Can You Take Solar Panels With You When You Move?

Relocating is already a headache with all the decisions and plans you have to juggle.

And if you’ve got solar panels, you might be asking yourself, ‘Can you take solar panels with you when you move?’

Yes, you absolutely can, but there’s a bit to think about first.

In this article, we’re diving into what it takes to move your solar panels—covering the costs, the must-know logistics, and even the upsides of bringing them along.

Plus, I’ll share some handy tips to help ensure your solar investment keeps giving back, even in your new home.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

You can move solar panels, but it typically costs between $4,000 and $8,000, including removal, packing, and reinstallation.
If you consider moving them, assess the new home’s roof condition, sunlight availability, and climate to ensure optimal performance.
Check local energy rates; high electricity costs in the new area might justify the expense of moving the panels.
The new roof type can impact installation; different materials and slopes affect how panels are set up and function.
Selling your current home with solar panels installed might be more practical and increase the property’s value.

What to Consider When Moving Solar Panels to New House?

1. Expenses Associated with Moving Solar Panels

Moving your solar panels to a new house might seem like a simple task, but trust me, the costs and logistics can quickly add up and turn it into quite a headache.

Let’s break it down a bit, shall we?

First things first, you’ve got to get those panels off your roof safely.

That sounds easier than it is because those panels are pretty delicate.

You’re going to need to hire professionals to handle this, and that’s not going to be cheap.

Once they’re safely off your roof, you’ve got to pack them up securely and ship them to your new place.

The thing about solar panels is they’re fragile, and the longer the move, the higher your shipping costs will be.

Now, once you’ve got them to your new home, you can’t just slap them back up there.

They need to be properly reinstalled, which involves integrating them with your new home’s electrical system.

Also, remember that removing the panels from your old place might have damaged the roof a bit, so you might need to fix that.

And don’t forget about the permit fees for reinstalling them at your new place, which can vary wildly depending on where you’re moving.

Considering all these costs— and we’re talking about a ballpark figure of $4,000 to $8,000 here—it’s no surprise a lot of people decide to just leave the panels behind.

If I were to give you a piece of advice, I’d say that most of the time, it’s smarter to sell your home with the solar panels still attached.

Why?

Well, homes with solar systems tend to sell faster and for more cash—about 17% more, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

But, if your new home has a similar roof, gets loads of sunlight, and you’re not moving too far, then yeah, it might still make sense to bring your panels along.

If not, you’re probably better off selling the old panels with your house and buying new ones that fit your new place just right.

2. The New Home’s Location

We often think of school as just the place where kids learn the basics—like reading, writing, and math.

But really, it’s also where they learn to make friends, solve problems, and understand the world around them.

Moving solar panels is a lot like that, too.

It’s not just about moving them from one roof to another; it’s about adjusting to a whole new setting.

Let’s say you’re moving across town.

If the same company that installed your solar panels can move them, you’re in good shape.

They’ll handle everything, keep your warranty safe, and ensure your system works just as well in the new place.

It’s kind of like switching to a nearby school where everything’s pretty much the same—nice and smooth.

But what if you’re moving further away?

Now it’s more like going to a school in a different district or even a different state.

The company that puts in your panels might help you take them down, but after that, you’re on your own.

You’ll lose your warranty, and you’ll need to figure out how to get those panels to your new home safely, plus find someone reliable to install them again.

This can be tricky and might end up costing you quite a bit, kind of like having to adapt to a new school where things are done differently.

And speaking of moving to a new state, that’s when things get complex.

It’s like a student moving to a new country—you’ve got to learn all new rules and maybe even face different standards.

For your solar panels, this means figuring out the local laws about solar energy, what permits you need, and if there are any incentives like tax breaks or grants that could help you out.

Related article: Do Solar Panels Damage Roof?

3. Your New Location Weather Conditions

Since solar panels thrive on sunlight to zap up electricity, moving to a place with a different climate can change the game.

For example, if you’re moving from a sun-kissed spot like California to a city where it’s often cloudy and rainy, your solar panels might not be as effective anymore.

So, before you decide to pack them up with the rest of your belongings, take a good look at what the weather’s usually like in your new area.

Check out how much sunshine it gets daily, and don’t forget to consider the seasons—some places get gloomy in the winter.

Also, scope out the layout of your new place.

Are there tall buildings or big trees around that might shade your panels?

If so, that’s going to cut into how much power you can generate, making your panels less effective.

Now, think about what makes the most sense.

If it looks like your panels won’t perform well in the new spot, it might be smarter to look at other options.

One idea is to sell your old house with the panels still installed.

This could make your home more attractive to buyers who like the idea of having solar energy ready to go.

Related article: How Durable Are Solar Panels?

4. Variations in Energy Costs

If you don’t know this already, the deal with solar panels isn’t just about the cash you shell out for the gear and getting them set up.

What makes them worth it is how much you save on your energy bills over time.

That’s why it’s super important to know what energy costs look like in your new spot if you’re thinking about moving your solar panels with you.

Take a place like San Francisco—sure, it’s often cloudy, but folks there still go big on solar because the electric bills are pretty steep.

So, even with less sun, the amount you save on energy can quickly make up for what you spend on your panels.

But here’s the thing—if you’re moving somewhere where electricity is cheap, those big savings from solar might not pan out.

When energy costs are low, the financial benefits of hauling your solar setup to your new place might not stack up against the hassle and expense of taking them down, moving them, and setting them up again.

So, what should you do?

You should check out the local utility rates in your new area and stack that up against how much power you think your panels will crank out there.

5. Roof Type of Your New Home

Remember the first time those solar panels got installed at your place? The installer probably checked out your roof pretty thoroughly, right?

They looked at everything: where the sun hits, the slope of the roof, all to make sure your panels could grab as much sunlight as possible.

That kind of custom setup is key to getting the most out of your solar panels.

Now, if you’re thinking about moving those panels to a new house, keep in mind that the new roof might be a whole different ball game.

It could be flat when your old one was sloped, or it might be made of a different material.

This isn’t just a simple lift and shift; things like the roof’s shape, material, and how it catches the sun can change how well your panels will work.

For example, if you’ve got a shake roof now, those are pretty tricky since they’re so delicate.

You’ve got to be extra careful not to damage them during installation.

Flat roofs might make setting up easier, but you might need extra gear to get the panels angled right.

And tile roofs?

They’re tough but can be a headache because you need special brackets to keep from cracking the tiles.

Given all these differences, you need to think about whether it makes sense to move your old panels.

Sometimes, it might be better just to go for a new set of panels that are a perfect fit for your new place.

Or, if the new roof’s going to give you grief, maybe it’s worth looking at other energy options instead.

6. Potential Roof Damage at Your Old House

Just like putting up solar panels isn’t as easy as snapping your fingers, taking them down is more than just loosening a few screws.

When you remove those panels, they’re not going to leave without a trace.

First up, you’ll find holes where the mounts were fixed into the roof.

These aren’t just unsightly; they could let water in if they’re not sealed up properly, which can lead to some serious damage.

Then, there’s a less obvious problem you might spot—the color of your roof.

The bits that were under the panels wouldn’t have faded in the sun like the rest of the roof.

This can make your roof look a bit like a patchwork quilt, with newer-looking spots where the panels sat and older, faded areas around them.

If you’re thinking about selling, this could be a real eyesore and might even knock down the value of your home.

So, before you pack up your panels and move them to your new place, keep these things in mind.

You’ll need to sort out some professional roof repairs, and that’s going to cost you.

Plus, ensure you get a full rundown of what needs fixing and how much it’s going to set you back before you make any decisions.

7. Risk of Damaging Solar Panels During Transport

Finally, after all the effort of carefully removing and transporting our solar panels, we don’t want to find out they’ve been damaged along the way.

Solar panels are super delicate and have all these intricate electrical parts that could easily get messed up if not handled just right.

From the moment you take them down to packing and moving them, every step is full of risks.

And if something does go wrong, chances are the warranty won’t cover the damage.

This brings us to a pretty important crossroads.

Is it worth the risk and expense to move your old panels, or might it be smarter and safer to just get new ones installed at your new place?

New panels would be specifically designed for your new home, ensuring they work perfectly, and come with a brand-new warranty for extra peace of mind.

So, it’s a good idea to think this through—consider all the costs and risks involved.

What Are the Steps for Relocating Solar Panels?

There are a few essential steps you’ll want to follow to ensure moving your solar panels to a new home goes smoothly.

Let’s break it down into simple, actionable parts:

Reach Out to Your Original Installer: Start by getting in touch with the company that installed your solar panels. It’s best to do this about two months before you’re planning to move to give them plenty of time to arrange everything. Since they installed your system, they’re the best choice for taking it down, moving it, and setting it up again.
Talk to Your Movers: Next, you’ll need to make sure your moving company is ready and able to move the solar panels. These items are pretty delicate, so your movers must know how to handle them and have the right equipment for the job. Don’t forget to check that they provide insurance for the move to cover any potential damages to your panels during transit.
Plan for Professional Reinstallation: Once your panels arrive at your new place, have them reinstalled by professionals who know what they’re doing. Whether it’s the same company that took them down or another qualified technician, they should make sure your system integrates well with your new home’s electrical setup.
Discuss Options If Leasing: If you don’t own your solar panels outright and are leasing them, you’ll need to touch base with your leasing company. If you’re moving within the same service area, they might handle the move for a fee. If you’re moving further away, you might need to transfer the lease to the new homeowners or buy out the rest of your contract.
Make Sure Everything is Above Board: Don’t forget about the legal stuff. Check the local rules and regulations about installing solar panels at your new place. You’ll probably need some permits, and it’s a good idea to find out if there are any local incentives or rebates for solar power. Keep all your documents handy—things like warranties and ownership records—because you’ll need them for the reinstallation and any potential warranty claims.

FAQs

Can I Move My Solar Panels With Me?

You can move your solar panels with you, but it involves coordinating with professional installers and movers due to the complexity and costs.

What Happens to My Solar System If I Move?

If you move, you can either transfer the solar system to your new home with professional help or negotiate with buyers to include it in the home sale.

Can You Take a Solar Battery With You When You Move?

You can take solar batteries with you when you move more easily than solar panels, often requiring less specialized handling during transport.

Can You Transport Solar Panels?

You can transport solar panels, but it requires careful packing and handling by experienced professionals to avoid damage.

Conclusion

As promised, we’ve gone through everything you need to think about when moving your solar panels—from how much it’ll cost, to the kind of planning you need, and even how they’ll benefit you after the move.

Here’s a pro tip: before you decide to haul those panels to your new place, sit down with a certified solar technician and crunch the numbers.

You’ll need to look at everything from upfront costs to how much you could save in the long run, and whether your new home is even right for solar.

Do you still have questions about moving your solar setup?

Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out for personalized advice.