Knowing more about the house is an important first step with any house move, so it’s good to ask about the solar panels:

• What size is the solar panel system?
• Does it include battery storage?
• Is the system properly registered with MCS and any export tariffs?

Knowing this from the start will help you understand what you else you should ask when buying a house with solar panels.

Your solicitor should be able to help you understand the documents relating to the solar panels, including any ownership and transfer forms.

First, check that the system is included in the sale agreement. It might be included in the ‘fixtures and fittings’ document as part of the house sale.

You’ll also need to complete a change of ownership form to ensure you get any export payments.

You’ll need to ask about any existing Feed-in Tariff or Smart Export Guarantee contracts associated with your new home’s solar panel system.

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme closed to new applicants in March 2019, but existing contracts remain valid for 20-25 years, so may still apply for your new system. It pays you for the electricity your solar panels generate and export to the grid. If the previous owner was part of the scheme, they should inform Ofgem they no longer own the solar panels due to the house sale. Once this happens, you’ll be able to apply to receive the remaining FIT payments.

Ofgem has more information for FIT generators. Generators are people who have systems that generate renewable energy – if you’re buying a house with solar panels, that’s you!

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme replaced FIT, but it also pays you for the electricity you export to the grid.

Unlike FIT, SEG rates vary by supplier, so it’s best to shop around for the best deal. Read Ofgem’s SEG guidance for generators.

If you’ve never had solar panels, getting to know how they work day-to-day is essential. Even if you’ve had them before, getting to know your new system will be helpful too.

You should learn how to read the generator meter, which helps you see whether the system is working or not. This will help you spot any issues early and get them fixed by a professional if necessary.

You should also learn about the solar inverter. A solar inverter converts DC electricity (what a solar panel generates) into AC electricity (which your home can use). Understanding the rate at which the inverter converts the current can help you figure out how much electricity you can export to the grid.

The system should come with documentation like user manuals, so make sure you get these as part of the handover process. You could also ask the previous owners about their experience.

Knowing who installed the solar panels and when they installed them can help you when it comes to existing warranties and maintenance plans. It also gives you an idea of the remaining lifespan of the system.

Solar panels usually come with a 25-year performance warranty and a five to 10-year product warranty. Check how long your system has left to ensure you’re not caught out if something needs replacing.

Solar panel maintenance is key to keeping your system performing at its best and for its expected lifespan. Make sure you stay on top with any maintenance that’s needed after you move in. Read our tips for maintaining a solar panel system.

Does your home insurance cover your new solar panel system? You might need to get additional coverage to make sure you’re protected should anything go wrong.

Check your insurance documents to see if your solar panels are covered. If not, speak to your insurer about choosing the right policy for you.

You’ve probably got a homeowner’s survey as part of the moving process, but it’s worth getting the solar panel system checked by a specialist too. This will help reassure you that the system has been properly installed and in line with safety standards.

You can find an MCS-certified professional by using their find a contractor tool.

If you have solar panels on their own, that’s a great way to lower your electricity bills and get clean energy. But if you combine them with other renewable technologies (like heat pumps or electric vehicles), you can really get the most out of them.

Consider getting battery storage if the system doesn’t already have it. Instead of exporting all the surplus electricity the solar panels generate to the grid, you can store it and use it later.

You can combine all of these with a smart time of use tariff, which helps you get cheaper electricity at off-peak times.

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