Solar Panel Installation in North Jersey
Solar panels last 25 years or more, so the roof under them has to as well. Terra Nova is a roofing company first: we check and fix the roof before solar goes on, and we seal every mount so the panels don't cause leaks.
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google • Free estimates • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700
Thinking about solar on an older roof? Get the roof checked first.
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Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?
Yes, if your roof has less than about 10 to 15 years of life left, replace it before installing solar panels, because panels usually stay up 25 years or more and removing and reinstalling them later for a new roof adds cost. If the roof is newer and in good shape, solar can go on now. Terra Nova inspects the roof first and tells you which.
Why roof-first matters
Every mount is a hole
Each one needs proper flashing and sealing so it doesn't leak.
Matching lifespans
A 25-year solar system shouldn't sit on a roof with 5 years left.
One contractor
Roof and solar from one team means one call if anything goes wrong.
Remove & reinstall
Need roof work under existing panels? We handle that too.
How it works
Roof inspection
Age, decking and condition, from the roof and the attic.
Plan
Roof first if needed, then the solar layout.
Install
Flashed mounts, panels and optional battery backup.
Walkthrough
We show you the system and the roof details.
Is my roof ready for solar?
| Roof condition | What we recommend |
|---|---|
| Under 10 years old, good shape | Install solar now |
| 10–15 years, some wear | Inspect closely, repair first |
| 15+ years or leaking | Replace the roof, then solar |
| Flat or low-slope | Check the membrane and drainage first |
Solar on North Jersey roofs
Snow load, wind and ice dams all matter when panels go on a roof here. Mounts should be flashed like any roof penetration, panels shouldn't trap snow over gutters where ice dams form, and wiring should run cleanly without new holes in the roof. These are roofing details first, which is why we treat solar as a roofing job.
Planning roof and solar together
Roof inspection
Age, decking and condition.
Roof work first
Repair or replace if needed.
Panel layout
Avoid valleys, vents and snow traps over gutters.
Install & flash
Each mount flashed and sealed.
What homeowners say about us
★★★★★ 5-star rated on Google
Get a free estimate
Tell us what's going on. We usually reply the same business day.
Why homeowners call Terra Nova
- Free on-site estimates, price in writing first
- Licensed & insured, locally owned in Garfield
- Manufacturer-backed warranties and a workmanship guarantee
- Roofing, gutters and siding from one contractor
Request your free estimate
Fill this out and a member of our team will follow up within one business day.
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Questions homeowners ask
Can solar panels cause roof leaks?
They can if mounts aren't flashed and sealed correctly. That's why we treat every mount as a roofing detail.
Can you install solar on an old roof?
We check first. If the roof is near the end of its life, replacing it before solar usually saves money.
Do you offer battery backup?
Yes, battery backup can be added to a solar system.
Can you take panels off for roof work?
Yes, we remove and reinstall panels when the roof needs work.
Is financing available?
Ask about financing options when you request your estimate.
Do you fix leaks around existing solar panels?
Yes. Leak repair →
Can solar panels go on a flat roof?
Yes, with the right racking and a roof membrane in good condition.
Do panels damage shingles?
Not when they're installed and flashed correctly.
What happens to snow on solar panels?
It usually slides off faster than off shingles. Snow guards may be needed above walkways.
Can you inspect my roof before another company installs solar?
Yes.
Updated October 2026 by the Terra Nova Roofing & Construction team, Garfield, NJ • NJ Lic. #13VH13824700
