Selling a Nevada home with solar panels is a little different from selling one without. This is because you’d want to recoup the money you spent installing a solar energy system while ensuring potential buyers don’t feel like they are getting a bad deal. Assuming you’re just about to list your property, use the following tips to get a reasonable price.
Emphasize the Benefits of Solar Panels
When selling a home with solar panels, emphasize the benefits your potential buyer can get to highlight the home’s increased value. Some solar energy benefits include:
- Reduced Energy Bills: With a good system, one can save a significant amount they would have spent on monthly electric bills.
- Energy Independence: Homes with solar panels rely less on the power grid to get their energy and are less affected by power outages or increases in energy rates.
- Improved Carbon Footprint: Besides reducing reliance on grid power, solar minimizes a home’s carbon footprint since it provides an alternative energy that doesn’t emit greenhouse gases.
Get an Appraisal for Your Home
Before listing your home with solar panels, get a professional appraisal. The licensed real estate appraiser evaluates factors like home condition, location and recent sales of comparable homes to determine your home’s fair value. Getting an appraisal on your home can save you from selling your home at a price that is too low or unrealistically high.
Pros & Cons of Selling a Home With Solar Panels
Homes with rooftop solar panels sell faster than those without. Buyers consider these homes a great deal since they come with systems already installed, eliminating the cost of installation. Homes with solar panels eliminate the need for hefty energy bills from utility companies.
On the flip side, selling a home with solar panels isn’t a walk in the park — some potential buyers and real estate agents cannot comprehend the value of solar. As such, you’d have a tough time explaining why your home is more expensive than similar ones without solar panels.
Considerations for Selling a Home With Panels
Factors to keep in mind when selling a Nevada home with panels include:
- Documentation: When selling a home with solar panels, have installation permits, warranties, maintenance records and other documents ready. Your buyer may need them to evaluate the system’s history and functionality.
- Moving with the system: Moving with your panels isn’t always easy. It takes more work to remove, transport and re-install the panels. At worst, the panels could break in the event of transportation.
- Solar lease: Many prospective buyers shy away from homes whose panels are under a solar lease since they don’t want to continue paying for someone else’s lease. If you’re currently locked into a solar lease, consider paying it off before selling your home.
Selling Homes with Solar Panels FAQs
Can a home with solar panels sell for more?
Homes with solar can sell for 4% more than those without.
Is it difficult to sell a home with solar panels?
No! Homeowners with solar panels often sell their homes faster than homeowners without. To overcome buyer skepticism, be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the solar system and find a knowledgeable real estate agent.
Can you take your solar panels with you when you move?
Yes. However, keep in mind that the task of removing, transporting and re-installing the panels could damage them.
Learn More About Selling a Home With Solar Panels
Selling a home with solar panels gives you a competitive edge over rivals whose properties lack the panels. Then again, before selling, you require an appraisal to help you set the right price for your home and may face some buyer skepticism.
Working with a dedicated energy consultant can help you understand how to best highlight the value panels add to your home. Solar Optimum has years of experience working with solar panel homeowners in Clark County and the Greater Las Vegas area. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of selling a home with solar panels.