Removal of Solar Panels

[MsMm]

I bought a house that has 4 disconnected solar panels, on a flat roof. I'm not sure why the panels were disconnected, as the previous owner had passed. These panels are approx. 6 x 4 ft. each, placed as 2 panels, side by side. I have a roof leak, near a pipe vent. Water is collecting below each section of the panels, and puddles around the vent. Roofer says panels should come out, as their placement doesn't allow water to drain properly, and panels are not working anyway. Do I need an electrician or a plumber, or ???, to remove these panels? And, approx. what should the removal of these 4 disconnected panels cost?

[Mike90250]

are they water heating panels (with plumbing connections) or solar electric panels ? Either way, they get disconnected from the wires / plumbing, then the mounting hardware removed, and finally, the brakets going to the roof come off. Then the roofer seals those mounting holes.

Water heating panels likely have valuable copper or brass in them and can be recycled.

Solar Electric panels have a 20+ year lifetime and if they are not damaged by removal, can be resold.

[MsMm]

Thank you, Mike, for what could be of monetary value, as well as quite helpful, to the situation. I didn't look closely enough, to check the lines (electric and plumbing), to know what type of panels they are. Do you think since they're probably already disconnected, that someone would remove them, for the value of the panels?

[Living Large]

Thank you, Mike, for what could be of monetary value, as well as quite helpful, to the situation. I didn't look closely enough, to check the lines (electric and plumbing), to know what type of panels they are. Do you think since they're probably already disconnected, that someone would remove them, for the value of the panels?

It would be helpful to supply more information.

[J.P.M.]

Also look for an inverter either outside or in the garage and/or conduit from the panels. Additionally, if the panels are about 1 1/2" thick , they're probably PV. If 3" or so thick, they're probably solar thermal.

If thermal, and to reinforce what Mike write, the copper in them will have some scrap value. My 4 X 8 ft. thermal panels have ~ 30 lbm of copper in each one, plus connecting piping. The plumber may intimate the copper isn't worth much. Don't believe it.

[Mike90250]

Thank you, Mike, for what could be of monetary value, as well as quite helpful, to the situation. I didn't look closely enough, to check the lines (electric and plumbing), to know what type of panels they are. Do you think since they're probably already disconnected, that someone would remove them, for the value of the panels?

No. "Someone" is just going to yank them, and cause damage to the roof. But if you trust someone, and have a good roofer to patch things up afterwards, go for it.

[MsMm]

OK. You're both quite helpful. I so appreciate your enlightenment. I did read the home inspector's report referring to the panels as hydronic solar panels. I think they're about 3 inches thick. I will use caution, if anyone is interested in removing them, for their value. e.g. insurance, and qualifications. Any other info, is always welcome. Thank you, again, Fellows!