5 min
What Happens To My Solar Panels If I Move?
What happens to your solar panels if you move? You have two options: leave them behind, increasing your home's value, or take them with you. This article guides you through the process and considerations involved in each choice, ensuring a smooth transition for your solar panels. We also discuss how your financing options may affect your decision.
Leaving Your Solar Panels Behind
Solar panels can significantly increase your home's value, making it more attractive to potential buyers. They offer lower electricity bills, reduced environmental impact, and increased energy independence. In many cases, buyers are willing to pay a premium of up to 4.1% for homes with solar panels already installed.
If you decide to leave your solar panels behind, make sure to transfer ownership and any associated warranties or contracts to the new homeowner. This will likely involve notifying your solar panel installer, utility company, and any financing institutions involved.
Taking Your Solar Panels With You
If you choose to take your solar panels with you, you'll need to uninstall them from your current home and reinstall them at your new location. This process can be complex and require professional help, so it's essential to weigh the costs and benefits.
Uninstalling and reinstalling solar panels can be time-consuming and expensive, as you may need to hire professionals for the job. Additionally, you may require permits for your new location, so make sure to check local regulations before proceeding.
Pros and Cons of Leaving Solar Panels Behind vs. Taking Them With You:
| Leaving Solar Panels Behind | Taking Solar Panels With You | |
|---|---|---|
| Home Value Increase | Yes | No |
| Cost of Uninstalling/Reinstalling | No | Yes |
| Transfer of Ownership and Warranties | Yes | No |
| Adjustments for New Location | No | Yes |
Adjusting for Your New Location
When moving your solar panels to a new location, consider the potential differences in energy production and financial benefits. Factors such as sunlight exposure, energy rates, and local incentives can significantly impact your solar panels performance and savings.
It's essential to evaluate your new location's solar potential and adjust your system's design if necessary. For example, if your new home receives less sunlight, you may need to install additional panels to maintain your desired energy production.
Financing Options and Their Impact on Your Decision
The financing option you chose for your solar panels may also impact your decision to leave them behind or take them with you. Common financing options include loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Solar Loans
If you financed your solar panels with a loan, you may be able to transfer the loan to the new homeowner, provided they qualify. Alternatively, you could pay off the remaining balance and include the cost in your home's sale price. If you decide to take the panels with you, you'll continue to make loan payments as usual.
- Solar Leases
With a solar lease, you rent the solar panels from a third-party company. If you move, you can transfer the lease to the new homeowner, but they will need to qualify for the lease as well. Taking the panels with you might not be an option, as the leasing company typically retains ownership of the solar panels.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Similar to a solar lease, a PPA involves a third-party company owning and maintaining your solar panels. You agree to buy the power generated by the system at a predetermined rate. If you move, the PPA can usually be transferred to the new homeowner. Like with solar leases, taking the panels with you is generally not an option, as the third-party company retains ownership of the solar panels.
Evaluating Your Options
To decide whether to leave your solar panels behind or take them with you, consider the costs, potential home value increase, and the impact on your new location's energy production. Additionally, take into account the specific terms of your financing option, as this may influence your decision.
Make a cost comparison between the expense of uninstalling and reinstalling your solar panels versus the potential increase in your home's value if you leave them behind. Also, consider any differences in energy production and financial benefits based on your new location's sunlight exposure and energy rates.
Final Thoughts
When deciding what happens to your solar panels if you move, consider the benefits of leaving them behind versus taking them with you. By evaluating the costs, potential home value increase, differences in energy production and financial benefits, and the impact of your financing options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Whether you choose to leave your solar panels behind or take them with you, make sure to carefully review your financing agreement and communicate with all involved parties to ensure a seamless transition.
