What Happens To My Solar System If I Sell My Home?

Solar panels are built to produce electricity for decades, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the same home for the life of your system.

With solar panels designed to produce electricity for 30 years or more, you may wonder what happens to your investment if you decide to move. The good news is that your solar system typically stays with the property and becomes part of the home you’re selling.

In this video, Tom Lepage at Maine Solar Solutions, explains what happens to your solar system when you sell your home and what homeowners should know about warranties and financing.

Selling Your Home With Solar: What to Know

There are a few things to consider when selling a home with solar:

Your solar system stays with the home: A rooftop solar system typically stays with the property rather than moving with you. For the buyer, that means purchasing a home that’s already equipped to generate solar electricity.
Solar may add resale value: A Zillow study found that homes with solar-energy systems sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar. One reason is the potential for long-term energy savings. Buyers are getting a home that’s already equipped to generate its own electricity, which can reduce how much electricity they need to buy from the utility and lower their electric bills. They also get those benefits without having to purchase and install a solar system themselves.
Warranties can transfer: Applicable solar equipment warranties can transfer to the new homeowner, depending on their terms. If you’re preparing to sell, review your warranty documents to determine whether there are any steps required to transfer coverage to the buyer.
You’ll need to address any remaining financing: If you financed your solar system and still have a balance when you sell, the loan will need to be handled as part of the sale. Depending on your financing agreement, the remaining balance may be paid off at closing or the loan may be eligible to transfer to the buyer. Check with your lender to understand the requirements for your specific loan.

Selling your home doesn’t mean losing the benefits of the solar system you’ve invested in. The system becomes part of the home you’re selling, while the next homeowner can benefit from a property that’s already equipped to produce solar electricity.

Source: Zillow Research

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling A Home With Solar

Yes. A rooftop solar system typically stays with the property and is included in the home sale. The new homeowner takes ownership of a home that’s already equipped to generate solar electricity.

Solar may contribute to a home’s resale value. A Zillow study found that homes with solar-energy systems sold for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar. Potential future energy cost savings is one of the reasons buyers place value on an existing solar system.

Many solar equipment warranties are transferable to a new homeowner. Transfer requirements vary by manufacturer and warranty, so homeowners should review the terms for their specific equipment before selling.

If you still have a balance on your solar loan, it will need to be addressed as part of the sale. Depending on your financing agreement, the remaining balance may be paid off at closing or the loan may be eligible to transfer to the buyer. Check with your lender to determine the requirements for your specific loan.

Thinking About Going Solar?

Not sure how solar fits into your long-term plans? Maine Solar Solutions can help you understand your options and determine whether solar is right for your home.