Solar Panel Removal & Reinstallation (R&R) Insurance Claim Playbook: Xactimate Codes SOL RMV & SOL RST
When hail or wind totals your asphalt shingle or tile roof, your solar array must be professionally detached, stored safely, and reinstalled with brand-new roof flashings after the roofers finish. Learn how to force your insurance adjuster to approve full Xactimate electrical R&R pricing.
📊 Official Xactimate Line-Item & Cost Schedule
🧮 Calculate Exact R&R Supplement →| Xactimate Category / Code | Line-Item Scope Description | 2026 Fair-Market Rate |
|---|---|---|
| SOL RMV / ELC | De-energize inverter, LOTO, detach solar PV modules, microinverters/optimizers & rails | $115 – $165 / panel |
| SOL RST / ELC | Layout rails, torque lag bolts into rafters, reset PV modules, dress trunk cables & re-commission | $135 – $185 / panel |
| RFG FLS / HDW | New waterproof solar roof flashing assemblies, lag bolts & EPDM sealant (non-reusable) | $35 – $55 / panel |
| CON / STG | Weatherproof padded pallet storage, critter guard reset & permit/utility re-inspection fee | $650 – $1,200 flat |
⚖️ Policy Contract Citations & Engineering Proof
Why Solar R&R Is Mandatory Under Coverage A (Dwelling): Even if your tempered glass solar panels survived the hailstorm without a scratch, it is physically impossible to tear off and replace the shingles underneath them without detaching and resetting the solar array. Under the ISO HO-3 "Necessary Repair Access" doctrine, the insurer must pay the full cost to remove and reinstall any fixture blocking access to covered roof damage.
Why General Roofers Cannot Legally Touch Your Solar Panels: Unplugging 400V–600V DC solar strings and re-commissioning grid-tied inverters requires a licensed solar/electrical contractor (C-10 / C-46 / Master Electrician), PLUS if an unlicensed roofer unbolts your panels, your original solar manufacturer and workmanship warranties are immediately voided!
Never Reuse Old Roof Flashings: Once roofers pry up old aluminum step-flashings (FlashFoot2 / QuickMount PV) during shingle tear-off, the EPDM rubber gasket and bent metal base are ruined. Every single roof attachment requires a brand-new flashing kit ($18–$28 per mount × 40–60 mounts = $900–$1,500 in hardware alone).
📝 1-Click Copy Insurance Adjuster Supplement / Rebuttal Letter
Send this directly to your desk adjuster or upload to your claim portal alongside your solar contractor's invoice.
Dear Desk Adjuster: Please find attached our itemized Solar Detach & Reset (R&R) invoice prepared using licensed solar electrical labor rates and new flashing hardware. Per NEC Article 690 and our manufacturer warranty terms, unlicensed roofing laborers are legally prohibited from disconnecting energized 600V DC photovoltaic circuits, and existing roof penetrations/flashings cannot be reused after shingle tear-off without violating UL 2703 waterproofing listings. Please update the Xactimate loss sheet to include SOL RMV, SOL RST, licensed ELC commissioning, and new flashing assemblies.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar R&R Xactimate Claim Playbook
Can my roofing company subcontract the solar removal and include it in my roof supplement?
Yes! The cleanest way to handle a solar roof claim is having a licensed solar contractor submit an itemized Xactimate R&R supplement directly to your adjuster (or through your roofer's supplement department) BEFORE the roof tear-off begins.