What Happens to Your Solar System When You Sell Your Home?
Do you own a home with solar, or are you interested in adding solar panels but concerned about how they could affect a future sale? Solar panels are a popular home addition for their energy savings and security benefits. Learn what happens to your solar system when you sell your home, ensuring a smooth sales process with keen insights from Ellensburg Solar, Central Washington’s premier solar installer.
Essential tips for selling a house with solar panels
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Solar panels increase home value and curb appeal
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Solar panels may be transferred to buyers depending on ownership terms
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Most solar panel warranties transfer to the new owner
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Relocating home solar panels voids the warranty and is not recommended
Solar Panels Increase Home Value and Curb Appeal
Homes with solar panels sell for 4-7% more than those without and don’t linger on the market. Buyers know they’ll immediately benefit from energy savings and a safety net against continually rising prices. In the case of designs with battery backup storage, they’ll also enjoy reliable access to electricity during power outages. To ensure maximum buyer appeal and appraisal value, note energy production and savings data, system age, warranty information, and professional solar performance inspection details in your listing.
Ways to Transfer Solar Energy Systems to Home Buyers
Transferring solar panels to a buyer depends on how you purchased your system:
You own your solar energy system
If you’ve paid off your loan and own your system, your residential solar panels and accessories will transfer to the new owners, just like other features in your home, such as kitchen appliances.
Solar energy system financed
If you’ve financed your home solar power system, you have two options. You can arrange to pay off the loan at closing with funds from the sale, or transfer the loan to the new buyers, pending qualification for financing.
Selling a home with leased solar panels
Leased systems, which are owned by the solar company (not you), are more complex. You can choose to pay off your solar lease before closing if you have the funds or add the cost of the panels to your home’s purchase price and pay them off at closing. You can also transfer the lease to a qualified buyer, as with financed systems.
Selling a home with a power purchase agreement (PPA)
In a PPA, the solar installer or the financer may own the solar panels, and the agreement may include an obligation to buy electricity produced under specified contract terms, including annual rate escalators. Like leased and financed systems, the PPA may be transferred to the buyer pending credit approval.
What About My Solar Energy System Warranty?
Most solar panel warranties transfer, but terms vary by manufacturer and installer. Ellensburg Solar’s tier-1 Talesun solar panels include a 25-year warranty that transfers to new owners, provided they remain in the original installation location. Gathering purchase receipts, warranty information, electrical plans and diagrams, and maintenance records to turn over at closing ensures a seamless transition and reassures buyers they will be protected if solar panels require maintenance or warranty services.
Can I Move My Existing Solar Panels to My New Central Washington Home?
Theoretically, if you own your solar panels, you can. In practice, we don’t recommend it. Your system was designed for your specific geographic location, roof style and orientation, and energy use. Personalizing a system for your new home ensures the right number of solar panels and optimal placement for maximum performance. You may also damage system components – or your roof – when relocating panels, offsetting potential savings. In addition, solar panel warranties are typically voided if you move the panels from their original location.
Maximum Home Value and Appeal with Home Solar
Put concerns about what happens to your solar system when you sell your home to rest with this essential insight from Ellensburg Solar. Whether you’re in your forever home or just starting out, solar is an excellent investment. Learn how you can add value to your home and daily life with home solar panels in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Grandview, Granger, Kennewick, Kittitas, Moxee, Naches, Pasco, Prosser, Richland, Selah, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, White Swan, Yakima, or Zillah. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to schedule an obligation-free residential solar consultation today.