If you move homes, you leave your roof-mounted solar panels with your house. Since they’re a permanent fixture, there isn’t much to be done, but there are some things to be aware of, particularly if you are in a position where your panels are treated differently than most solar panel systems (by that we mean, your panels are removable).
Solar Panels are Property
Once you install solar panels on your home, they are treated as a permanent fixture. They’ve become part of your property, just like your kitchen or a bathroom fixture (however, unlike a property fixture, solar panels are removable). You can cool down your installation System’s Documentation (i.e. the MCS, installer’s warranty, certification, and component info). Not having this in your possession can affect the home-buying process. Solar Panel Infractions can be explained through and to your buyers (solicitor) during the home-buying process, too.
Know Your Leased Panels
Some of the solar systems installed in houses, especially the older systems, were leased or installed under “Rent a Roof” arrangements. If your solar panel system falls under any of these arrangements, it needs to be disclosed to your buyers, as this will affect what the buyers are actually acquiring. It would be a good idea to locate your solar panel system documentation before you get an offer on your home since it might be harder to locate the documentation under pressure.
If you’re on an export payment scheme
If your solar panels are in the Smart Export Guarantee, or in an older Feed-in Tariff scheme, your panels’ registration is generally linked to the property and the solar panel system. If you sell your home, usually the registration is updated or transferred. It is advisable to contact your energy supplier before the house sale, so you are not leaving a gap or confusion to the new home owner.
What buyers usually want to know
If you are the seller, there are a few questions you should be prepared to answer:
- When was the solar panel system installed and is there a warranty?
- Was the solar panel system purchased or leased?
- What is the surface area of the roof the solar panels cover? The buyer may want to expand the system.
- Who was the solar panel installation company? The buyer may need to contact them after installation to address concerns.
None of these questions mean you should not install solar panels. A system with proper documentation should actually be viewed as positive by the buyer.