Can You Take Solar Panels With You When You Move?

I get this question a lot, Can you take solar panels with you when you move? The simple answer is it is not worth it, I don’t recommend it, but you can do it if it is really important to move them.

The reason I say it is not worth it is that moving solar panels will require a lot of work and will cost you a lot of money, it is better to just install new solar panels in your new house.

Factor to consider when moving solar panels to a new house

After deciding to move from your solar-powered home, your first instinct might be to bring the solar panels you invested in with you. The following are some factors to consider before deciding on what to do with your panels when you move.

1) Your new home’s location

This depends on if you are moving locally, out of the state, or out of the county. If you’re moving locally, your solar installation company might be able to help you remove the solar panels and re-install them. But if you are moving out of the state or the country, the costs and hassle of the process may not be worth it.

2) New location regulations

Each state or local government has different laws and regulations when it comes to solar energy the electric company in your new location may have a different solar program, meaning you will have to contact them to get information on how to connect your system to the grid. You’ll also need information on tax incentives, permits, and net metering.

3) The amount of sun your new location is getting

The number of solar panels that are required to produce the energy required to power your house depends on the amount of sun you receive in your area. 

If you move to a different location you will need to recalculate the size of your solar panel system, the amount of electricity the solar panel can produce in cold areas is not the same amount of electricity the same panel can produce in the hotter area.

4) New home roof

The new home roof is another factor to consider, it is facing south or west? it has the capacity to carry the solar panels required for your house, you will need to double-check this before deciding to move your panels.

5) Warranty concerns

Removing solar panels from the roof may void the warranty. This means that some solar companies won’t remove your panels, especially if you’re moving out of state or country.

The damage that can be done after moving solar panels

Removing solar panels can leave damage to the older house, it can leave holes and a two-colored roof, which can be a problem with the new owner.

It can leave holes in the old roof

Photovoltaic panels are tightly secured to the roof. The mounting components are screwed into the surface.

Taking away the solar array leaves holes in the roof. And while you might not be able to see these holes from the ground, the penetrations can create problems for the next homeowner. This is particularly true if the holes aren’t filled and sealed against future leaks.

The two colors roof

After removing the PV array, you may notice a difference in the color of the roofing underneath compared to the rest of the roof. The parts of the roof that were exposed to the sun are likely to be more faded than the parts that were shaded by your PV panels.

How much does it cost to move solar panels to a new house?

The process may take about 3 to 4 months on average, as it involves steps such as signing paperwork, getting permits, and scheduling the move.

Therefore, there are usually significant fees associated with relocating solar panels, in most states the cost is between $4000 and $8000 depending on the size of your solar panel system.

How hard is it to move solar panels?

The process will be extremely difficult, risky, expensive, and probably not worth it; If you’re moving out of state, you need to check the pertinent rules and regulations in your new area and find out what standards the solar system must meet and what permits are necessary for photovoltaic panel installation.

So what is the best solution then?

For me, the best option for you is to sell the house and install the new solar panel system in your new house.

Installing solar panels can boost the resale value of your house, it has been reported that people can pay up to $15000 more for a property that has solar panels than the same house having the rest of the characteristics equal.

Since many people want to go solar these days, this makes it easier for you to find the right buyers and sell your house faster. Not only that but you also won’t have to worry about damaging your roof during solar panel removal.

Conclusion

Moving solar panels with you will require a lot of work and you will spend a lot of money in the process, for me, it is not worth it. My recommendation is just to sell the house with the solar panels and install new solar panels in the new house.

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