If you’re thinking about making a move in the near future, you may be wondering whether or not moving your solar panels is a possibility? Solar panels are expensive, and having to completely buy new ones and re-install them could be expensive, so before moving you’ll want to consider your options!
Moving your solar panels is a viable option, however, you will need equipment to move and re-install them at your new location, which may cost more than expected.
Here are a few things to look into if you’re thinking about moving, and what to do with those solar panels!
If You Want to Take Them With You:
If you’ve decided you want to take your solar panels with you, great! There are a few things you’re going to need to look into-
Location is a key part of solar panels, and not all houses are equipped to handle them. Before you move you’ll need to check your local building codes and find out what permits might be necessary. Rules and regulations may be in effect at your new location that you didn’t have to deal with before. HOA’s are a large issue surrounding solar panels, and you don’t want to run into any trouble. These things are best to research BEFORE you move to your new place. Solar panels work well with most properties, but some locations are simply better candidates than others. You may want to reconsider and simply leave the panels if your new home is heavily shaded.
You’ll also need to find someone to move, and/or install them! If you are moving locally, having the original company who installed your solar panels to handle the removal and re-installation will be a smoother, transition than having to find someone completely new. You’ll also need to look into things like tax incentives, grants, excess power, and other issues that a local electrician can find out for you! Leaving you without the stress!
Some negatives to consider in taking them with you
If you’re considering moving out of state, or even out of the country. You might run into some problems. Taking your system with you might not be worth it. If you remove the panels yourself, you can void the warranty unless you have a special circumstance as a defense. Personally moving your system farther away from the systems company may void your warrenty as well. In addition to that, once you’ve arrived in your new location you may have a hard time finding someone to reinstall your panels, since some companies won’t install a system they didn’t create manufacture.
You could also risk an excessive amount of damage not only to your panels but to your housing. Removing solar panels is a very difficult and timely process. It can leave behind some damage to your roof since the equipment that was originally and properly anchored down will leave holes throughout your roofing material.
On top of this, fading of roofing material is almost guaranteed. Thanks to the sun your entire roof is slowly fading – except the part under your solar panels, which will hold its original color leaving everything very uneven. When you sell your home and take your panels with you, you may have to pay to have your roof repaired and reshingled. This can all be super expensive, and not worth it in the long run.
You can also run the risk of damaging your solar panels! The chances of your solar equipment being damaged as it’s being removed, disassembled, or moved is high, especially if you’re considering doing it on your own.
If You Decide to Leave Your Panels
Leaving your panels behind is the easier option of the two. Not only will it increase your home value, but you don’t have to spend time trying to carefully and safely remove and travel with your solar panels. However, there are a few things you’re going to need to do before you go!
Lease your solar panels. This is a common occurrence for those who own solar panels. When you lease out your panels, you don’t own the panels. When you leave, you will need to contact your solar provider, or electrician, and talk to them about moving your panels to the new location and what that process entails.
If you are leaving your panels behind then you will need to buy out the remaining money left on the lease. This is a con to leaving the system behind, but it’s still cheaper than the costs associated with taking the whole thing with you.
Alternatively, you could contact the new buyer of your home, and see if they would be interested in taking over the lease on your panels. They would have to apply and qualify for their new contract. This can be hard for some sellers as most buyers are not interested in taking this step in obtaining solar panels unless they’re incredibly passionate about it.
Can I Install Old Panels on a New Home?
You might be wondering if you can install these old panels you have on your new home, and the answer is…kind of? Some HOA’s and cities will not allow for solar panels. However, if they do, you run into the problem that some solar panel industries won’t install other people’s panels. Either they won’t have the right equipment, or they don’t like to get into other industries’ warranties. Some panels are different from place to place, and taking a different set of panels from one place to another can be difficult. Not all of them use the same methods or equipment, and it can cause issues in installing your own panels. Some homes, if you’re renting, will not allow solar panels at all.
Overall we recommend you not bringing your panels wherever you’re going. It can be expensive to install new ones, but it’s even more pricey to take your old ones. On top of that, you run the risk of damaging them!
Of course, in the end, it’s ultimately up to you. However, it is better to contact a solar panel company, or an electrician in your new area, and see what they can do for you. Knowing what the requirements and steps are beforehand will always be more advantageous to you than leaving your questions until the last possible minute.