As a homeowner with solar panels, the question of what to do with them when you sell your house is one of the most significant financial and logistical challenges you’ll face. The direct answer to Can you take solar panels when you move is: Yes, you technically can, but in most cases, you absolutely shouldn’t.

The right decision isn’t just about moving equipment; it’s a complex calculation involving contracts, costs, and home value. The path forward depends entirely on one critical factor: whether you own or lease your panels. This guide will provide the clarity you need, breaking down the costs, benefits, and critical risks. We will equip you with a step-by-step checklist and a cost-benefit worksheet to make the smartest financial decision for your situation.

The #1 Factor: Do You Own or Lease Your Solar Panels?

Before you do anything else, you must locate your original solar agreement. The rights and options available to you are completely different depending on your contract type.

Scenario 1: Moving with Owned Solar Panels

If you have owned solar panels—meaning you paid for them upfront in cash or with a solar loan that is either paid off or will be paid off at closing—you have the legal right to take them with you. The equipment is your personal property.

However, just because you can move them doesn’t mean you should. The decision boils down to a simple financial question: Is the cost to move solar panels less than the value they add to your current home, combined with the cost of a brand-new system in your next home? For most homeowners, the answer is a resounding no. The panels typically provide a greater financial return by helping you sell your current home for more money.

Scenario 2: Moving with Leased Solar Panels or a PPA

This is a completely different ballgame and a common point of confusion. If you have leased solar panels or a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), you do not own the equipment on your roof. The solar company owns it, and you are simply paying a monthly fee to use the power it generates. You cannot simply uninstall the system and take it with you.

A common pitfall we see is homeowners assuming they can move a leased system. The first call you should make is to your leasing company to understand their specific terms. Generally, you have three options:

1. Initiate a Solar Lease Transfer: This is the most common and preferred option. You transfer the remainder of the lease agreement to the buyer of your home. The solar company will typically vet the new owner’s credit to approve the transfer. This allows the new owner to enjoy the benefits of solar energy, which can be a strong selling point.
2. Buy Out the Lease: Most leasing companies offer an option to buy the system outright. The buyout price is often high, but it allows you to then sell the home with owned solar panels, which can significantly increase home value.
3. Pay to Move the System: Some, but not all, leasing companies may offer a service to move the system to your new home. This is almost always prohibitively expensive and involves signing a new agreement for the new property.

The Financial Breakdown: Moving Panels vs. Leaving Them

Let’s get into the hard numbers. Vague advice isn’t helpful, so here’s a clear breakdown of the costs you’ll face versus the value you can gain.

The High Cost of Solar Panel Relocation

The process of moving solar panels is far more complex than just unbolting them. Solar panel relocation is a specialty service that involves significant labor and logistical costs. Expect the total expense to be anywhere from $5,000 to over $15,000, depending on system size and location.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• Labor to Uninstall Solar Panels: A certified crew must safely disconnect the system from the grid, detach the panels, and remove the racking and wiring.
• Transportation: Specialized packing and shipping to prevent damage to the panels and inverters.
• Labor to Reinstall Solar Panels: This is essentially a new installation. A crew must design the layout for the new roof, install racking, mount the panels, and handle all wiring.
• New Racking & Parts: The racking used on your old roof is often not reusable or compatible with your new roof’s structure or angle.
• Permitting Fees: You will need to apply for new permits and interconnection agreements with the utility company at your new address.

The Value of Leaving Solar Panels Behind

Now, compare those moving costs to the benefit of selling a solar-powered home. Multiple studies have shown that homes with owned solar panels sell for a premium. According to Zillow research, homes with solar panels can sell for up to 4.1% more than comparable homes without them.

When you leave solar panels behind, you are not just leaving equipment; you are selling a home with a key feature: a lower cost of living. This is a powerful marketing tool that gives you a competitive edge. The positive solar panel ROI is realized not just in energy savings, but also in the final sale price of your home.

The “Solar Move” Cost-Benefit Worksheet

Use this simple worksheet to compare the financials for your specific situation. Get real quotes to fill in the blanks.

Financial Factor	Your Estimate
A. Estimated Moving Cost (Quote from installer)	$___8,000__
B. Added Home Sale Value (Estimate from realtor)	$__1,500___
C. New Solar System Cost (Quote for your new home)	$__22,000__
Result (B – A): Is leaving the panels a net financial gain?	$__7,000___

For most people, the value in Cell B (Added Home Sale Value) far outweighs the cost in Cell A (Moving Cost), making it a clear financial win to leave the system and use the proceeds to invest in a new, more efficient system (Cell C) for your next home.

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Your Step-by-Step Home Seller’s Checklist for Solar Panels

To navigate this process smoothly, follow this solar panel checklist. This structured approach ensures you cover all your bases and maximize your home’s value.

1. Confirm Ownership: Before you even list your home, find your original solar contract. Is it a cash receipt, a solar loan agreement, or a lease/PPA? This document is the source of truth.
2. Contact Your Installer/Leasing Company: Call the company that installed or owns your system. If you own it, request an official quote for the full cost of relocation. If you lease, ask for the official procedure and paperwork for a lease transfer.
3. Consult Your Realtor: Your real estate agent is your most valuable partner. Ask them for a comparative market analysis (CMA) that specifically calculates the added value of your owned solar system in your neighborhood.
4. Gather Documents: Create a “solar folder” for potential buyers. Include your original contract, all equipment warranties, and records of the system’s energy production history. Transparency builds trust and justifies a higher asking price.
5. Negotiate Smartly: Collaborate with your realtor to effectively negotiate with buyers. Position the solar system not as a complication, but as a premium upgrade that provides immediate monthly savings—just like a brand-new kitchen or a finished basement.

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Critical Risks & Edge Cases 

Moving a solar array is not without serious risks that are often overlooked. Here are some key considerations to take into account before making a final decision.

Warning: You Could Void Your Solar Panel Warranty

This is the single biggest risk of moving a system yourself. Your solar panel warranty, as well as the warranties on your inverters and workmanship, are often tied to the original installation by a certified installer. If you hire a different, non-certified roofer or electrician to move the system, the original manufacturer will almost certainly refuse to honor the warranty if a problem arises later. Any potential savings from using a cheaper mover could be wiped out by a single component failure, leading to warranty voiding.

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What About Ground-Mounted Systems?

There is one major exception to the “don’t move it” rule: ground-mounted systems. Because these systems don’t involve roof penetrations, they are significantly easier and cheaper to move. The process mainly involves disconnecting the system, unbolting the racking from its concrete footings, and transporting it. While you still need a certified installer, the costs and risks are substantially lower than for a rooftop system.

Considering Roof Damage and Future Repairs

When you move a rooftop system, you are dealing with two roofs, not one.

1. The Old Roof: The crew must properly seal every roof penetration where the racking was bolted down. A single unsealed hole can lead to leaks and significant roof damage for the new owner, potentially leading to legal liability.
2. The New Roof: You must ensure your new home’s roof is structurally sound and in good condition to support the solar array for the next 25+ years. It makes no sense to install a used solar system on a roof that will need to be replaced in five years.

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FAQS

Q: Can solar panels be moved from one house to another? 

A: Yes, technically, they can be moved, but it is a very expensive and complex process that can void warranties. It’s usually more cost-effective to leave them and install a new system at your next home.

Q: What is the 33% rule in solar panels? 

A: There is no standard “33% rule” in the solar industry. You may be thinking of the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) available in the United States for the cost of installing a solar energy system.

Q: How do I transfer ownership of a solar panel? 

A: If you own the system, ownership transfers with the house sale paperwork. If you lease, you must contact your solar provider to have the new homebuyer qualify and formally assume the lease agreement.

Q: Can solar panels be moved after installation? 

A: Yes, panels can be temporarily moved for things like roof repairs or permanently relocated. This should always be done by a certified installer to ensure safety and maintain your warranty.

Q: Can I take my solar with me? 

A: You can only take solar panels with you if you fully own them, but it is generally not recommended due to high costs and potential risks. If your system is leased, you do not own it and cannot take it.

Q: How many solar panels does it take to power one home?A:  A typical U.S. home requires between 15 to 25 solar panels to cover its electricity needs. The exact number varies based on your energy usage, panel efficiency, and the amount of sunlight your area receives.

Conclusion

For the vast majority of homeowners, the answer is clear.

If you have owned solar panels, the smartest financial move is to leave them. Treat them as a permanent home upgrade that increases your sale price and simplifies your move. Use the added value from the sale to invest in a brand-new, more efficient system with a fresh warranty for your next home.

If you have leased solar panels, your primary path is to work with your solar company to execute a smooth solar lease transfer to the new homebuyer. This is the most common and efficient solution.

Ultimately, your solar energy system is a major home asset. By treating it with the same care and financial scrutiny as a major renovation, you can ensure it delivers maximum value during your home sale and sets you up for a successful move.