Homes with solar panels tend to sell 20% faster than homes without. In fact, reports show that listings with PV systems often spend 13% less time on the market and are 24.7% more likely to sell for the asking price.
To put it another way, houses with solar panels are more valuable and easier to sell. So if you’re thinking of selling a house with solar panels, you’ve got an edge — a unique selling point.
However, homeowners commonly face the challenges that come with the selling-point benefits. Beyond the market price, solar panel ownership issues and constraints can create friction if you’re not ready and aware.
This is why in this article, we are addressing that. We will help you navigate through the complexities of selling your house with solar panels from the pre-listing phase to the transfer of ownership.
Get your free solar quote now, and see how solar can add value to your house.
With anything that you sell, ensure you know what you are selling. A good salesperson knows their product so well that they can answer questions confidently and highlight its value to the customer (your home with solar).
In other words, you should clearly convey the ‘what’s in it for me’ factor to the buyer. It should be made clear ‘why’ buying a house with solar panels already installed is worth every penny.
Not all solar panels are owned the same way. And this is not just a little detail. It can make or break how smoothly selling a house with solar panels goes.
Do you own your solar energy system outright? If yes, that’s the golden ticket.
Buyers love it, appraisers value it, and you don’t have to deal with extra paperwork. The panels stay with the house, just like the pool or the fancy new kitchen countertops.
But what if you financed it with a loan? Then you’ll need to check — was it secured (tied to the home) or unsecured (tied only to you)?
Secured loans often need to be settled before closing. Unsecured ones don’t stop you from selling, but you’re still on the hook for payments. That’s why it’s important to know the process of selling a house with financed solar panels.
And here’s the tricky part: leased systems or PPAs. With these, technically, you don’t own the panels. You just pay for their use. This means you’ll either transfer solar panels to the new owner, buy them out yourself, or prepay them to simplify the sale.
The bottom line? Know exactly where you stand because your buyers will definitely ask.
Imagine a buyer walks in and asks, “So, who installed the system? Is there a warranty? How much am I really saving?” Would you be ready to answer?
Buyers feel more confident when they see everything laid out clearly. That’s why gathering your paperwork is key when selling a house with solar panels. Think of it like creating a “solar dossier” for your home. Inside, you’ll want to include details like:
But it doesn’t stop there. You also need to …
Too many sellers assume the provider will cooperate at the last minute, only to find out that transfer paperwork or lease approvals aren’t ready.
To ensure the transfer of ownership for the solar panels proceeds smoothly, bring them into the process early. This step is especially crucial if you’re selling a house with leased solar panels or working through a PPA.
In some regions, a change in solar system ownership may require a reinspection or even a reapplication with the utility. If you ignore this step, you could hit unexpected delays that stall the sale.
When you have all of this ready, you’re not just giving buyers peace of mind. You’re also showing that your solar investment is worth the price you’re asking.
Here’s where many sellers miss out: they don’t talk up the solar benefits enough. Remember, your panels aren’t just panels — they’re a value booster.
In fact, studies say homes with solar often sell 20% faster and for more. But only if you make the benefits clear.
So, how do you do that?
Start by working with the right people. A real estate agent or appraiser who knows solar-powered homes can highlight your system’s worth in ways a general agent might miss.
Then, think about what buyers want to hear.
Lower electricity bills. Protection from rising energy costs. A smaller carbon footprint. Even energy independence — especially if your setup includes batteries.
These are big deal selling points.
And don’t forget about the tough questions buyers will have: Is the system certified? How old are the inverters? Can the roof support the panels?
The more ready you are with answers, the more confidence you’ll inspire in buyers who are curious about the real value of purchasing solar panels for home use.
Because at the end of the day, selling a solar-equipped home isn’t just about passing on the property — it’s about selling the story of energy savings, sustainability, and value. And that’s what makes your solar-powered home worth more bucks.
Your listing isn’t just another home on the market. It’s a solar-powered home. And if you play your cards right, it not only stands out but also feels irresistible to buyers.
But how do you do that? By being transparent, organized, and smart about how you communicate the value of your solar system. Buyers need to see why your property is worth the price, not just be told.
Did you know that homes with solar panels often sell for 4.1% more than those without? That’s a serious edge. But buyers won’t see that number unless you spell it out.
Source: Zillow
So, highlight the things that matter most: the low (or sometimes non-existent) power bills, the protection against rising electricity costs, and yes — the environmental perks.
Everyone today loves the idea of a smaller carbon footprint and the bragging rights of owning a “green” home with solar.
Pro tip: If you’re on an older, grandfathered net metering plan? Flaunt it.
These plans usually deliver better returns than the new ones, and for the right buyer, that’s like striking gold.
To make it easier for your potential buyers, you might also include an energy-savings projection table in your listing:
| Year | Projected kWh | Savings | Notes |
| 1 | 10,800 | $1,400 | Based on average energy use and rate |
| 5 | 50,000 | $7,250 | Adjust for a small decrease in system performance |
| 10 | 100,000 | $14,500 | Total savings |
To really drive the point home, show buyers the receipts. Literally, provide your before-and-after utility bills so they can see the savings in black and white.
Add in the kicker: studies show solar homes can be valued up to $15,000 more, and for every $1 you save on energy annually, your home’s value can increase by about $20. That’s the kind of math buyers of solar panels for sale for home can’t ignore.
Source: THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Set your listing apart by including a complete, ready-to-go package of essential solar documents. Show them a system inspection report that says, “This setup has been well cared for.” Warranty documents that say, “You’re protected.”
And being upfront about whether the system is owned, financed, or leased means you’re transparent, and a potential buyer can trust the deal.
So make sure to upload everything upfront to the MLS or hand buyers a neat folder of system details, permits, warranties, and maintenance reports. Don’t make them chase you for answers. Instead, show them you’ve done the “homework.”
Don’t make the same mistake some sellers make: hiring a regular agent who doesn’t understand solar.
Why? Because this is where buyers get confused. It can make them feel that a higher asking price feels “unjustified”. Thus, your listing will not get the attention it deserves.
Instead, team up with a real estate agent and appraiser who are solar-savvy. They’ll know how to properly value your system, explain its benefits, and guide buyers through the details — like how to transfer solar panels to a new owner — without causing friction. Because when your professionals understand the value, they’ll also make sure buyers understand it too.
And lastly, the tricky part of the game: negotiation. This is where the financial status of your solar system takes center stage.
When buyers ask tough questions (and they will) — like “can I sell my house with solar panels if they’re leased, in case I ever decide to sell it?” or “is it hard to sell a house with solar panels?” — you’ll be ready with answers that keep the deal alive instead of stalling it. So ensure that you know your PV system’s financial arrangement inside out.
Selling solar-powered homes and properties is a real game-changer for market prices, added property value, and sustainability, but it also requires proper research and a clear understanding of your PV system’s ownership. This way, you can clearly communicate the property’s value to potential buyers, provide a seamless transfer of ownership, and gain a profitable transaction.
If you’re unsure how to price your solar system, evaluate transfer logistics, or present the solar benefits to buyers, we can help.
Get a free solar quote now and estimate the value of your system to get the best possible return on investment.
That depends on how you financed them. If you own the system outright, it’s the easiest scenario — the panels are treated as part of the property, and the solar panels’ transfer of ownership happens at closing, just like any other fixture. You’ll just need to hand over the paperwork — purchase contracts, warranties, service records, even your utility agreements.
But what if you’re selling a house with a solar panel loan? If it’s a secured loan tied to the property, you’ll likely need to pay it off at or before closing. If it’s unsecured, you’re still responsible for the payments even after you sell, unless your lender allows the buyer to assume it.
Leased systems are a little more complex. In that case, the buyer has to apply to take over the lease. That means credit checks, forms, and utility approvals. Or you can buy out the lease yourself before selling, so the panels become owned and add to your home’s value. Either way, the key is knowing early how to transfer solar panels to a new owner based on your setup.
Yes, solar panels are transferable. But here’s the thing: how smooth the transfer is depends entirely on ownership. Owned systems? Straightforward. Financed systems? Depends on the loan. Leased systems? That’s where it gets trickier, since the solar company has to approve the switch.
So while the short answer is yes, the long answer is: check your contract. Because when it comes to selling your house with solar panels, the fine print makes all the difference.
Technically, yes — you can. But should you? Not really. Here’s why.
Your solar energy system was designed specifically for your current roof, location, and electric rates. Move it to a different house, and it likely won’t perform the same. A change in roof angle or orientation can mean far less efficiency.
And then there’s the warranty issue. Many manufacturers and installers make it clear: removing and reinstalling panels can void warranties that were meant to protect you for 20–30 years. That leaves you footing the bill for any repair or replacement.
Plus, think about the property itself. Pulling panels off a roof can leave behind holes or damage — something that makes buyers nervous when you’re selling your home. Instead of saving money, you might end up lowering your home’s value.
So the better option is to just leave the panels in place. When you sell your home, they often increase the property’s value by about 4.1% and help it sell faster.