Rooftop solar panels are becoming more popular, but if sales are a possible line, is it worth the cost and effort to install solar in your home?
Simple answer: Selling a home with solar panels can be a good investment for both buyers and sellers with the right strategies.
However, whether solar panels sell or destroy homes depends on a number of key factors. Before listing your home, whether you’re selling a home in Portland or Albany, New York, make sure your solar panels are set up for help rather than damaging your list.
Is it difficult to sell a house with solar panels?
These days, it is rare to sell homes with solar panels owned. In fact, they can actually be a selling point that helps your home sell faster.
A study by the 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that real estate agents found that rooftop solar panels can increase the perceived household value as buyers try to save energy costs.
Why it may be easy to sell a house with solar
Invoices with lower utility are big draws. Solar panels mean long-term savings in lower utility costs, especially in areas where expensive electricity and cost of living are high. Energy-efficient homes stand out: As sustainability becomes a bigger priority for homeowners, the “green” feature has details such as energy output and average monthly savings, allowing them to generate more interest in their home lists. Solar homes can be sold quickly in the right market. In areas with high solar incentives and positive acceptance, homes with solar panels may retain more value and sell faster. Owner’s panels can increase the value of home: rewarded solar panel systems can see net profits of over $10,000, depending on the location and age of the system.
Do solar panels affect the resale value of a home?
For better or worse, solar panels can affect the resale value of your home.
A 2025 survey predicted, on average, homes with solar panels will increase the value of the home by an average of 6.9%, ranging from about $20,000 to $30,000.
However, whether a home is considered more valuable in solar can depend heavily on which area the home is being sold, the age of the system, whether solar panels are fully owned or leased.
If solar panels can have a negative impact on the value of your home
Lease of the System: If the solar panel is leased or is based on a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the buyer may need to take over the contract and qualify with the solar provider. Buyer’s Concerns: Buyers may be concerned about potential roof penetration, system maintenance, age of the roof under the panel, or how easy (and expensive) it is to repair or replace either. Older systems may be considered liability. If solar panels are nearing the end of their warranty, or no longer provide competitive efficiency, they may be considered an expense rather than a profit. Location and Market Demand: In areas with low solar adoption or minimal energy savings, buyers may view the panel as low value, especially without strong incentives or favorable utility policies.
Knowing, a power purchase agreement is when a homeowner cuts power from solar providers and effectively reduces energy bills, but solar panels are not owned. These arrangements can be complicated to navigate when you sell.
How to prepare to sell your home with solar panels
A little preparation will go a long way in making solar home sales more attractive and painless for buyers. For your bestselling strategy, grab a solar document and work with a real estate agent who is well-versed in selling solar homes.
Documents provided to buyers
Proof of Ownership or Lease Contract Guarantee and Service Contract Installation and Maintenance Record Panel Specifications and Inverter Models Recent Energy Invoice Savings (Last 12-24 Months)
If lease or funded by a solar panel
Contact your solar provider early to understand the transfer process and ask for the documents required to transfer or repay the contract, see if the buyer needs to qualify for the lease
Please be aware of the solar feature of the list
Monthly utility saving environment for profits smart surveillance systems or battery storage remaining guarantees
The right agents play a key role. Choose a real estate agent that will communicate the benefits of solar to buyers and make it easier to navigate negotiations with confidence in the solar transfer or evaluation process.
Solar panels can be a wise long-term investment
If the solar panels are fully owned, properly installed and properly maintained, they can bring long-term value to your home – whether you’re selling now or staying calm for the long term.
For sellers, solar panels can increase resale value and attract energy-oriented buyers. For buyers, the solar system means inheriting monthly energy bills and long-term sustainable energy sources.
Work with experienced real estate agents who are transparent, organize your documents and understand how to communicate the benefits of solar energy. With the right strategy, selling your home with a solar setup can be a victory for everyone involved.
FAQ: We sell homes with solar panels
Do I need to pay back my solar panels before I sell them?
If possible, yes. Paid systems can increase and appeal to more buyers the home.
If the panel is funded, the buyer is in your name and you will need to repay the loan before transferring the title to the buyer. Lease panels may be transferred to buyers, but they may add complexity to the negotiation and sales process.
Can I bring the solar panels to another house?
Technically, yes, but that is not recommended. Removing the panels will damage the roof, void the warranty, and cost thousands of people to work. It’s best to leave the system as part of your home sales and use a resale value boost to invest in solar next home.
What happens to the solar tax credit if I sell my house?
If a federal solar tax credit has already been charged, you will maintain your profits – it will not transfer to the buyer. If your system is just installed and your credit has not yet been submitted, potential tax incentives may be included in your home sales negotiations.
How do I transfer ownership of a solar panel?
Transfer is easy if the solar panel is completely owned. It is included in the home sale, just like any other fixture. Simply provide the buyer with documentation such as proof of ownership, warranty, system specifications, and more during sale.
If you have been leased or funded by a panel, you should contact your solar provider early in the sales process. They will guide you and the buyer through the transfer procedure. This may include a credit check or a new agreement. Building this in time during escrow to avoid delays in closing.
