Can I Take My Solar With Me If I Move?

If you’re a homeowner considering moving, you might wonder if you can take your solar system. While it may seem like a good idea, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the cost of dismantling, shipping, and setting up your solar system again can be quite significant. Moving your system may often wipe out any savings you were hoping to achieve. Additionally, solar systems are designed to fit specific spots and energy usage, so your new roof and energy needs may not match up with the house you’re moving out of. And if you’ve had your solar system for several years, you may be missing out on the latest technological advancements by taking it with you.

Key Takeaways About Moving Solar Systems

  • Moving your solar system can be expensive and may eliminate any savings you hope to achieve.
  • Taking apart and reassembling your system carries risks and can void your warranties.
  • Getting a new solar system designed for your new home is generally better if you’re considering a move.
  • If you don’t own your solar and have a lease or PPA, you can’t move it.
Repairing a roof when removing solar can be expensive
Repairing a roof when removing solar can be expensive

Considerations Before Moving Your Solar System

If you’re moving to a new home and want to take your solar system with you, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

  • The cost of dismantling, shipping, and setting up your solar system again can be pretty high and may negate any savings you hoped to achieve by bringing your system with you.
  • Removing the racking from your old roof will require repairs, costing thousands of dollars.
  • Solar systems are designed to fit specific spots, so your existing system may not be the best fit for your new home’s roof and energy usage.
  • Moving your solar panels will void your installation warranty, and the manufacturer will not cover any damage caused by the move.
  • Taking your old solar system with you may mean missing out on the latest solar technology, which could offer better efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Solar power can increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers or renters, so leaving your system in place may be a smart selling point.

Moving your solar system to a new home is not worth the cost and risk. Instead, consider getting a new solar system designed specifically for your new home’s needs.

Common Solar Questions Series, Episode 1: If I move, can I take my solar system with me?

Financial Implications Of Moving Solar

You must know the financial implications of moving your solar system to your new home. The cost of dismantling, shipping, and setting up your solar system again can be significant. In most cases, it will wipe out the savings you hope for compared to getting a new solar system. Additionally, you must patch the roof once you remove the racking, which is another expense.

Moving your solar panels means saying goodbye to the safety net of your warranties from manufacturers and installers. It will void your installation warranty, and the manufacturer will not cover damaged equipment caused by the move. This could be a huge financial liability if something goes wrong.

Removing a solar system can be expensive and the roof will need repairs too

Taking apart your solar can damage the components. Plus, repairing the roof after removing the solar can cost thousands.

Keeping the solar on the home increases its appeal and value, making it attractive to potential buyers and renters. It’s a smart selling point.

Compatibility Issues When Moving Solar

Even if you’re willing to bear the cost and risk, there’s a chance that your solar system won’t be compatible with your new roof and energy usage, as solar systems are designed for specific spots like puzzle pieces. You’ll also need to patch up your roof once you remove the racking, which is another expense to consider.

Your electrical service panel’s capacity may also be different and is a critical link for your solar to your home. Also, there is your new utility company to consider since they have different solar programs.

Moving your solar system is not worth it. It’s better to get a new system designed for your new home to ensure compatibility, maintain your warranties, and potentially enjoy the latest solar technology and cost-effectiveness.

Warranty Concerns When Moving Solar Equipment

Moving your solar system to a new home is tempting but has significant warranty concerns. Taking apart, shipping, and setting up the system again can cause wear and tear and even damage not covered by your warranty.

Additionally, moving your solar panels will void your installation warranty, and the manufacturer will not cover damaged equipment caused by the move. This is a red flag and is the main reason for not moving your solar system.

Solar panel warranties don't cover damage caused by moving, image of a shattered solar panel

Getting a solar system designed for your new home with full warranties is better.

Remember that warranties are the safety net for your solar system, and moving your solar panels means saying goodbye to those assurances from manufacturers and installers.

Solar Technology Advancements

Newer solar systems often bring better efficiency and cost-effectiveness to the table. If you’ve had your solar system for many years and are considering moving, taking it with you might mean missing out on the latest solar technology.

Over the last decade, we continue to see advancements in solar tech and will continue to see more over the years.

Risk Factors For Moving Solar Systems

If you’re considering moving your solar system, there are several important risk factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, the cost of dismantling, shipping, and setting up your solar system again can be quite high.

Additionally, solar systems are designed specifically for the spot where they are installed. Moving your solar system to a new location means that it may not be as effective as it was in your previous home. You will also need to patch up your roof once you remove the racking, which is another expense to consider.

Moving your solar system also means losing the warranties and assurances provided by the manufacturer and installer. This can be a significant risk, as these warranties will not cover any damage caused by the move.

Finally, if you’ve had your solar system for several years, taking it with you may mean missing out on the latest solar technology. Newer systems often bring better efficiency and cost-effectiveness to the table, and new warranties too.

Moving your solar system is not worth the risk or expense. Instead, getting a solar system designed specifically for your new home is better. This will ensure that you get the most out of your solar investment and enjoy the benefits of reduced energy costs and increased home value.

Solar Power and Real Estate Value

When selling your home, solar power can be a valuable asset. A solar system increases your home’s appeal and value, making it more attractive to potential buyers and renters. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

  • Solar power reduces energy costs, providing long-term savings that can be a great selling point.
  • Solar power has environmental benefits, which can also be a selling point for eco-conscious buyers.
  • Homes with solar sell for more than similar homes without solar.
  • Solar systems are like puzzle pieces crafted for specific spots. Your new roof and energy usage will not match the house you moved out of. You can’t force it to fit.
  • Enhance your new home’s value with a customized solar system. Berkeley Labs did the definitive study on price premiums for solar home values.

It’s better to get a solar system designed for your new home. This will ensure you receive the full benefits of solar power and maintain your warranties. Find out more about the best solar panels for your home in our archives.

Don’t Take Your Solar With You

Moving your solar system to a new home is not recommended. Dismantling, shipping, and setting up the system again is often more expensive than getting a new solar system designed for your new home.

A new solar system customized for your new home is the best way to add solar when moving. Learn abut other common mistakes to avoid with solar.