What happens to Feed-In Tariffs vs solar export if I move house?

Feed-In Tariffs vs solar export when moving house refers to how a solar PV system’s earnings or export payments are handled when the homeowner changes. The key issue is whether the current income arrangement stays with the property, transfers to the new owner, or ends when the seller moves out.

Eligibility depends on the original solar payment scheme, the installation date, the electricity supplier or SEG arrangement, and the ownership of the system. In many cases, the party named on the contract is the one entitled to payments, unless the agreement is formally transferred as part of the move.

Usually not automatically. Some agreements allow a transfer to the new homeowner, but others require notification, paperwork, or a new application. The transfer terms depend on the specific tariff, export contract, and the rules of the energy supplier or scheme administrator.

If the panels remain installed and the contract permits transfer, the new owner may be able to receive future export payments. The seller may stop receiving payments once they no longer own or occupy the property, but exact treatment depends on the scheme and contract terms.

If the solar panels are removed, the generation and export payments typically stop because the system is no longer producing electricity. In some cases, removing panels may also affect eligibility under older tariff agreements, so the contract should be checked before removal.

You may be able to keep payments only if the scheme rules and contract allow a valid transfer or if the system is attached to another property you still own and the agreement remains applicable. In most cases, the right to payments is linked to the installation at the specific property, not simply the person.

You generally need to contact the tariff or export supplier, provide the sale completion details, and submit any transfer forms or proof of ownership change. The buyer may also need to open an account or agree to the scheme’s terms for the payments to continue under their name.

Common documents include proof of identity, proof of address, the final sale or completion date, meter serial numbers, solar installation details, and any tariff reference numbers. Some suppliers may also ask for a transfer form signed by both parties or evidence that ownership has changed.

It can. A transferable solar payment stream may be viewed as an added benefit and may support a stronger asking price, while an untransferable or expired scheme may add less value. The actual impact depends on the size of the payments, system condition, and local buyer demand.

Sometimes yes, but only if the scheme rules and supplier processes allow a pro-rata arrangement. Often the seller receives payments up to the completion date, and the buyer receives payments from the date they take ownership, subject to meter readings and supplier confirmation.

A closing meter reading is usually needed on or near the completion date so the supplier can determine the final payment to the seller and set the buyer’s opening record. If there are separate generation and export meters, both may need readings.

The update can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the supplier, the completeness of the paperwork, and whether a transfer is involved. Delays are common if the completion date is unclear or if the buyer has not provided the required account details.

If the buyer declines to take over the arrangement, the existing payments may stop once the seller’s ownership ends, depending on the contract. Some suppliers may allow the account to close, while others may require formal transfer or cancellation procedures.

Tax treatment depends on the recipient, the size of the installation, and whether the payments are treated as household energy income. Many domestic solar income arrangements are not taxed in the same way as business income, but individual circumstances can differ, so professional advice may be useful.

No, you should not receive duplicate payments for the same generation or export period. Usually the seller is paid up to the handover date and the buyer from that date onward, based on meter readings and the supplier’s billing cycle.

If the system is leased, rented, or under a third-party ownership model, the payments and transfer rules may be controlled by the installer or finance provider rather than the homeowner. You should review the agreement carefully because moving house can trigger special transfer, consent, or exit conditions.

Smart export payments are usually based on measured electricity exported to the grid, so the account must be updated to reflect the new owner after the move. If the meter is smart-enabled and the supplier accepts the transfer, payments can continue under the new account once the change is processed.

Check whether the scheme is transferable, what notice you must give, what documents are required, whether the buyer must apply, and how final readings are handled. Also confirm whether the contract refers to generation payments, export payments, or both, since the rules may differ.

You should contact the energy supplier or scheme administrator that pays the tariff or export income, and if relevant, the mortgage lender, solicitor, or conveyancer handling the sale. If the solar system is leased or financed, contact the finance or installation company as well.

Common mistakes include failing to notify the supplier early, forgetting meter readings on completion day, assuming the payment transfers automatically, and not checking whether the contract is tied to the property or the person. Avoiding these errors helps prevent payment delays or loss of entitlement.