Ceiling stain under your solar array? Your installer says it's not them, your roofer won't touch a roof with panels, and everyone tells you to call the other guy. I diagnose leaks under existing solar without voiding either warranty — attic-side first, roof-side second, panel-pull only if the diagnosis demands it.
Attic-side leak trace with moisture meter and IR camera
Per-penetration inspection of every accessible standoff and flashing boot
Sealant condition scoring (butyl vs polyurethane vs silicone) + failure mode ID
Membrane compatibility check against manufacturer chart — flag warranty-voiding sealants
Panel-pull scope: exact panel numbers, sealant spec, reinstall requirements
Report worded to preserve both roof and solar workmanship warranties
Attic inspection first — moisture meter, IR camera, and flashlight to trace the leak path back to a specific rafter bay and penetration. Roof-side inspection of every accessible standoff base flashing, flashing boot, and rail attachment point. Sealant condition score per penetration: adhesion, cracking, UV degradation, and manufacturer compatibility. Standoff torque spot-check where accessible (random sample vs install spec). Membrane compatibility check against roofing manufacturer chart — I flag every sealant type that voids the roof warranty. Written report with: leak-path diagnosis, specific panels requiring pull for repair, sealant + material spec, reinstall requirements, and warranty-preservation language for both trades.
Homeowners with existing rooftop PV and active ceiling stains or attic moisture. Owners whose solar installer and roofer are pointing fingers. Owners with a leaking solar array still under workmanship warranty who need a defensible third-party diagnosis. Buyers under contract on a home with existing solar and any history of leaks. Commercial owners with rooftop PV and TPO / EPDM / mod-bit membrane needing warranty-integrity work.
Attic-First Diagnostic Report — $349 Standard Solar Leak Inspection (attic + roof) — $549 Full-Array Sealant + Compatibility Audit — $795 Panel-pull coordination + reinstall spec — $199 add-on Most solar leak diagnoses are $349–$549. Isolating a single failed penetration saves the $1,200–$2,500 an installer charges to pull the whole array 'to look.'
About 70% of leaks under an existing solar array are from a standoff base flashing, a flashing boot, or a rail-attachment sealant failure — not the panels themselves. Installers deflect because taking panels off to prove it is expensive. I diagnose from the attic first, isolate the leak path, then only pull panels if I have to.
No. I diagnose without disturbing the array unless we've isolated the leak to a specific penetration and you authorize a pull. My report is written to preserve both the roof manufacturer warranty and the solar workmanship warranty — I cite each warranty document and word my scope so it's honored, not voided.
I coordinate with your installer or a solar-savvy roofer. My report specifies which panels need to come off, the sealant type required to match your membrane (compatibility chart included), and the reinstall spec. You're not paying to pull the whole array when 4 panels is enough.
Pre-listing & buyer due-diligence reports.
Reserve study + per-unit documentation.
Party-wall + shared-roof attribution.
Step, counter, cricket flashing audit.
I've watched too many neighbors sign contracts they didn't understand for roofs they didn't need. That stops with a written report they own.