Path-Q Solar

How should I evaluate solar savings when my business may move premises?

Answer

Evaluate savings over the period you realistically expect to occupy the premises, then account for the system's transferability, sale value, removal cost, lease or loan obligations, and whether it can be moved or assigned. A project with a long payback may be unsuitable unless the asset retains value at relocation.

Key points

  • Use the business's expected occupancy period rather than the system's full design life as the primary case.
  • Model owned, financed, leased, and PPA structures separately because transfer obligations differ.
  • Assess whether the next site has compatible load, roof, interconnection, and permitting conditions.
  • Include transaction, removal, reinstallation, and downtime costs where relevant.

What it depends on

  • Expected lease or ownership duration
  • System ownership and contract terms
  • Actual business load and solar production
  • Transfer, resale, removal, and relocation costs
  • Future premises suitability

Risks and trade-offs

  • A short occupancy period can prevent the business from realizing the modeled long-term savings.
  • Moving equipment may be technically possible but economically unattractive.
  • Contract transfer may require landlord, buyer, lender, utility, or provider approval.

Information you may need

  • Current lease and renewal or relocation options
  • System proposal and ownership structure
  • Interval load data and production estimate
  • Transfer, payoff, removal, and resale terms

Your next step

What to do next

Model the project through the expected move date and obtain written transfer, payoff, or removal terms before committing.

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SQ01446