What Happens to Solar Panels When Your Business Moves?

When considering what to do with your solar panels, it breaks down into three options.

1. You can move your existing business solar panels to your new location if you think they’re worth the cost of transportation. 

2. You can sell the solar panels if you want to try to recover the costs and put them towards installing new panels at your new site. 

3. Or, you can upgrade your solar panels to a newer, more efficient system at your new business location.

Each option has different costs and considerations, which we’ll break down below.

Moving your solar panels isn’t always as easy as packing them up and setting off. Most likely, you won’t be able to take matters into your own hands. You’ll need to enlist the help of skilled workers and movers to dismantle and transport your commercial solar panels. It’ll take some careful planning, but it can be done.

Trying to move the panels by yourself is a recipe for disaster. Panels can easily crack if they’re not handled properly, which can damage cell efficiency. Instead, get the help of professionals—they’ll safely disconnect all electrical components and remove each panel one by one. Then, they’ll carefully pack away your panels with the right protective materials before loading them onto specialized vehicles for transportation. At your new site, the workers will assess the site for suitability—such as the roof being able to handle the weight—and you’ll also need to acquire a permit from your electrical company to hook everything up. Costs for this process will vary. 

Commercial solar panels can be a hefty investment, so it’s no surprise that there’s a market for second-hand panels. Your panels should ideally still have around 10 years of use left to make the sale worthwhile; however, the amount you make will also depend on the brand and cell efficiency rate. Selling your used panels is a great option if the estimated costs of moving are too much or outweigh the benefits.

Upgrading your panels to a newer, more efficient model might be a good option if your current panels are aging. Newer models are reaching even higher efficiency rates, which can improve your long-term returns. The cost of upgrading your solar panels will vary greatly, but some can cost between $1 and $2.50 per watt. 

It’s a big upfront investment, but there are some incentives to help you cover the costs. These include tax credits and rebates, such as the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows commercial businesses to claim up to 30%. Other incentives include depreciation benefits, State and local rebates, and government grants for certain industries, like farming.

Moving solar panels involves numerous rules and regulations. Transporting panels to a new site requires obtaining new electrical permits to ensure everything is conducted safely. You can fill out the forms yourself or get a contractor to do so, as they’re usually approved faster. 

Once approved, you’ll then need to review your warranties and verify that you’re entitled to move your equipment by writing to the manufacturer and providing them with 30-90 days’ notice. Otherwise, the warranty may become void if it’s transported to a new location that doesn’t follow the same regulations.