Selling a Home with Solar Panels: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Solar panels can be a smart move for the environment—and your monthly utility bill—but when it comes time to sell your home, things can get complicated. While some buyers love the idea of energy efficiency, others are hesitant, especially when a solar loan or lease is involved.

If you’re planning to sell a home with solar panels, here’s what you need to know—based on national research and real stories from agents around the country.

Do Solar Panels Add Value to My Home?

It depends. If you own the panels outright, you’re likely to see a bump in value:

• A 2025 Solar Reviews study found that homes with owned solar panels sold for an average of 6.9% more—or about $25,000–$29,000 in added value.

• Zillow’s national research in 2019 showed a 4.1% increase in value for solar-powered homes.

• Owned systems also tend to help homes sell faster—up to 20% quicker, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

But leased or financed systems? That’s where the story changes.

The Lease and Loan Challenge

Leased systems or those with outstanding solar loans can slow down or even derail your home sale. According to industry data:

• Roughly 20% of sellers with leased systems say buyers walked away due to the added complexity.

• Freddie Mac guidelines confirm that leased solar systems do not contribute to appraised value.

• Most buyers are reluctant to assume the debt—especially if they’re already stretching to afford the home.

One real estate agent put it bluntly:

“Most of the time, sellers end up using their equity to pay off the system at closing. Buyers don’t want someone else’s loan.”

What Real Agents Are Saying

Here’s what professionals across the country are seeing right now:

"A home in Florida with the same floor plan sat on the market far longer than others. The only difference? It had solar panels with a remaining loan.”

“In my market, sellers typically have to pay off the panels at closing—buyers don’t want the debt, even if the energy savings are strong.”

“Leased systems almost always shrink the buyer pool. You need a very specific buyer willing to take that on.”

“One client had a $38,000 solar loan. The seller ended up offering to buy down half the loan just to get a deal done after 20+ showings.”

“If you have solar, get every piece of documentation together early—warranties, utility bills, loan terms, and the system’s age. You’ll need it all for appraisers and buyers.”

What Sellers Should Do Now

If you're considering selling your solar-equipped home, here’s how to get ahead of the process:

1. Clarify Ownership Are your panels owned outright, leased, or financed? This affects value, negotiation, and financing.

2. Gather All Documents Include your solar agreement, warranty, utility savings reports, original installation invoices, and contact info for the solar provider.

3. Request a PV Value Report Use PVValue.com to estimate your system’s current value based on production, age, and utility rates. This can help inform pricing and appraisal discussions.

4. Decide on Payoff Strategy If your system is financed, talk to your real estate advisor about whether it makes sense to pay off the balance prior to listing—or offer a credit to the buyer.

5. Price Realistically Don’t expect full dollar-for-dollar return. Solar can be a great marketing tool—but in many markets, buyers still prioritize price and flexibility over long-term energy savings.

Solar panels can absolutely be a selling point—but only when you know how to handle them. Being prepared, upfront, and informed will save you time, avoid surprises, and give you a better shot at getting full market value for your home.

If you're thinking of selling and have solar panels—whether they're leased, owned, or somewhere in between—reach out. I can walk you through the exact steps you’ll need to position your home for a smooth, successful sale. Get your home's value at www.AllstarHomeValue.com