By Lawrence Reinholt, Roofing Guides Editor
Updated September 2026
Quick answer: Re-roofing under solar panels in Albuquerque means removing the array and racking, replacing the roof, and reinstalling the panels on newly flashed mounts. The electrical disconnect and reconnection are done by your solar provider or an electrician. If your roof has limited life left, replacing it before solar goes on avoids paying for removal and reset later.
Part 1 of 5
Why the timing matters
Solar is common here; more than 50,000 New Mexico homeowners and businesses have installed it. Many of those arrays sit on roofs that will need replacing during the panels' lifetime, and removal and reset is a real cost each time.
The simplest rule: if the roof has only a few years left, replace it before the panels go on.
Part 2 of 5
How detach and reset works
Your solar provider or an electrician disconnects the system. The panels are labeled, removed and stored safely, the racking comes off, and the roof work is done. New mounts are then set into framing and flashed to the new roof, and the array goes back for reconnection. Our solar detach and reset page covers each step.
Part 3 of 5
Mounts are where solar roofs leak
Every mount is a hole through the roof. When a roof is replaced, the mounts should be replaced and flashed to suit the new system rather than reused over new roofing. Old holes are patched, not left under the panels.
Questions about your own roof? Call and talk to a roofer.
Call (505) 636-9496Part 4 of 5
Warranties to check first
Some solar installers require the original installer, or their written approval, before anyone moves the panels. Check your installer's terms before scheduling, so the roof work does not create a warranty question later.
Part 5 of 5
The tax credit changed the math
The 30 percent federal residential solar credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025, while New Mexico still offers a state credit of 10 percent up to $6,000. Homeowners planning solar now often weigh whether the roof should come first, and the answer usually depends on how much life it has left.
FAQ
Common questions on this topic
Your solar provider or an electrician; the roofer handles the roof and racking.
From disconnect to reconnection; the schedule is agreed before work starts.
Often, by removing only the panels over the problem.
If the roof has limited life left, yes.
Check your installer's terms; some require approval.
Yes, when the array is reset or on an existing array.
Shaded areas age more slowly, but mounts and edges still fail.