With thousands of Southern California homeowners adopting renewable energy, solar panels are a common sight across Lakewood rooftops. However, when a leak develops beneath an active solar array, performing a roof repair with solar panels installed introduces unique logistical and technical challenges.
How Solar Installations Cause Roof Leaks
A typical residential solar system requires drilling dozens of lag bolts through your roofing shingles or tiles into structural rafters to anchor the aluminum mounting racks. Common failure points include:
- Missing or Failed Bracket Flashing: If the solar installer relied purely on silicone sealant rather than installing mechanical metal flashing under the shingle course, the sealant will degrade after 5 to 8 years.
- Missed Rafter Penetrations: Lag bolts driven into the thin plywood decking rather than the center of a 2x4 or 2x6 rafter create loose holes that leak under wind-driven rain.
- Cracked Surrounding Tiles: Solar technicians walking across fragile concrete or clay tiles during installation frequently crack tiles, leading to delayed leaks years later.
| Service Step | Who Performs It | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Solar System De-energization & Panel Removal | Certified Solar Electrician | Preserves manufacturer equipment warranty and prevents electrical hazards |
| 2. Roof Substrate Inspection & Leak Repair | Licensed C-39 Roofing Contractor | Replaces rotted decking, installs new underlayment and metal flashing |
| 3. Upgraded Flashed Standoff Installation | Roofer / Solar Team | Installs code-compliant flashed solar mounts with integrated waterproofing |
| 4. Panel Reinstallation & Grid Reconnection | Certified Solar Electrician | Verifies voltage output, inverter communication, and local utility compliance |
If you suspect a leak around your solar racking or perimeter tiles, schedule a comprehensive assessment on our roof inspection page.
Coordinating Between Solar Companies and Roofing Contractors
When a roof leak develops beneath solar panels, homeowners often find themselves caught in a dispute: the solar installer blames the roofer, while the roofer refuses to touch the solar panels. The most effective resolution is hiring an established roofing contractor who maintains direct working partnerships with licensed solar electricians.
The solar electrician carefully disconnects the DC electrical circuits, removes the microinverters and solar modules, and stores them safely on site. The roofing contractor then strips the damaged shingles, replaces deteriorated underlayment, installs flashed solar standoff brackets, and reinstalls new shingles. Once the roof is watertight and inspected, the solar technicians reset the panels, ensuring all manufacturer warranties remain intact.
Photovoltaic System Safety and Electrical Disconnection
Solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays generate hundreds of volts of direct current (DC) whenever daylight strikes the panels. Before any roofer touches brackets or surrounding shingles, the solar array must be isolated using the exterior DC disconnect switch and rapid-shutdown switch. Having a certified solar electrician handle the electrical disconnect ensures compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 690.12 and protects workers from dangerous arc flash hazards.
Additionally, examine the penetrations made for electrical conduit piping entering your attic space. Conduits penetrating through the roof deck must be sealed with specialized flashing boots rather than standard roof mastic, as thermal expansion of the metal pipe will quickly break brittle seals.