Relocating to a new home is the biggest life change. You deal with packing boxes, finding a new school, and changing addresses. If you have a rooftop solar energy system, you add one more big question to that already long list. You made a smart investment in clean energy and lower monthly utility bills. Now, you need to determine if that valuable asset stays put or comes with you.
You have two main options. You can leave the solar system as a permanent upgrade for the new buyer, or you can take your investment with you to the new house. Homes with owned solar systems often sell for more money and faster than homes without them. This fact alone makes selling a great option. For instance, a study showed that homes with solar can sell for over 4% more on average than comparable houses. You are adding real value to your home.
Sometimes, keeping your panels for the new home is the smarter financial play. You should weigh all your options before moving forward. Solar Medix is here to guide you through this process. We offer professional solutions for either choice you make, including full solar panel removal and reinstallation services if you want to bring your system along.
What Happens to Your Solar Panels When You Move?
When you decide to sell your home, your solar system is an asset that needs to be factored into the sale. You have to decide if the panels stay or go. Leaving them behind means the new homeowner gets immediate access to clean energy savings. Taking them means you keep your initial investment, but you have to pay for professional removal and reinstallation later.
The choice must be finalized before you list your home with a real estate agent. If you decide to include the panels, the listing needs to reflect that benefit immediately. If you want to take them, you must start the professional assessment process early. Only an experienced solar professional can properly inspect the system and provide you with a cost for either choice. This early assessment prevents expensive delays once an offer is on the table.
Option #1 — Sell Your Home With the Solar System
This is the path most homeowners choose. Selling the house with the panels simplifies your move greatly. It ensures you get the most financial benefit from your investment right away. It is often the smoothest way to transfer the value of your system directly to your pocket.
Benefits of Selling Your Solar System With the House
Selling your home with a fully-owned solar system is a big plus in the housing market. Buyers love knowing they won’t have a massive electric bill on day one. This feature makes your property stand out from others nearby.
- Increases home resale value
- Attracts eco-conscious buyers
- Speeds up the sale process
- Buyer sees immediate energy savings
- Prevents removal labor costs
What to Do If You Choose This Option
Once you commit to selling the system with the home, preparation is key. Having all the paperwork ready makes the sale clean and easy for the buyer. It builds trust and confidence in the system’s longevity.
- Gather warranty & maintenance records
- Provide the last 12 months of electric bill savings
- Schedule pre-sale solar inspection
- Highlight the system on the MLS listing
Option #2 — Take Your Solar System With You
Sometimes, relocating your system is the smart financial move. This decision usually comes down to your new property and the quality of your current equipment. You are preserving a long-term asset that you own and use every day.
When It Makes Sense to Relocate Your Solar System
It might be worth the cost of moving if the new location promises a better return. Moving the panels ensures you can continue to use them for their full lifespan. You do not want to leave behind perfectly good, newer equipment.
- You’re moving to a sunny state (e.g., TX, FL, CA)
- The roof on the current home is near end-of-life
- You invested in premium panels recently
- New property has ideal orientation & incentives
What’s Involved in Moving Your Panels
Moving solar panels is a complicated process. It requires several distinct steps, more than just uninstalling and reinstalling. Every step must be performed in the correct order for safety and system integrity.
- Site evaluation (old vs new location)
- Professional shutdown + removal
- Transport & storage
- Reinstallation
- System testing & reactivation
- Permit/utility paperwork
Why You Should Call Solar Professionals to Move Solar Panels & not Movers or Roofers
You might be tempted to save money by having your general moving company or a general roofer handle the panels. This is a very bad idea. Solar systems are intricate electrical systems attached to your roof structure. Improper removal can cause serious damage that costs far more to fix than hiring an expert in the first place. You need professional solar panel removal with licensed electricians who are also skilled roof workers.
A system includes many delicate parts, from wiring to inverters to the panels themselves. Using someone inexperienced puts your home and your investment at risk. An amateur removal can create serious safety hazards, including shock risk or major roof leaks.
- Electrical damage risk
- Roof & racking harm
- Panel micro-cracks
- Insurance issues
- Warranty voiding
You could also permanently void the warranties on your expensive panels. Manufacturers require certified technicians to work on their systems. Do not risk your investment or your home’s safety by hiring the wrong crew.
Why Homeowners Trust Solar Medix for Solar Removal & Reinstallation and You Should Too!
The decision to move is a big project. You need a solar partner you can rely on to handle this part seamlessly. Solar Medix specializes in making the process of system removal and reinstallation simple for you. Our certified solar technicians provide total support.
- Full warranty-safe removal and reinstall
- Solar + roof evaluation included
- Panel cleaning & system health check
- Assistance with utility paperwork
- Works with leased & purchased systems
- Temporary weatherproofing of the old home roof
Contact Solar Medix today to discuss your relocation. Keep your clean energy savings flowing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can you take your solar panels when you move?
Yes. You can. But it requires professional removal and reinstallation at the new property, which is often a costly and complex job.
Q2: How much does it cost to move a solar panel?
The total cost to move a solar panel system is high. Why? Because you pay for removal, transport, and then reinstallation. Expect costs to range significantly. It often totals several thousand dollars for the entire project.
Q3: Is it harder to sell your home if you have solar panels?
No. Houses with solar panels usually increase the value and attract buyers looking for lower energy bills.
Q4: What happens if I buy a house with solar panels?
If you buy a house with panels, you get immediate electricity savings and your future resale value benefits. However, you must check if the seller owns the system or if you are taking over a lease payment.
