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We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
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Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but its solar adoption rate is among the highest per capita. When your RI roof needs replacing, NuWatt handles the panel R&R so your roofer can work efficiently and your system gets back online fast.
Flat Fee Range
$4,000–$5,500
Per-Panel R&R
$305–$355
Avg System Size
20 panels
Timeline
1 day for removal, 2-4 days for roofing, 1 day for reinstall. Total R&R downtime is typically 4-6 days.
Typical R&R cost in RI runs $4,000-$5,500 for a 20-panel system
Rhode Island requires licensed electricians for solar disconnect/reconnect work
Coastal RI homes face accelerated roof aging from salt air — plan R&R when you see early signs of roof wear
REG program payments continue through the R&R process as long as downtime is communicated to your utility
NuWatt coordinates directly with your roofer and handles all electrical permits
Leased systems require written approval from the lease company before R&R can begin
Transparent pricing for solar panel remove and reinstall in Rhode Island. No hidden fees, no surprises.
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Per-Panel Removal | $140–$165 |
| Per-Panel Reinstallation | $165–$190 |
| Flat Fee (Whole System, ~20 panels) | $4,000–$5,500 |
What's included: Electrical disconnect, panel removal and labeling, secure on-site storage, reinstallation on new roof, electrical reconnect, production verification, and final inspection. Permits and utility notifications included in all flat-fee quotes.
Typical Timeline
1 day for removal, 2-4 days for roofing, 1 day for reinstall. Total R&R downtime is typically 4-6 days.. NuWatt coordinates directly with your roofer so panel removal is complete the morning your roofer is ready to begin, and reinstallation starts the day your new roof passes inspection.
Coastal storms bring wind-driven rain that tests flashing and sealant integrity
Salt air accelerates corrosion on roof and panel mounting hardware
Freeze-thaw cycles are frequent in RI winters, degrading flashings faster
Ice dams form at panel edges on older, poorly insulated roofs
Hurricane-season winds can loosen panel mounts and compromise roof seals
Rhode Island roofers will generally honor their warranty as long as a licensed professional handles R&R. Because RI homes tend to be older and more tightly spaced, roof access can be tricky. Coordinate with your roofer and R&R provider to plan staging and equipment placement before the project starts.
Manufacturer panel and inverter warranties remain valid through professional R&R. Rhode Island requires licensed electricians for solar work. Using an unlicensed contractor for disconnect could void your equipment warranty and create code violations.
Important: Read Before Scheduling
Rhode Island has a significant number of leased systems from the state incentive era. If you have a lease or PPA, you must contact your financing company for written R&R approval before any work starts. The lease company may have preferred R&R contractors or set fees. NuWatt is approved by most major lease providers operating in Rhode Island.
Insurance & R&R Coverage
Rhode Island homeowner policies typically cover solar R&R when the roof replacement is due to covered damage. Coastal RI homes should confirm that wind and storm surge are covered under their specific policy, as some coastal policies have higher deductibles. NuWatt provides insurance-formatted R&R documentation.
Plan for 4-6 days of total downtime. Panel removal takes about 1 day, roofing takes 2-4 days (RI roofs are typically smaller than suburban MA or CT), and reinstallation takes 1 day. NuWatt works closely with your roofer to compress the schedule. For a typical 20-panel RI system, each day offline costs about $5-7 in lost production.
No, when done by a licensed electrician. Manufacturer warranties for panels (25 years) and inverters (12-25 years) are not affected by professional R&R. NuWatt is licensed in Rhode Island and provides its own workmanship warranty covering the reinstallation. We document the entire process with photos and test reports.
In most RI lease and PPA agreements, the homeowner covers R&R costs for roof replacement. However, your lease company must approve the work first and may specify an approved contractor or charge a set fee ($2,000-$4,500). Contact your financing company before scheduling your roof job. NuWatt can handle the lease company coordination for you.
Generally yes. Solar panels are considered attached structures covered under your dwelling insurance. If a storm damaged your roof, include the panel R&R cost in your claim. Be aware that some coastal RI policies have separate wind or named-storm deductibles that may apply. NuWatt provides insurance-ready documentation including itemized R&R costs and damage photos.
Yes. Rhode Island requires an electrical permit for disconnecting and reconnecting a solar PV system. This is separate from the building permit your roofer pulls for the roof work. NuWatt handles the electrical permit application, coordinates the inspection, and ensures everything meets current code. Permit fees are included in our flat-fee R&R price.
NuWatt carries commercial liability insurance that covers any damage to panels or roof during the R&R process. If a panel is damaged, we replace it through our insurance at no cost to you. Every panel is photographed before removal and after reinstall to document condition. This is a major reason to use a licensed, insured solar R&R company rather than having your roofer handle the panels.
Do not let solar panels delay your roof replacement. NuWatt handles the entire remove-and-reinstall process so you can get your new roof on schedule and keep your solar system producing.
Free assessments available. Most projects scheduled within 1-2 weeks.