How do you get a new roof with solar?

Plan the layout before the roof goes on

Ask the solar company for a preliminary panel layout before the roofer starts. With it, the roofer can keep plumbing vents, exhaust fans and box vents out of the array area where practical, and a continuous ridge vent avoids scattered vents that block panels. Moving a vent before shingles go down is simple; moving it afterward means cutting into a new roof.

Sequence the two crews

1. Roof replacement, including any decking repairs and ventilation changes.
2. Solar mounting with flashed attachments lagged into the rafters, not just the decking.
3. Electrical work, inspection and utility interconnection.

Get the responsibility in writing

Roofing workmanship warranties generally exclude damage from other trades, and solar installers usually warranty their own penetrations. Get both in writing so a leak under the array does not turn into finger-pointing. Keep photos of the new roof before panels go up.

Other details to settle

• Insurance. Tell your insurer about the solar system, since it can raise the replacement cost of the home.
• Taxes. The federal residential solar credit ended for homeowner-owned systems after 2025, so ask a tax preparer before counting on any credit.
• Integrated solar. Solar shingle systems replace roofing in the array area and are installed by specially trained crews, so availability varies by area.

The case for replacing first is in replacing your roof before solar, and venting choices are compared in ridge vent vs box vents.