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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

This is one of those "it depends" questions. Some buyers want solar, others do not, especially if they have to take on monthly payments. A solar system lien on title can present issues for some lenders. Appraisers, in my experience, do not add any value for solar

Feb 01, 2016 09:04 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,135
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Great question and answers.

Nov 25, 2019 12:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,552
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

You got all right answers. 

Nov 25, 2019 08:20 AM
Rainmaker
979,796
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Diego - Based on my experience, home buyers do not see much value in them and consider them more of an inconvenience, and something to avoid.

I don't think solar panels add or detract from a home's value, and would also add that they can be a real issue for a buyer if they are being leased by the current home owner.

Feb 02, 2016 05:46 PM
Rainer
94,155
Val Evans
Scottsdale, AZ

Anybody that knows math will know what a poor investment solar really is.

Feb 02, 2016 12:06 AM
Rainmaker
2,538,739
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Diego. They may add value of they are owned and not leased.

Feb 01, 2016 05:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,841
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Some buyers see value.  Whether the panels add or subtract from the value depends upon the property owner or buyer, as applicable in the circumstances.  The income tax, property tax and sales tax issues and possibly other tax, regulatory, contractual and other matters are also other important considerations.

Feb 01, 2016 04:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,646,171
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

Depends where you live. Here is SoCAl it is beneficial for any home since most days are sunny. 

Feb 01, 2016 03:53 PM
Ambassador
6,657,745
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

They are a positive for me and I do employ them on some of my buildings, but some of the leases that people get involved in can be a detriment.

Feb 01, 2016 03:22 PM
Rainmaker
5,774,095
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Diego,

It depends on the circumstances...it is hard to give you THR end all be all answer.  A

Feb 01, 2016 01:39 PM
Rainmaker
4,273,331
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

In the western part of Washington State; very little value but trendy 

Feb 01, 2016 12:52 PM
Rainmaker
402,032
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

Leased solar panels can present some challenges.  I wrote a blog about it. Check it out here if you're interested in a quick read. 

Feb 01, 2016 12:36 PM
Rainer
80,653
Linda Guess
Keller Williams Tri-Lakes Branson, MO - Branson, MO
Branson area real estate sales.

Some of my neighbors installed them where they can be seen from the street.  The home is less attractive.  HOA not happy.

Feb 01, 2016 11:58 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,138
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I think they add value but how much depends on the area, neighborhood and how they present themselves.

Feb 01, 2016 11:46 AM
Ambassador
3,763,935
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

It all depends.  A lot of people install solar panels with companies that "lease" them.  When it's time to sell, things get murky.

Feb 01, 2016 11:15 AM
Ambassador
2,703,912
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Are those panels owned or leased?  I have heard reports of leasing rackets in the Western states, including Arizona and Nevada.

Feb 01, 2016 10:53 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Solar panels are not popular in northeast due to fewer sunny days.

Feb 01, 2016 10:04 AM
Rainmaker
140,768
Joan Dickie
Keller Williams Premier Realty - La Crosse, WI
Keller Williams Premier Realty

In my area, I'm not so sure they add value.  It would only be a selling point to those who want the feature.

Feb 01, 2016 09:47 AM
Rainmaker
864,758
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Solar panels in Inland Empire are very desirable as a selling point. However, one must be cautious as some are leased and the cost must be calculated into the purchase.

Feb 01, 2016 08:51 AM
Rainmaker
5,982,302
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Homebuyers may see value, but the appraiser sure doesn't!   Also, my neighbors who have added the panels only save a bit in the summer.  Their winter bills are more than mine.

Feb 03, 2016 03:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,534,714
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

The leased ones detract.  The owned ones may add value, depending on their age, size and the view of the buyer.

Feb 02, 2016 03:35 PM
Rainmaker
2,234,859
Debbie Laity
CinaJones Real Estate - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County

I think it depends on where you live. In my area there is a large segment of the market that would like a solar run house. I have lived off the grid. I like it, too. 

Feb 02, 2016 10:52 AM
Rainmaker
5,174,959
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Can be a problem if they are lease and new buyers have to take the lease over.

Feb 02, 2016 04:58 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,423
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

It can do both depending on the buyer

Feb 02, 2016 12:11 AM
Rainmaker
617,985
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Diego,
So far, all my buyers have passed on houses that have solar.

Feb 01, 2016 11:59 PM
Rainmaker
2,245,257
Michael J. Perry
Fathom Realty - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

I think they merely limit the buyer pool

Feb 01, 2016 11:42 PM
Rainmaker
5,584,228
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

there are alot of variables here....owned or leased.... area of the country..... magnitude of the property..... and on and on....

Feb 01, 2016 11:39 PM
Rainmaker
8,120,214
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Many home sellers are shocked when they discover that the lease must be paid off to provide good title.

Feb 01, 2016 11:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,749,177
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

If owned, yes there is value. If leased, they are a liability.

Feb 01, 2016 10:56 PM
Rainmaker
3,074,289
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

I'm with Jeff Dowler CRS .  And if the system is leased, can complicate the resale...

Feb 01, 2016 10:28 PM
Rainmaker
4,717,610
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It depends on the house.  It depends on the buyer.  

Are they owned?  Or are they leased?   

Is a lender involved in the sale?  

Some homebuyers see value but not a majority of the buyers I have.  

Feb 01, 2016 10:17 PM
Rainer
48,635
J. "Diego" Marin
World Wide Realty - Irving, TX
Real Estate Solutions

Thank you all for the responses... certainly alot to consider when considering a "green" option.  I hadn't thought about some things  Jill mentioned in her post, but certainly worth knowing if you're representing a buyer...

**Annette - the thought of replacing a damaged roof with panels is something to really think about... the cost could double or triple!

Really make me wonder at what point down the road does the homeowner finally get to realizethe savings, if any? Are you really saving if the cost purchase, lease and or maintain the panels go on for the next 5 to 7 years... at which point some may be ready to move? Kinda makes you go... hmm?

Feb 01, 2016 10:09 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

It is the RESPONSIBILITY of the listing agent to present the value of the solar panels...if value exists.

That value could be:

  • Doing my part to save the earth
  • $280 a month on utility bills
  • $100 a month for grid buy back
  • Bragging rights
  • $xxxx created committed to college fund.

Otherwise you are stuck with an ugly wart of the roof that will explode costs should a roof malfunction occur.

Feb 01, 2016 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,322
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

They are just starting to realy pop up here s i have not had any hard sales data yet, the HOWEVER is the leases home iwners are selling place a lien in the home, this may be troube down the road

Feb 01, 2016 09:21 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,227
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have not sold any homes with solar panels.

Feb 01, 2016 08:44 PM
Rainmaker
931,198
Jeff Pearl
Samson Properties / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

There seems to be a slight increase in interest in solar around here, but I thinjk they detract from the appearance of the home. The value varies. Owners who got solar installed have told me that they don't notice much difference.

Feb 01, 2016 08:16 PM
Rainmaker
5,455,834
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Had solar to heat my pool on my last house! Thought it added value!

Feb 01, 2016 08:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,282,877
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

It depends. In some climates it's not very worthwhile. I've never had a buyer ask for these and leased panels can complicate a financed sale. 

Feb 01, 2016 08:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I think if the buyer is concerned about the environment, it is adds to the value.

Feb 01, 2016 11:02 AM
Rainer
150,466
Michael Thacker - Re/Max Real Estate Center - Louisville
Re/Max Real Estate Center - The Thacker Group - Louisville, KY
Your best friend who just happens to be a Realtor

Not too popular here for residences, but we don have some distillers now that use it here in the city.

Feb 01, 2016 09:04 AM