It takes anywhere from 7 to 15 years to recoup the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels on your home (depending on electricity prices and circumstances, of course). Still, it’s a big investment, and it’s only natural to wonder whether you can take them with you when you move.
Solar panels help you cut electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and maybe even earn income through the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) or Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). But when it’s time to pack up and move, can your solar system come with you?
In most cases, yes, it’s technically possible to take your solar panels with you when you move, but it’s not always the most practical or cost-effective option.
Our experts break down the legal, financial, and practical things to consider when deciding to take your solar panels with you to your new house.
Is it legal to take your solar panels with you?
If you’re about to move home, you may wonder if it’s physically and legally possible to take your current solar panels with you. This is a valid question – it’s not exactly something you have to think about every day!
The good news is that if you own your solar PV system outright and it’s not under a lease or third-party agreement, you are legally allowed to take it with you. But you must make it clear that the solar panels are not included in the sale agreement.
Will I lose my Feed-in Tariff payments if I move the panels?
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, although closed to new applicants, stays with the property, not the individual. That means if you remove your panels and take them to your new home, you can no longer claim FiT payments for the electricity generated.
This is where it may be more beneficial to leave the panels in place. If the system is left, the tariff is then transferred to the new owners, which may increase the value of your property.
The Feed-in-Tariff scheme closed to new applicants in March 2019 and was replaced with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. But the same situation goes for SEG payments – the scheme is tied to your property’s location and can’t be transferred.
Things to consider before taking your solar panels
Before deciding whether to remove and reinstall your solar panels, it’s a good idea to consider the bigger picture first. That means looking at the labour costs and work involved, how it might affect your house sale and property value, and whether your new home is even suitable for a solar panel system (or at least the current system you own).
Removal and reinstallation
Dismantling a solar panel system isn’t as simple as unplugging it, packing it up, and moving it to a new location. The system is expensive and highly technical, so it needs a professional. The labour costs can be quite high to factor in careful removal, safe transportation, and professional reinstallation. You also need to remember that there is a risk of damaging the panels or wiring during the process.
New roof suitability
Before taking it all apart, moving it, and putting it back together, you need to make sure your new house is actually suitable for solar. Is the roof in good condition? Does it face the right way? Do you have enough space? After a second glance, you might find that your old system isn’t a perfect fit for your new roof. Starting fresh with a new solar installation might be the best way forward, financially and logistically.
Property value
As more people invest in renewable energy, solar panels are becoming a great selling point. Many buyers love the idea of lower energy bills and clean electricity generation. Selling your house with the panels included could increase your property value from anywhere between 2% and 14%. If you take the solar panels with you, it may reduce the amount you could get for your property.
Weigh up whether the cost of taking your solar panels with you outweighs the potential money you could gain from selling them with the house. The added property value may even contribute to the cost of fitting a new solar PV system.
Affects on house sale
When you sell your house, the value may not be the only concern. You might find it harder to sell if buyers want to bargain on the price, especially if they were drawn to your solar panels. This can lead to a lot of back-and-forth. Plus, if you decide to take down the solar panels, it could damage your roof, which is not a good situation, especially during a sale.
Solar panel transportation
Solar panels are large and fragile. They can get damaged easily from bumps, vibrations, or temperature changes. It’s important to handle them carefully when transporting them to a new property. Any damage could affect their performance or void warranties.
System compatibility
Whether you’re taking all or part of your solar panel system, you must check that it matches up with your new roof. If your new home has a more complex layout or a different roof shape or size, it may be worth investing in a new solar system rather than trying to reuse the old equipment.
Home insurance
Home insurance usually covers solar panels as part of your home’s structure. However, you will need to inform your insurance provider when you remove and reinstall your solar panels to make sure they stay covered.
Should I take my solar panels with me?
So, even though it’s possible to take solar technology with you to your next property, is it actually worth it? In some situations, yes. Taking solar panels with you can be the right move for your situation, usually when it’s cost-effective and less hassle is involved.
Here’s a quick breakdown of when you could take your solar panels with you and when it might be best to leave them behind. You should weigh up the pros and cons before making any decisions.
| Situation | Take Your Solar Panels | Leave Them Behind |
|---|---|---|
| You own the solar panels outright and want to reuse them | ✅ | |
| Your new roof is suitable for solar (the right orientation, space, and structure) | ✅ | |
| Your current panels are fairly new and still under warranty | ✅ | |
| You don’t already receive Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments, so you won’t miss out | ✅ | |
| Your new home has no existing solar setup and you’re happy to invest in reinstallation | ✅ | |
| The panels are leased or under a third-party ownership agreement | ❌ | |
| Your current homebuyer values the solar setup as part of the sale | ❌ | |
| Your panels are older, less efficient, or near the end of their life | ❌ | |
| Your new roof isn’t suitable for solar (e.g., wrong pitch, too much shade) | ❌ | |
| The cost of removal, transport, and reinstallation outweighs the benefits | ❌ | |
| You want to increase the resale value of your current home | ❌ |
Should I take the battery storage system too?
If you’re thinking of taking the battery, it will likely be easier to move than the roof-mounted solar panels.
But you’ll still need to factor in:
- How much it costs to have a professional remove and reinstall it
- If the battery is compatible with your new solar setup
- Where it’s going to be installed to meet PAS 63100:2024 fire safety regulations
- How much life is left in the battery (you might be better off upgrading)
Need solar panel advice? Contact Going Green
Moving home can be an opportunity to upgrade your solar array, especially if it’s quite old or difficult to move. As certified solar installers, we can assess your current setup, advise on your options, and even help design a brand-new system tailored to your new home.
Call Going Green Renewables on 01252 560 587 or contact us online for expert advice from experienced installers.
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