U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates · public county data, not a national estimate
After a hurricane, solar panels need a safety check first — even panels that look fine can have loosened mounts, damaged wiring, or roof leaks, and a damaged system can still be electrically live.
Handle it soon — these get more expensive with time. Treat a storm-damaged solar array as potentially live — don't touch loose panels, dangling wires, or the inverter, and keep clear of any panel near a downed line. A damaged system can still produce voltage; leave the inspection and any shutdown to a licensed pro.
Common causes:
• Wind loosening or tearing panels and their roof mounts
• Debris impact cracking panels or damaging wiring
• Roof damage under or around the array letting water in
• Electrical damage to the inverter or connections from the storm or a surge
• Storm-chasing crews going door to door offering same-day solar 'repairs'
• Pressure to sign over your insurance benefits before an inspection or adjuster
• Anyone working on a storm-damaged array without confirming it's safely shut down
• No state (CVC) solar license, and no coordination with a roofer if the roof is damaged too
What should I do with my solar panels after a hurricane?
Once it's safe, have a licensed solar contractor inspect the array, mounts, wiring, and inverter, and check the roof underneath for damage and leaks — but don't climb up or touch it yourself, since a damaged system can still be live. Document everything with photos for insurance before any repair.
Does insurance cover hurricane damage to solar panels?
Roof-mounted solar is often covered under the homeowner's policy the same way the roof is, with the usual wind-versus-flood distinction and hurricane deductible. Document the damage before repairs, confirm your coverage, and don't sign your benefits over to a storm-chasing crew in the driveway.
Solar panel removal & reinstall (for reroof): $2,500–$8,000 (typical ~$3,800)
Remove and reinstall to reroof or access the roof; damaged panels are extra, and roof pitch and access dominate.
Curated Florida 2026 estimate — installed cost for a typical FL single-family home, not a bid.
Florida licenses this trade at the STATE level (DBPR / CILB (CVC)). Hiring unlicensed for this work is illegal for the contractor — and risky for you: no permit rights, no insurance backing, no recourse.
Work like this often requires a county permit — a legitimate pro pulls it, not you.
Basis: FL Stat. 489 (DBPR state licensing).
Your request goes to a single license-verified Solar pro in your area — you stay anonymous until you tap connect, and we never sell your info.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost 34231 · How Much Do Solar Panels Cost 34236 · How Much Do Solar Panels Cost 34239
Covered: Lee · Pinellas · Sarasota · Charlotte · Hillsborough · Manatee | As of 2026-07-15 | Local numbers appear only when the sample is large enough to protect privacy.