What if I move house after my solar and battery installation?

Updated: Feb 28

What if I move house and I have installed solar on my roof.

Investing in solar panels and a battery storage system for your home is a forward-thinking move that can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. But what happens if you decide to move to a new house after making this investment? In this article, we'll explore the options and considerations for homeowners who may be planning a potential house move in the near future.

Payback Period Considerations

Contemplating a solar installation involves considering various factors, and for many, the payback period is a crucial aspect in the decision-making process. 

However, what if you're unsure about staying in your current home long enough to see the solar system fully repay its cost?

Generally, a domestic solar PV system's payback period falls within 6-10 years. If your primary goal is to witness the system "pay for itself," but you anticipate moving within 4-5 years, it might warrant reconsideration before investing in a system.

Should you install solar if you might move house within 5 years?

The 6-10 year period might seem lengthy, but time moves swiftly. This duration aligns with various commitments we undertake, like mortgages or leasing agreements for cars and gadgets.

Solar installations offer consistent bill reductions and contribute positively to monthly budgets, reducing reliance on energy companies, ensuring they get less of your money and enhancing your cash flow. 

If you’re dealing with a reputable installer, the 6-10 year payback tends to use a modest inflation rate, one below the averages we have seen in the last couple of decades. Additionally the payback doesn't take into account smarter battery use, such as selling your electricity when energy prices are high, and buying it back in the night when they are low. This can reduce your payback period even further.

Taking Your Solar and Battery with You

Is It Possible?

While relocating solar panels to a new residence is feasible, the associated costs often outweigh the benefits. The expenses incurred in dismounting, relocating, and reinstalling the system usually deter this approach, the largest cost coming from scaffolding both properties for the removal and re-installation.

Considering these costs, it's advisable to explore the option of installing a new system on your new home, rather than the logistical complexities of moving an existing system. If you are moving far away, rather than a local house move, you would also need to factor in the transportation cost of the relocation. You can though, remove the battery and install this to your new home, you will need a professional company to de-commission your system and re-install it at your new property.

You will need to either buy a new inverter or take the one from your current property with you, which would render your PV system un-usable to the new owners. So if you have a solar and battery system we wouldn't recommend this. If you only have a battery in your home connected to the grid, you can certainly take this with you to your new home, with the help of a professional installer.

Does Solar add value to your property?

While some may tell you that solar installations will boost your property value, there isn't substantial evidence to conclusively support this claim that SolarandBatteryCompany.com would feel confident in sharing or supporting. However, having a home equipped with solar and battery systems can certainly attract potential buyers. The prospect of moving into a home with reduced electricity bills due to solar installation is an appealing proposition, potentially influencing their buying decision in your favour. We have written another article on this very topic which you can read here.

Despite all of the above considerations, it's important to assess your situation; if a critical factor for you is the payback period and a future move is imminent, postponing installation until settling in a longer-term residence might be prudent. If however, that you have other reasons for installing a system, then it could still be a worthwhile investment.

For example, a lot of customers don't want to feel they are at the mercy of electricity companies increasing their prices, and want to be able to plan their monthly outgoings with more accuracy. This is a great reason to purchase a solar P.V. and battery system.

While this discussion could delve deeper into the pros and cons, (for example, adding in the savings for your electric car, charged by your solar system for free, and thus not paying diesel prices) brevity remains our aim. Ultimately, if a near-future move and payback are pivotal considerations, delaying installation until settling in a more permanent residence might be a strategic choice.