repairs can be made.
Axium Solar has much experience removing and reinstalling solar arrays for homeowners who have received roof damage due to hail and severe weather. You can learn more about our array removal and reinstallation services here.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with the steps you should take in case you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to deal with removing your solar array for roof repairs.
- The first thing you should do if you receive roof damage is call your homeowner’s insurance. Weather damage to your roof and to your solar array is typically covered as part of a standard homeowners policy. They will visit you and assess the situation.
Tip: If you are unsure as to whether your solar array is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, you should look into it now. Installer and manufacturer warranties do not apply to Acts of God or weather related damage, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve the proper coverage. - Next, if you’ve a solar array on your roof you’ll need to acquire an estimate for the removal and reinstallation. You’ll want licensed electricians and certified solar PV installers to handle this for you since you’ll want the electrical components and the array to be up to code and functioning to optimal capacity upon reinstallation.
- You’ll need an estimate for the roof repairs. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas is a great resource for locating a reputable roofing contractor. As with any venture involving home repairs and working with contractors, it pays to do your homework! The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association has some great tips on finding a reputable roofer, “Questions to ask any roofing contractor before you let them on your roof“.
Note: Some people prefer to hire the roofer to act as the general contractor for everything. Axium Solar does not contract to others for this type of work; we will work with the homeowner directly. This way you can save yourself some money and avoid markup for services that aren’t necessary. Contact us directly and we’ll provide you with a straightforward estimate! - Submit both estimates to your insurance company.
- Once you receive approval from your insurance company (this should happen within 15 days of your submission), schedule the removal of the solar array just prior to your roofer beginning the roof work. The array can be reinstalled after your roofer’s work has been completed.
Timeframe: It generally takes several hours to a day to remove a residential solar array and 1-3 days to reinstall it, depending upon system size and other variables.
For further reading:
- Dallas News wrote this article, “About 80 percent of Wyle homes damaged in hailstorm, initial estimates show”
- WFAA posted, “Dash cam video in Wylie captures hail bashing windshields”
- DFW CBS wrote, “Roofer red flag: Investigator worry about scammers after storm”
- My San Antonio wrote, “Reports of hail skyrocket in 2016 in Texas, ranked first in U.S. for most hail damage last 2 years”
- Fox 4 posted, “Bill would limit hail damage lawsuits against Texas insurance providers”
- “Texas man loses thousands in roof repair scam“, according to Click 2 Houston
- NBC DFW wrote, “Proposed bill would regulate Texas roofing industry”
- Texas Attorney General on home remodeling and repair
- Texas Department of Insurance warns against roof repair scams
- “TDI issues bulletin regarding roofers and insurance adjusters: You can’t do both” – The statute for that is here
