Deciding to paint your roof is no small undertaking, but it’s a fantastic investment that pays off in more ways than one. Not only will your home look significantly more appealing, but you’ll also boost its market value right away. While we’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, let’s face it, appearances matter. Whether its neighbours walking by or potential buyers stopping to admire your property, a neglected roof can quickly become an eyesore that detracts from the rest of your home.
But what if your roof isn’t just any roof—what if it has solar panels? This complicates the process a bit. You may wonder, Do I need to remove the solar panels before painting, or can I leave them on? Let’s explore your options and the precautions you’ll need to take to avoid costly mistakes.
Getting your solar panels removed before painting
If you choose to remove your solar panels, this task should always be handled by a professional solar installer, not a general roof contractor. Solar installers have the expertise to safely disconnect, remove, and later reinstall your panels without compromising their functionality. While this might seem like an added expense, doing it the right way upfront saves you from potential mishaps and extra costs in the future. A poorly handled removal or reinstallation could damage your panels or reduce their efficiency—problems no homeowner wants to deal with.
Painting your roof with the solar panels on
If removing the panels isn’t feasible, you must take specific precautions to protect them during the painting process. Paint on solar panels can severely impact their performance, or even stop them from working altogether. To avoid this, ensure your contractor uses high-quality drop sheets to shield the panels and the surrounding system. These sheets are a simple yet effective solution for preventing accidental paint splatter.
Additionally, everything around the panels needs to be carefully masked and sealed to prevent paint from seeping into the panels. Before hiring a contractor, ask if they’ve worked on projects involving solar panels before. Their experience is crucial to ensuring the job is done properly. Also, remember to turn off your solar system before any work begins as an added safety measure.
If you’re keeping your solar panels on, it’s a good idea to ask the contractor to look for any dirt or debris while they’re up there.
Whether you choose to remove your solar panels or paint around them, clear communication with professionals is key. If you decide on removal, work with your solar installer to ensure everything is handled correctly. If you keep the panels in place, make sure your roofing contractor is well-versed in protecting them during the painting process.
In the end, a freshly painted roof can transform the look of your home, making it a project worth the effort.
Your Solar & Electrical Experts
Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.
