If you’ve already purchased an EV charger or solar panels, then it’s understandable that you might want to bring them with you when you move home. Technically it is possible to, but there are a range of factors you’ll need to consider before doing so, including cost, practicality, and how it may affect your warranty.
Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if it’s worth taking your current EV charging station or solar panels with you, rather than installing brand new ones after you’ve moved.
Can you take your EV charger when moving home?
While you’ll need to leave behind the cables that power your charging station, it is usually possible to uninstall and reinstall your charging unit at a new property. Make sure you seek out a qualified electrician to carry out this process. Attempting it yourself could lead to injury as well as potentially damaging your charger.
Consider the cost.
The cost of moving your EV charger can be significant, so the first step is to seek out quotes from certified installers who can help you uninstall and reinstall your charging unit. You’ll also need to consider the cost of transporting your EV charger to your new home (not to mention the extra hassle of fitting this into the timeframe of your move).
Overall, the cost may end up being similar or even more expensive than simply buying a new charger. Check out our prices for new EV chargers, including exclusive discounts for E.ON Next customers, professional installation, and a 3 year warranty.
Check if moving will affect your warranty.
Before moving your EV charger, make sure to check the terms and conditions of your warranty to see if this is allowed. It’s possible that moving your charger could accidentally invalidate your warranty. Using a non-certified electrician for the removal or reinstallation process could also break the terms and conditions.
Some EV charger manufacturers have a list of approved installers for removals and reinstalls, so make sure you look into this in order to maintain your warranty.
Make sure you stay within planning permission.
You normally don’t need permission to install a typical EV charger at home, but there can be exceptions - such as listed buildings or properties that only have on-street parking. If you’re keen to move your EV home charging station, check in with your local authority first to make sure this is allowed at your new property.
You'll also need to tell your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) about the new EV charging installation you have planned for your new home.
Check how an EV charger affects the sale value of your home.
When selling your current property, remember that an EV charger can increase the value of of your home to potential buyers. Recent studies have shown that an EV charger could potentially increase your property value by up to £5,000.1 If you include your current EV charger in your sale, you could use the higher sale price to cover a new charger at your new home.
Just bear in mind that the actual increase in your home’s value depends on various factors such as your property's location, the type of charger installed, and the overall housing market conditions.
Ultimately, if you decide to take your EV charger with you, make sure this is made clear to potential buyers. Otherwise they may make an offer assuming it is included, and then later wish to lower their offer.
Is it possible to relocate your solar panels when moving home?
Yes, like EV chargers, it is technically possible to move your solar panels when you move home. However, there are still several factors to consider when deciding if it’s better to move your current solar set-up or purchase a new one.
Make sure your solar panels are compatible with your new property.
Solar panels are specifically designed and fitted for your current roof's size, shape, and orientation. Your solar package might not be suited for your new roof - retrofitting it could affect your package’s efficiency and it may not save you as much money as it did in your previous home.
Check the cost of moving your solar panels.
It can be a complex process to remove solar panels, especially when they are integrated into your roof. The costs involved in dismantling, transporting, and reinstalling your solar panels - including scaffolding and labour - can be significant and may be similar to the cost of a new solar package.
It may affect your current FiT or SEG payments.
The SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) scheme replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme that ended in April 2019. The government set up these schemes to help everyone use more renewable energy, by enabling people who generate energy with renewable sources (such as solar panels) to sell any excess power back to the grid.
If you’re currently benefitting from the FiT or SEG schemes, you’ll likely lose eligibility for payments if you move the panels, as your solar package would be considered second-hand.
You may be able to transfer your FiT or SEG payments to the new homeowner if you keep the panels with the property, but you would need to get the new owner to complete the necessary transfer paperwork.
Solar panels could increase your property value.
Homes with solar panels can be particularly appealing to buyers - they lower electricity bills and can boost your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by up to two grades.2 If you leave your solar panels where they are, they could increase the value of your home by up to 2%.2
This increase in value means that you could gain some extra money to help fund a brand new solar package designed specifically for your new home to maximise its efficiency.
Check your warranty and planning permission.
Similar to EV chargers, moving solar panels could affect their warranty. Make sure that any removal and reinstallation is done by certified professionals to keep the warranty in place. Likewise, before deciding to move your solar panels, you should check to see if any local permits or regulations apply to solar panel installations at your new property.
You can consider moving your solar battery.
Even if you decide to leave your solar panels in place, you may be able to save money by moving your solar battery to your new property. Solar batteries can be safely uninstalled and reinstalled by professionals and the process is more straightforward than removing your entire solar system. However, you’ll need to make sure that your new home has a compatible solar system, as well as enough suitable space for your battery (such as in a garage or utility room).
Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of taking your renewable technology with you. If you decide to start fresh with a new installation for your new home, make sure to check out our exclusive deals for E.ON Next customers on solar packages and EV chargers. Plus, see how much you could save with our Next Drive EV tariff or SEG tariffs.