Solar Panel Removal Cost: $1,500 to $5,000 + Disposal (2026)
Permanently removing a home solar system costs $1,500 to $5,000 for decommissioning (Angi, 2026), up to $12,500 with roof repair (HomeAdvisor), plus $15 to $100 per panel for recycling or disposal.
A licensed contractor must do the electrical disconnect, and a leased system cannot be removed without the lessor.
Key numbers
- $400 to $600 per systemRemoval of an old system (repair guides)Angi, Jul 2026
- $3,000 to $12,500 per systemNational, complete systemHomeAdvisor, Jun 2026
- $1,500 to $5,000 per systemNational, decommissioningAngi, Apr 2026
Taking the panels off so the roof can be replaced, then putting them back? That is removal and reinstall, a different job and price. This page is for taking a system off for good.
Permanent solar panel removal is the decommissioning and disposal of a home solar array that will not be reinstalled, including disconnection from the utility, removal of panels and racking, roof repair at the penetrations, and recycling or disposal, costing $1,500 to $5,000 for a typical system in 2026 published ranges.
If you lease your system or have a power purchase agreement, the financing company owns it and is responsible for this work; call the servicer on your statement (SunStrong for Sunnova and legacy SunPower, Renewbrook for most PosiGen leases). The rest of this page is for owners of cash and loan systems. The owned vs leased guide explains the difference.
Leak, damage or a roof that needs work? Call the roof line. A local roofing company answers and quotes its visit fee before anything is booked.
How much does it cost to remove solar panels permanently
$1,500 to $5,000 for decommissioning a typical system (Angi, April 2026), $3,000 to $12,500 for a complete system including roof repair (HomeAdvisor, June 2026), or $200 to $500 per panel (Angi). Disposal adds $15 to $45 per panel for recycling or $1 to $5 for landfill at utility-scale rates (pv magazine, June 2026); Forme Solar charges about $100 per panel for disposal in Southern California. Roof repair at the penetrations after removal is $300 to $1,000 (Angi).
| Scenario | Published range | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of an old system (repair guides) | $400 to $600 per system | Angi, Jul 2026 |
| National, complete system | $3,000 to $12,500 per system | HomeAdvisor, Jun 2026 |
| National, decommissioning | $1,500 to $5,000 per system | Angi, Apr 2026 |
| Per panel removal | $200 to $500 per panel | Angi, Apr 2026 |
| Fixr removal (unhooking and taking down) | $300 to $500 per system | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
Published permanent removal prices. Sources and dates per row; checked October 11, 2026.
| Scenario | Published range | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| Southern California disposal | $100 per panel | Forme Solar, Oct 2026 |
| US recycling cost (utility-scale module, industry figure) | $15 to $45 per panel | pv magazine USA, Jun 2026 |
| US landfill cost | $1 to $5 per panel | pv magazine USA, Jun 2026 |
Published disposal and recycling prices per panel. Sources and dates per row; checked October 11, 2026.
Want the system gone? Call the roof line with your panel count and roof type.
Can I remove solar panels myself
Not safely or legally in most places. The array produces lethal DC voltage whenever light hits it, the utility interconnection has to be formally terminated, and roof penetrations need proper repair or the roof leaks. Most states require a licensed electrical or solar contractor for the disconnect and a permit to decommission. The state rules table has the license requirement by state.
Removing a leased solar system
You cannot. A leased or PPA system belongs to the lessor, and removing it without the lessor's agreement breaches the contract. The lease sets out a buyout price or an early termination fee, after which the lessor either removes the system or transfers it to you. If the installer failed and the lease moved to SunStrong, Renewbrook or Sunrun, that company handles the request. The owned vs leased guide covers buyouts.
Solar panel disposal and recycling
Panels contain glass, aluminum, silicon and small amounts of silver, lead and sometimes cadmium, and several states (California, Washington, New Jersey among them) restrict landfilling them. Recyclers such as SOLARCYCLE, We Recycle Solar and First Solar's program accept residential panels, usually through the contractor. Working panels have resale value; a contractor removing a functioning array will often credit it against the job.
Selling the panels instead of disposing of them
A working array less than 10 years old is worth something to a second owner or a contractor, typically a few hundred dollars for the panels and inverter. Ask the removal contractor for a credit, or list the equipment yourself after removal. Never leave a decommissioned array wired on the roof; it remains energized.
Solar panel removal service near me: companies that do permanent removal
- Shutting down the system and disconnecting it from the utility.
- Removing panels, racking, mounts and wiring.
- Sealing or patching every roof penetration.
- Recycling or disposing of panels, or crediting working equipment.
- Closing out the permit and the interconnection agreement.
Ask each removal company which of these the quote includes. The roof patching and the paperwork are the two most often left out.
More solar guides
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to remove solar panels?
$1,500 to $5,000 to decommission a typical system per Angi (April 2026), or $3,000 to $12,500 including roof repair per HomeAdvisor. Per panel, $200 to $500 plus disposal.
How do I get rid of solar panels?
Hire a licensed solar or electrical contractor to disconnect, remove and recycle them and repair the roof. Several states restrict landfilling panels; recyclers charge $15 to $100 per panel.
Can I remove leased solar panels?
No. The lessor owns them. The lease sets a buyout or early termination price, after which the lessor removes or transfers the system.
Are old solar panels worth anything?
Working panels under 10 years old have resale value, typically a few hundred dollars for an array. Many removal contractors credit it against the job.
Do I need a permit to remove solar panels?
Usually, to decommission the electrical connection and close out the original permit, and the utility must terminate the interconnection agreement.
Who removes solar panels?
A licensed solar or electrical contractor for the disconnect and removal, often with a roofer for the penetrations. Call the roof line on this page.
What does solar panel decommissioning include?
Disconnecting the system from the utility, removing panels, racking and wiring, sealing the roof penetrations, recycling or disposing of the panels, and closing out the permit and interconnection agreement.
Taking the panels off for good? Call the roof line; the same crews handle permanent removal and patch the mounts.
- 1Call the line
- 2It rings a local company
- 3They give you the price
Before you book
- License numberAsk for it, then check it with the state board.
- Written priceGet the visit fee and the job price in writing before work starts.
- Proof of insuranceAsk for the certificate, especially for roof, tree and electrical work.
Sources (9)
- Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Remove Solar Panels? [2026 Data] (2026-04-06)
- HomeAdvisor: How Much Does It Cost to Remove Solar Panels? (2026-06-19)
- Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Repair Solar Panels? [2026 Data] (2026-07-10)
- Fixr: Cost to Repair Solar Panel (2025-01-31)
- Forme Solar: Solar Company Closed? Southern California Service Help (2026-10-06)
- pv magazine USA: Solar panel recycling costs outpace recovered material value (2026-06-05)
- NuWatt Energy: Solar Orphan Rescue (2026-04)
- Fixr: Solar Panel Maintenance Costs (2025-01-31)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Solar Panel Maintenance Cost? (2026) (2024-09-16)
Talk to a roofer who serves your area
Have the address, the roof material and its rough age, and where you see water or damage. Say if solar panels are on the roof. The company will quote its inspection or visit fee before anything is booked.
Free call to an independent company in your area that takes this kind of work.