03/19/2026
π¨ FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS: If you're thinking about solar panels, read this BEFORE you sign anything...
We just inspected a $780,000 Altamonte Springs home where the solar company showed up ready to install β and we found something that would've cost the homeowner $23,000 to fix AFTER the panels went on.
Here's the clue most people miss:
Solar panels don't cause roof problems β they REVEAL them. And once those panels are bolted down? You're looking at $8,000β$15,000 just to REMOVE and REINSTALL them to fix what was already there.
The detective work we do before installation:
β Decking integrity (solar mounts need solid substrate β not soft plywood)
β Remaining shingle lifespan (you need 15+ years left, or you're paying twice)
β Structural load capacity (those panels are HEAVY β some roofs weren't built for it)
β Proper flashing around pe*******ons (one leak under a panel array = total nightmare)
The case we cracked last week: Homeowner was 72 hours from installation. Our inspection found the roof had 6β8 years left, NOT the "15β20" the solar company estimated. If they'd installed? In 7 years, she'd pay $12,000 to remove panels, $18,000 for a new roof, $12,000 to reinstall. That's $42,000 instead of $18,000.
She replaced the roof FIRST. Panels went on a brand-new surface. Problem solved.
Bottom line: A $450 roof inspection before solar can save you five figures in regret. We're not anti-solar β we're pro-doing-it-right.
Already have solar and worried about your roof underneath? We inspect those too. No panels removed β just honest detective work.
The Roof Sleuths don't just check roofs. We solve problems before they cost you a fortune.
π (858) 775-2740
π theroofsleuths.com/rhoffman