The popularity of rooftop solar panels is growing, but if you want to sell your house in the future, is the expense and work of installing solar worth it?

In summary, selling a home with solar panels can be a wise investment for both the buyer and the seller if the appropriate plan is implemented.

However, there are a few important elements that determine whether solar panels will make or break a home sale.  Whether you're selling a house in Albany, New York, or Portland, Oregon, make sure your solar panels are configured to enhance rather than detract from your offering.

Is Selling A Home With Solar Panels More Difficult?

Homes with solar panels are rarely more difficult to sell these days. They may even serve as a selling point that speeds up the sale of the house.

In a 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey, real estate brokers discovered that rooftop solar panels can raise a home's perceived value as buyers seek to reduce their energy expenses.

How Solar Panels Can Help Sell Your Home:

• Cheaper Energy Bills: Solar panels can result in long-term savings with lower utility costs, particularly in areas with higher living expenses and expensive electricity.
• Energy-Efficient Homes Stand Out: "Green" elements, such as energy production or average monthly savings, can increase interest in the property listing as sustainability becomes a higher priority for homeowners.
• Demand: Homes with solar panels may be more valuable and sell more quickly in places with strong solar incentives and favorable reception.
• Increase Home Value: Depending on the location and age of the system, paid-off solar panel systems can experience a net gain of $10,000 or more.

Does A Home's Resale Value Change When Solar Panels Are Installed?

Solar panels can affect a home's market value, for better or worse.

According to a 2025 study, homes with solar panels typically improve in value by 6.9%, or between $20,000 to $30,000.

However, the neighborhood in which the house is being sold, and whether or not the solar panels are entirely owned or leased,can all have a significant impact on whether or not the home is seen as more valuable with solar.

When Is A Home’s Value Negatively Affected By Solar Panels?

• A lease on the system: In the event that solar panels are leased or covered by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the buyer may be required to assume responsibility for the contract and meet requirements with the solar supplier.
• Issues From Homebuyers: Concerns raised by buyers include possible roof penetrations, system upkeep, the age of the roof beneath the panels, and how simple (and expensive) it would be to replace or repair either.
• Viewed As A Liability: Solar panels may be viewed as a cost rather than a benefit if they are nearing the end of their warranty or no longer provide competitive efficiency.
• Location And Market Demand: Without significant incentives or advantageous utility rules, purchasers may view solar panels as less valuable in locations with low solar adoption or modest energy savings.

It's important to understand that a power purchase agreement allows a household to purchase electricity at a discounted price from their solar supplier, lowering energy costs, even when the solar panels are not owned. When selling, navigating these arrangements might be challenging.

How To Get Ready To Sell A Solar-Powered House

A buyer's experience of a solar home sale can be greatly enhanced by a small amount of preparation. Having solar papers on hand and working with a real estate agent who has experience selling solar properties are the best selling strategies.

Documents To Give Purchasers

• Proof of ownership or a lease
• Contracts for warranties and services
• Records of installation and upkeep
• Inverter model and panel specifications
• Savings on recent energy costs (last 12-24 months)

If You Lease Or Finance Your Solar Panels

• To learn about the transfer procedure, get in touch with your solar provider as soon as possible.
• Find out what paperwork is needed to transfer or settle the contract.
• Verify if the buyer must be eligible for the lease.

How To Make Your Listing's Solar Characteristics Stand Out

• Savings on utilities each month
• Benefits for the environment
• Any battery storage or intelligent monitoring systems
• Remaining coverage under the warranty

Selecting a real estate agent who can confidently guide a buyer through the solar transfer or appraisal procedure and explain the advantages of solar power is crucial for facilitating discussions.

Investing in solar panels can be wise in the long run.

Whether you're selling your house right now or staying for a long time, solar panels can add long-term value if they are fully owned, installed correctly, and maintained.

Solar panels can increase a seller's resale value and draw in purchasers who care about the environment. A solar system can provide buyers with a long-term, sustainable energy source and reduced monthly energy expenditures.

Be open and honest, maintain order in your paperwork, and collaborate with a seasoned realtor who knows how to explain the advantages of solar energy. Selling a house with solar power can be profitable for all parties if the appropriate approach is used.

FAQs: Selling A Solar-Powered Home

Before selling, should I pay off my solar panels?

Yes, if you can. A paid-off method can increase the value of a house and draw in additional purchasers.

If the panels are financed, since they are in your name, you must repay the loans before giving the buyer ownership. Although leased panels may be transferable to the buyer, this could complicate the negotiating and selling process.

Can I move to a different house with my solar panels?

Yes, in theory, but it's not advised. Removing panels can cost thousands of dollars in labor, damage the roof, and void warranties. The best course of action is to leave the system in place when selling the house and use the increase in resale value to purchase solar power for the new residence.

If I sell my house, what will happen to the solar tax credit?

The benefit does not pass to the buyer if the federal solar tax credit has already been claimed. The possible tax benefit may be negotiated in the home sale if the system was just installed and the credit has not yet been filed.

How may the ownership of solar panels be transferred?

The transfer is straightforward if your solar panels are owned outright; they are sold with your house just like any other fixture. Simply give the buyer proof of ownership, warranties, and system specifications at the time of sale.

Early in the selling process, you must get in touch with the solar supplier whether your panels are leased or financed. They will walk you and the buyer through the transfer process, which can involve a new contract or a credit check. To prevent closing delays, make sure to account for this during escrow.