Is Solar Worth It If You Might Move?

How Solar Leases Fit Into the Picture

For homeowners who think they may move in the future, solar often raises a practical concern:

“What happens to the system when I sell the house?”

This question is especially common with solar leases—and for good reason. Leases are often misunderstood, even though they’re designed to function much like a utility service tied to the home rather than the homeowner.

When explained clearly, solar leases can actually simplify things for homeowners who aren’t planning to stay long term.

How Solar Leases Are Designed to Work

A solar lease is structured to provide:

• A fixed, predictable monthly energy cost

• No ownership responsibilities

• A system that stays with the home
  
  

Instead of owning the equipment, the homeowner agrees to purchase the electricity the system produces under defined terms. The system itself is tied to the property, not the individual.

This distinction matters when it comes time to move.

What Happens to a Solar Lease When You Sell Your Home?

In most cases, a solar lease is transferred to the new homeowner, much like a utility account.

The process is conceptually similar to:

• Transferring an electric account

• Transferring water or sewer service

• Passing along an HOA agreement
  
  

The new homeowner:

• Takes over the existing lease terms

• Benefits from the solar energy produced

• Continues paying for the electricity generated by the system
  
  

There’s no need to remove the system or start from scratch.

Why Leases Can Make Sense for Shorter-Term Homeowners

For homeowners who may move in a few years, leases can reduce complexity upfront.

Because leases typically:

• Avoid large upfront costs

• Eliminate concerns about long-term maintenance

• Are structured for transfer
  
  

They can align well with homeowners who value simplicity and predictability over long-term ownership.

Instead of thinking about resale value of equipment, the focus stays on:

• Monthly energy costs

• Ease of transition

• Clear expectations
  
  

How Buyers Typically View Transferred Solar Leases

For buyers, a transferred solar lease often feels familiar.

Much like taking over an existing utility service, buyers generally want to understand:

• The monthly cost

• How the rate compares to local electricity prices

• Whether the terms are clear and documented
  
  

When those details are explained upfront, a solar lease doesn’t need to be a hurdle—it’s simply part of how the home is powered.

Utilities Still Play the Same Role

Even with a leased solar system, the home remains connected to the grid.

Utilities like Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company continue to:

• Supply power when solar isn’t producing

• Handle net metering credits

• Bill for grid electricity as needed
  
  

From the utility’s perspective, solar—leased or owned—operates the same way.

What Matters Most for a Smooth Transfer

Solar leases tend to transfer most smoothly when:

• Terms are clearly documented

• The system is producing as expected

• Buyers understand solar before closing
  
  

Confusion, not leases themselves, is what usually causes friction. Clear explanations early in the home sale process make a significant difference.

Solar Leases vs. Ownership When a Move Is Likely

Neither option is universally better—it depends on priorities.

Leases often appeal to homeowners who:

• May not stay long term

• Want predictable energy costs

• Prefer minimal responsibility
  
  

Ownership may appeal to those planning to stay longer and treat solar as a long-term asset.

The key is choosing a structure that aligns with how long you expect to live in the home.

The Takeaway

If you might move, solar isn’t automatically off the table—and a solar lease can be part of a practical, transferable solution.

When treated like a utility service tied to the home, rather than a personal investment that must be “paid back,” solar becomes far easier to understand in the context of selling.

The most important factor isn’t whether solar is leased or owned—it’s whether expectations are clear from the start.

VirginiaSolar.org was created to give Virginia homeowners clear, unbiased information about solar—so decisions are made with confidence, not pressure.

Our Help Desk and resource library are here whenever you want to go deeper or ask questions.