Owning a solar Calgary system is a long-term investment that becomes part of your home’s value, electrical setup, and utility connection.
But when it’s time to move, the big question becomes: What happens to the solar panels?
Can you take them with you? Should you leave them for the next homeowner?
The answer depends on several technical, financial, and regulatory factors. MAG Solar experts answer everything you need to consider when relocating, including ownership models, utility rules, relocation logistics, and how your solar setup could impact your home’s resale value.
Key Takeaways:
- Check how your solar system is owned. That will determine your legal rights and practical options when selling or moving.
- Alberta operates under net billing, not traditional net metering, under the Micro-Generation Regulation (AUC Rule 024). This means your solar energy credits work differently.
- Solar panels degrade at about 0.3–0.5% per year, but improper handling during removal can accelerate that or, worse, void your warranty.
Solar Energy System Ownership: What You Own Determines What You Can Do
Understanding who owns your solar energy system is key when selling your home. Ownership affects everything from transfer options to potential resale value. Here’s what you need to know based on how your system was acquired.
Outright Ownership
If you paid in full for your system, then you own it. In most cases, it stays with the house as a capital improvement. This is a good thing: a fully owned system can boost resale value and attract energy-conscious buyers.
Financed Through a Loan
Even if you didn’t pay upfront, you’re still the legal owner. However, the loan might come with a lien on the property, such as a UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filing or equipment lien. These need to be cleared or transferred before the sale can go through.
Leased Solar PV Systems or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
While not as common in Alberta, some homeowners may have signed leases or PPAs. If so, the agreement must either:
- Be transferred to the new homeowner (which requires credit approval) or
- Be bought out, with the equipment possibly removed or left behind.
Before listing your home, check your contract for transfer terms, warranty details, and buyout clauses. This can save time and make negotiations smoother during the sales process.
What Are Your Options for Your Solar Panels When You Move?
Leave the System with the Home | Easiest and most common |
Adds value and improves marketability | |
Requires minimal administrative overhead | |
Transfer Lease or Loan | Only viable if your system is under contract and transferable |
May involve re-qualification for financing and administrative fees | |
Relocate the System | Requires full system audit, decommissioning, transport, and reinstallation |
Ideal only if the system is relatively new and your new home is solar-suitable | |
Expect to pay $4,000–$8,000+ for deinstallation and reinstallation, depending on array size and roof type |
Considering Alberta’s Utility Rules: Net Billing, Not Net Metering
If you’re moving out of a solar-powered home in Calgary, know that Alberta operates under net billing, not traditional net metering, under the Micro-Generation Regulation (AUC Rule 024). This means your solar energy credits work differently.
When your system produces more electricity than your home uses, the excess renewable energy is sent to the grid. But instead of being credited at the full retail rate (what you pay for electricity), you’re credited at the wholesale rate, which is lower.
Continue saving on energy costs and experience a sustainable future wherever you reside in Calgary.
Registration Is Tied to the Property, Not the Owner
Your micro-generation agreement is site-specific, meaning it’s registered to your physical address and not to you personally. This means you can’t transfer your solar registration to a new home if you move.
What to Do When You Sell Your Home
If you’re selling your property, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Deregister your solar system with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
- Notify your Wire Service Provider (like ENMAX or FortisAlberta) to officially close the export agreement
- The new buyer must apply for their own micro-generation interconnection and complete a technical review
Important Note: If the new homeowner doesn’t complete this process, they won’t receive any credits for excess solar power sent to the grid, even if the panels are still working.
Can You Take Your Solar System With You? Technical Considerations for Removal and Reinstallation
Yes, it is technically possible to take your solar system with you when you move. However, it’s not as simple as unplugging and reinstalling. There are technical, regulatory, and cost-related factors to consider before deciding. Removing a solar system needs to be done carefully and by licensed professionals like our solar contractor at MAG Solar. Here’s what’s involved:
- Disconnect the system from the main electrical panel and the inverter
- Dismantle the mounting hardware and carefully remove the panels
- Handle panels gently. Dropping or flexing them can cause microcracks, glass breakage, or delamination
- Patch or seal any holes or roof penetrations to preserve your home’s weatherproofing
Your New Home Needs a Fresh Engineering Assessment
Our team at MAG Solar designs and customizes your setup for your current home. If you move, your new home will require a fresh assessment before the solar panel installation.
- PV Orientation: Check if the new roof has good solar irradiance.
- Roof Structure: Make sure it can handle the weight of panels and racking systems, following CSA A370 and NBC Part 4 standards.
- Electrical Layout: Plan where the inverter will go and how far it is from your panel, and update all AC/DC wiring diagrams
- Permits and Codes: You’ll need new electrical permits, and your system must comply with Alberta’s Electrical Utility Code and local bylaws.
Degradation and Warranty Risks
Solar panels naturally degrade at about 0.3–0.5% per year, but improper handling during removal can accelerate that or, worse, void your warranty. Manufacturers like JinkoSolar and REC require panels to be installed by certified professionals like MAG Solar and handled within strict conditions. Even minor damage (like unseen microcracks) can reduce your own power output and disqualify you from long-term warranty coverage.
How Solar Affects Home Value, Appraisal, and Selling Negotiations If You Leave It
If you’re selling a home with solar panels, there’s good news for Calgary homeowners: a properly documented solar system increases your property value. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), solar energy is recognized as a valuable energy-efficient upgrade, and it can qualify your home for green mortgage options or preferential loan terms.
The key is documentation. For your solar system to boost resale value and strengthen your position during negotiations, buyers (and their appraisers) want solid proof that the system is reliable, well-maintained, and code-compliant. Here’s what potential buyers and appraisers look for:
- 12–24 months of energy production and consumption data
- Warranty documents for panels (25–30 years) and inverters (10–15 years)
- Proof of micro-generation registration and code compliance
- Maintenance records
Moving to a New Home? Consult MAG Solar to Reduce Reliance on the Grid
Relocating when you have a solar system in Calgary is more than just packing up panels. It’s a decision that touches on property law, electrical design, utility regulations, and your financial future.
The smartest move? Talk to the experts at MAG Solar and your real estate agent. With our input, you can make a well-informed decision that protects your investment and guarantees a smooth transition to your next home. We offer a free solar quote before we install solar panels on your new home.
