Solar and Real Estate: How Do Solar Panels Impact Selling Price?

When going solar, a homeowner must consider many variables. How large of a system? What’s the cost? What percentage of my utility bill will I offset? What payment method makes the most sense for me? But there is one question that’s easy to forget about: How does this project affect the value of my house?

While this may not be a near-term consideration, solar panels will soon become an integral part of your home and understanding what that means for your home value can bring clarity and peace of mind. Here are some important points to explore as you continue on your solar journey.

Loan vs. Lease

How you purchase your solar energy system has implications for the resale value of the home. Most notably, leases offer much less flexibility in terms of selling the home down the road. Leasing the panels means that the holder of the lease owns the panels. To sell the home, you would need the new buyer to take over the lease.

Buying the system outright or financing the cost through a loan means that you own the system so you can build in the cost of the panels into the asking price for your home. This will allow you to pay off the loan and/or recuperate costs for going solar. According to Fannie Mae’s Selling Guide, leased systems may not be added to the appraisal value but photovoltaic (PV) systems owned by the homeowner fall under “Energy Efficient Improvements” and can add to the value. While different financing options work for different people, if you’re thinking of the value of the home, it’s crucial to understand the differences between leased and owned systems when it comes to the appraised value of your home.

How Much is this Solar Worth?

You’ve gone solar. Now you’re selling your home. How much value do the solar panels add? According to 2019 statistics provided by Zillow, 80% of home buyers say energy-efficient features are important. The statistics are based on one year of listing descriptions and transactions. The data shows that homes with solar systems sold for 4.1% more than non-solar homes. For the medium-valued home, that translates to an additional $9,274. Not exactly chump change!

How Sungage Fits In

So, what does this mean for you and how can Sungage help? Going solar is an investment that we want to make as simple and flexible as possible. With a loan through Sungage, you are eligible to build in the solar value or remaining loan balance to the asking price for the home. There are no prepayment penalties, making it simple and quick to pay off the loan if you decide to move. If you are unable to build in the solar cost to the home value, your buyer can apply for a loan to finance the transfer of your solar equipment, which will be subject to credit approval and current interest rates.* The best advice is to consult your realtor early in the process about the solar, but Sungage is happy to help as well! Just give us a call at 844-SUNGAGE.

*All Sungage loans are issued by NBT Bank. All loans and transfers are subject to credit approval and not all will qualify. The transfer may be effectuated if the buyer qualifies for a new loan with NBT Bank; the proceeds of which would pay off your original loan. The new loan would be subject to a fee and a rate increase of 5% or more, not to exceed 9.99% APR or the current rate, whichever is higher. The fee is payable by the seller / current borrower. This material has been prepared for general informational purposes, and we encourage you to review the terms of your particular loan documents to be familiar with loan transfer options that may be available when selling your home. 

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